Stock your kitchen with these long-lasting vegetables to reduce food waste and to ensure you have healthy produce on hand.
Have you ever opened the fridge in hopes of using some of the fresh produce you recently picked up, only to find those veggies already rotting? Fruits and vegetables are some of the hardest foods to keep fresh for long periods of time, yet many of us are too busy to consume these products before they expire.
“Due to the delicateness of some vegetables and exposure to elements that speed up oxidation or spoilage (for example, airflow, temperature, light, moisture, and ethylene production or sensitivity), some vegetables last longer than others,” says registered dietitian Sue-Ellen Anderson-Hayes, MS, RDN, owner of 360Girls&Women. In these instances, it can be helpful to intentionally buy produce known to be long-lasting and store it properly so it stays fresh for weeks.
Here are five long-lasting vegetables to enjoy all month long.
1. Potatoes
Not only are potatoes a standout resistant starch (meaning they’re even healthier when cooked and cooled), but they’re also relatively resilient when it comes to expiration, Anderson-Hayes explains. Plus, they can be stored unrefrigerated in a cool, dark, and dry place, she adds — so they’re not just long-lasting, but they’re also low-maintenance.
2. Carrots
Although carrots must be refrigerated, they last long enough to make it worth your while. Storing carrots the right way can lead to fresh produce that lasts throughout the month — plus, they make the perfect snack on days when you’re still deciding what to make for dinner.
3. Winter squash
Despite its name, winter squash is an annual vegetable that’s versatile enough to add to multiple dishes — something Anderson-Hayes recommends when avoiding food waste. “Considering other ways to use vegetables—such as adding them to stews, soups, smoothies, gravies, or even freezing them for future use — is a great way to prevent food waste and to save some extra money along the way,” she says. You can enjoy winter squash in salads, soups, and even roasted on its own.
4. Beetroot (i.e., beets)
Much like potatoes, beetroot is another low-maintenance, long-lasting vegetable that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. With a laundry list of nutrients that support cardiovascular, digestive, and muscle health, this anti-inflammatory vegetable will last you through the month.
5. Garlic
Whole bulb garlic can enhance the flavor of any dish and is long-lasting. On the other hand, peeled garlic is best stored in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. When grocery shopping, keep in mind that whole bulb garlic will last longer and is easier to store than the already-peeled variety.
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