Storage and keeping
How to keep cucumber crisp in a tofu bowl
Cucumber stays crisp when it is cut with purpose, kept cold and dressed late. Treat it as a fresh counterpoint, not another pan ingredient.
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 cauliflower from going grey
Cauliflower turns grey when exposed tissue dries or oxidises. Keep the head cold and dry, cover cut surfaces and cook before the spots spread.
Storage and keeping
How to keep cut aubergine from browning
Aubergine browns quickly after cutting because its exposed enzymes meet oxygen. The best fix is cooking soon; lemon water buys you a little time.
Storage and keeping
How to keep kale fresh and ready to cook
Kale lasts better when leaves are dry and uncrushed. Trim damaged parts, use a paper towel to catch moisture and keep washed leaves well dried.
Storage and keeping
How to store sweet potatoes without chilling them
Sweet potatoes keep best in a cool dry cupboard with air around them. Do not wash them before storing, and inspect the ends before cooking.
Storage and keeping
How to keep leeks fresh after trimming
Trimmed leeks last better when they are dry on the surface, loosely wrapped and kept cold without sitting in trapped water.
Storage and keeping
How to store passata after opening
Refrigerate opened passata as the label directs, freeze the amount you will use and write the date on the container. Smooth tomato is easy to save when it has a destination.
Storage and keeping
How to keep apples crisp for longer
Apples keep their crunch best when cold, protected from bruises and checked for soft fruit. Store them loose or in a breathable bag and remove damaged pieces early.
Storage and keeping
How to keep cucumbers from going soft
Cucumbers need protection from water loss but can suffer chilling injury in very cold storage. Keep them dry, wrapped loosely and away from the coldest air.
Storage and keeping
How to keep tinned tomatoes useful after opening
Move leftover tomatoes out of the tin, chill them promptly and freeze portions you will actually use. The best storage plan is one that has a next meal attached to it.
Storage and keeping
How to keep carrots fresh for weeks
Cut off carrot tops, keep the roots cold in a breathable container and control moisture. A dry towel inside the drawer helps, but a wet one needs changing.
Storage and keeping
How to keep tomatoes fresh without ruining them
Keep whole tomatoes at room temperature while they ripen, away from sun and bruises. Chill only when slowing an already ripe tomato is worth the texture trade.