Fresh yellow lemons spilling out of an open cream cotton mesh reusable produce bag, with two loose lemons nearby, against a deep teal background.

A guide to storing groceries for maximum shelflife

Keep produce fresher, longer.

Learn more about smart, sustainable ways to waste less food.

Fruits and veggies are the heart and soul of a healthy kitchen. Keeping them fresh, however, is no small feat. We’ve all experienced that wasteful-feeling fridge clean-out, tossing limp lettuce and moldy berries that you just purchased a few days back.

The good news?

With just a few tweaks to the way you store your produce, you can extend its life and reduce waste. A total win-win for your family’s nutrition, your wallet, and the environment. Keep reading to learn more about proper produce storage and find the Grove essentials to make it even easier.

The first way to waste less

Try gamechanging produce washes

From the moment it’s picked, produce starts degrading — and things like dirt, wax, and bacteria can speed that process along. That’s where a good produce wash comes in. Unlike plain water, fruit and veggie washes are specially formulated to break down surface contaminants without adding synthetic chemicals or residues. Properly washed produce is safer to eat, stays fresher longer, and helps contribute toward a lower-waste world.

Pro tip: If you’re cleaning produce before storing, be sure to dry thoroughly. Excess moisture is a surefire way to quicker spoilage!

A bowl of cherries being washed with water, some cherries in a white colander, and a single apple placed on a green wooden surface.

Find the best fruit and vegetable washes to keep sinkside.

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Get specific with storage

Find the right container for every fruit and veggie

Just like humans, fresh produce thrives in different environments. Knowing which kind prefers which container means happier, longer-lasting fruit and vegetables to enjoy. For instance, leafy greens love to be paired with a damp paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Berries need airflow. And herbs? They’re happiest when treated like flowers, trimmed and stored upright.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet on where popular produce thrives:

  • Berries, leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, and grapes
    Keep in the fridge! Use breathable containers or perforated produce drawers to minimize moisture buildup.
  • Bananas, tomatoes, avocados, and citrus
    Can be left on the countertop. Keep out of direct sunlight. Once ripe, move to the fridge if not using right away.
  • Fresh herbs and asparagus
    Use the water method. Trim stems, place upright in a glass of water, cover loosely with a silicone food wrap.
  • Onions and garlic
    Keep in a cool, dry place like a well-ventilated basket, bin, or large bowl. Be sure to store separately from potatoes, which can accelerate rotting.

Using the correct containers can help maintain optimal humidity and airflow for fruits and veg of all kinds — browse Grove’s kitchen organization lineup to grab tailored picks for all of your family’s produce-aisle favorites.

A clear container holds fresh leafy greens with two small white trays on top, one with sliced grilled chicken and mini bell peppers. Nearby, a tray of sliced radishes and a vine of cherry tomatoes rest on the countertop.

Shop smart, sustainable storage for all types of produce.

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The Bottom Line

Take freshness further with Grove

When it comes to reducing food waste, a few small changes can make a really big impact. From better washing to optimized storage, Grove makes it easy to stock your kitchen with essentials that help keep produce fresher. So you can make the most out of every grocery haul and farmer’s market find.

Ready to start your fresher-food journey? Shop only the best brands in kitchen storage and produce care essentials.

Sources

  1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) — Overview on the health effects of pesticide exposure.
    https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides/index.cfm
  2. Environmental Working Group (EWG) — The annual Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ lists for pesticide residue in produce.
    https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
  3. Grove Collaborative — Blog on the impact of microplastics on health and the environment.
    https://homeplanet.grove.co/blog-posts/microplastics-major-impact-from-the-environment-to-our-bodies
  4. Bon Appétit — Guide on how to properly store onions to reduce food waste and spoilage.
    https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-store-onions