Storage and keeping
How to keep a cut cabbage fresh for a week
A cut cabbage can stay useful for a week when the exposed face is dry, covered and kept cold. Slice from the outside and leave the core intact.
Keep good ingredients useful for longer
Practical storage, freshness and food-waste guides for ingredients before and after cooking.
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Storage and keeping
How to keep broccoli crisp after shopping
Broccoli stays in better shape when it is kept cold, dry on the surface and loosely wrapped. Use the stalk first if the crown starts to open.
Storage and keeping
How to store potatoes without sprouting them
Potatoes sprout faster in warm light and can develop an unwanted sweet taste in a cold fridge. A dark, dry, ventilated cupboard is the useful middle ground.
Storage and keeping
Can you freeze crispy tofu?
Crispy tofu can be frozen, but the crust softens. Freeze a cooled tofu and rice base, reheat it in a dry skillet and add cucumber and dressing after.
Storage and keeping
How to keep ripe peaches from bruising
Ripe peaches bruise under pressure. Store them in one layer, keep the stem area protected and refrigerate fruit once it is ready to slow further softening.
Storage and keeping
How to keep cooked beetroot from drying out
Cooked beetroot dries from its cut surfaces. Cool it whole when possible, store it covered, and add oil, yogurt or vinaigrette close to serving.
Storage and keeping
How to keep courgettes from going limp
Courgettes go limp when moisture and cold air damage the skin. Store them whole, dry and loosely wrapped, then cut only what you need.
Storage and keeping
How to store cut squash safely
Cut squash loses moisture at the exposed face. Store it covered in the fridge, keep raw pieces separate from cooked food and use the softest cut first.
Storage and keeping
How to keep fresh peas sweet after buying
Fresh peas are at their best soon after buying. Keep the pods cold and dry, do not wash them early, and cook them before they lose their sweetness.
Storage and keeping
How to keep green beans crisp in the fridge
Green beans lose crispness through water loss but decay quickly when stored wet. Keep them unwashed, cool and loosely contained, then rinse just before cooking.
Storage and keeping
How to keep mushrooms from turning slimy
Mushrooms last better when condensation can escape. Store them cold in paper or a breathable container, avoid washing ahead and cook any bruised pieces first.
Storage and keeping
How to store tomato paste after opening
Protect opened tomato paste from air, label it and portion what you will not use soon. A small freezer stash is better than a hopeful fridge corner.