9 Fruits and Vegetables with the Longest Shelf Life

Most people used to make at least two or more trips each week to the grocery store. Now, people are trying to cut back on grocery shopping excursions to avoid being exposed to Covid-19. Part of staying healthy is eating plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables. That's why it's important to choose your produce wisely so that it can last as long as possible and won't be wasted. Here are nine of the top fruits and vegetables with the longest shelf life, along with some considerations and warnings.

1. APPLES

This popular fruit is known for having an exceptionally long shelf life. Provided apples are stored under the proper conditions, they can stay good for as long as four months. To make your apples last even longer, store them separately from your vegetables. This is because apples emit ethylene gas that causes veggies to ripen quicker.

2. PRUNES

If you want a fruit that can last up to a year, then buy prunes. This is an ideal choice when you want to avoid going to the grocery store. Besides being an excellent fiber source, prunes are good for digestion. They're also an extremely versatile fruit as they can be substituted for sugar in baked goods as well as enjoyed as a sweet treat by themselves.

3. SMALL CITRUS FRUITS

Lemons, limes, tangerines, and other small citrus fruits normally last for about two or more weeks when stored on the counter. However, they can remain good for as long as two months when they're refrigerated. Just be sure they're stored in containers or plastic bags to prevent them from becoming moldy.

4. ONIONS

If onions are stored correctly in the refrigerator, they can stay fresh for two to three months. To make them last even longer, you can store them in a mesh bag or a loosely covered paper bag that allows for air circulation. Just don't store your onions in plastic bags as doing so restricts airflow. Moreover, you can also chop up your onions and then store and freeze them, which is a good idea when using these veggies for stir-fries or soups.

5. GARLIC

This is one of the top vegetables with the longest shelf life, provided you don't cut the bulb off. Amazingly, garlic remains good for as long as six months before it starts going bad. Even garlic cloves that have been separated can last for a month or longer. Just consider that once you chop garlic, it's usually about a week before it starts to spoil. Keep garlic stored in a dry, dark place that provides airflow if you want to keep it for as long as possible. Garlic can also be stored in a paper bag. If you chop your garlic, store it in a refrigerator container.

6. CABBAGE

Because cabbage contains less water than spinach, romaine lettuce and other greens, it has a longer shelf life. In fact, when you wrap cabbage leaves in plastic and store them in your refrigerator, they remain good for as long as two months. This low-calorie food is packed with nutrients. For example, it's rich in antioxidants that protect your body from harmful free radicals. Cabbage also has a high amount of vitamin C.

7. CARROTS

To make your carrots last for as long as a couple of months, wrap them a paper towel to keep out moisture. Keep in mind that moisture speeds up rot. Furthermore, buy full-sized carrots rather than baby carrots that usually have a shorter shelf life.

8. POTATOES

When storing potatoes, remember that light can result in this vegetable turning green, so store them in a dark environment. That's why cellars or basements make excellent storage areas that can prevent potatoes from rotting.

Keep potatoes separate from apples and onions to avoid ripening. When kept unrefrigerated, potatoes can rot in just a few weeks. But they can remain fresh for as long as two or three months when stored in a refrigerator. Don't refrigerate sweet potatoes. Instead, store them in a dry, dark area, so they can last for about a month.

9. BEETS

You can keep beets for two to four months if you store this root vegetable in the refrigerator. It's best to store beets in your vegetable crisper in a perforated plastic bag. Just be sure to cut off the greens before you store them.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND WARNINGS

• The thicker the peel or rind, the longer the shelf life of a fruit or vegetable.
• Although some foods have a long shelf life, they may be lacking in nutritional value.
• Thus, don't fill up your cart with unhealthy treats and processed foods that aren't beneficial for your immune system.
• If your grocery store is lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables, you can substitute frozen and/or canned fruits and veggies.

The safest way to protect yourself from coronavirus is by ordering your food online and having it delivered. When ordering from QualityFood.ae, you can be sure you're getting healthy, fresh products that are delivered right to your doorstep. Contact us and learn more about our wide selection of high-quality foods or download our free app so that you can start shopping.