EASTON, Pa. (WLVT) - When you’re storing food during quarantine you want it to stay fresh.
PBS39's Megan Frank checked in with Scott Boyd, a chef and events coordinator for the Greater Easton Development Partnership, for some food storage tips.
JUST ADD WATER
Boyd says some herbs and vegetable varieties will last longer if stored in water.
''If you keep the root of your herbs in water and keep it in a container in your refrigerator it will last you two to three weeks,'' Boyd told PBS39.
He suggests wrapping a wet paper towel around the base of lettuce for a similar affect.
PICKLING
Before vegetables like cucumbers, cauliflower, carrots or squash turn, he says to consider pickling them to enjoy later.
''You can use vinegar and add your favorite herbs and spices to make a brine,'' explained Boyd. ''Then, take any of your produce that’s turning bad and put them into the brine. This will allow you to create pickled vegetables.''
He added that fresh onions and garlic should be kept out of the fridge and stored in a cool, dry place.
DAIRY AND BREAD
To prolong the life of eggs and milk, Boyd says to store them towards the back of the fridge and not on the door. He recommends freezing large quantities of meat.
''You can use plastic wrap and freeze your meat,'' said Boyd. ''I’d say to do this as soon as you possibly can. Meat decomposes quickly even in a cold refrigerator.''
Both milk and bread, he added, can be placed in the freezer.
''Make sure the bread is sliced before you put it in the freezer,'' said Boyd. ''When you thaw it out, it will be just like fresh bread once again.''
PROLONGING PRODUCE
To keep produce for longer, Boyd is a fan of dehydrating it with a dehydrator to use it later for things like trail mix and salad toppings. Another produce option: Peel it, slice it and place in freezer bags in the freezer.
''You can slice your bananas into little hockey pucks and freeze them,'' said Boyd. ''Frozen fruit is great for smoothies.''
Highly gaseous produce like fresh bananas, avocados and apples, he says, should be stored away from each other and from other produce.
Did You Know: The Easton Public Market is currently open for take-out orders from their restaurants and farm stand. Visit eastonpublicmarket.com to learn more.