All ways and methods of how long to store greens at home

Dill, parsley, spinach, basil, cilantro - this is not the entire list of incredibly healthy leafy vegetables. Not everyone knows how to store greens so that they do not wilt soon. In order to make full use of the storehouse of vitamins and minerals, you need to know about the intricacies of saving sorrel, watercress, tarragon, etc. In our article we will tell you in which container it is better to place plants, how to properly store greens in the refrigerator and in other places.

Leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for health

General recommendations

Greens are not a fastidious crop when it comes to storage, but often difficulties arise when they begin to rot the very next day after harvest.

When storing greens, follow the recommendations:

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature. This will cause the greens to quickly wither or begin to rot.
• Observe temperature conditions. The optimal temperature for storing it is 7-13 degrees Celsius. In this case, it will retain its taste and valuable properties for a long time.

• Avoid high or low humidity in the storage area. In the first case, the greens may begin to rot quickly, and in the second, they may dry out and wither.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight unless it is drying naturally. It is better to choose dark places.
• Avoid storing greens outside of the refrigerator for long periods of time. This is due to its rapid deterioration when oversaturated with oxygen.

When properly stored, greens not only retain their beneficial properties, but also their rich and vibrant taste - both fresh and cooked.

Life hack from grandma

The main obstacle to preserving fragrant greens is light and heat. Let's look for a dark, cool, ventilated room in our home. The easiest way is to use a refrigerator equipped in the basement.

The lower shelves are best, as they have the lowest temperature and are darkest. A pantry, closet, even a cool floor will do the trick.

If the weather outside is pleasant and not hot, feel free to hang the bag of spinach and onions outside the window, only if it is not on the sunny side.

Let's talk about life hacks that are suitable for any plants:

• Grandma's familiar glass jars are perfect for everyone. Various are convenient, with a volume from 0.5 to 1 liter. They will need to be washed with soda and heated over steam for 1 minute. Or you can keep it on a wire rack in the oven for 10 minutes at 100 degrees. Be sure to cool the dishes after this.

• We will lay out the prepared grass without compacting it too much. We seal with plastic or screw tin lids, which were rinsed in boiling water beforehand. After this, the jars are put away in the cold. This packaging will last up to a month.
• It's even easier to use thoroughly washed and dried plastic boxes with tight lids. It would be great if you had a vacuum container at your disposal. Then it will be possible to remove air from the mass and, accordingly, bacteria that contribute to rotting. In addition, unpleasant odors will not penetrate into the green mass and will not saturate it.
• If you have a pack of new plastic bags, feel free to put the basil in them. There is no need to compact it; on the contrary, before tying it, open the bag wider, as if capturing more air. This way the branches will rub against each other less and will not become wrinkled. This method will retain its beneficial qualities for 2-3 weeks.

Preparation for storage

The refrigerator is a universal place for storing greens, the temperature regime of which will help prevent their spoilage.

However, before placing it in the refrigeration chamber, you need to pay attention to its pre-treatment and preparation:

• Pick the required amount of greens. It is recommended to tear it rather than cut it in order to preserve its juiciness longer.
• Sort the greens, clearing them of damaged and spoiled leaves, garden debris, and insects. It is also recommended to separate different types of crops.
• Pour 1-2 liters of cool water into a small container and place the greens in it. Rinse it carefully.
• Finally rinse the stems and leaves under running water.
• Place the greens on a horizontal surface lined with paper towels, pat them lightly on top and let them dry on their own. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
• Pack the greens using your preferred method and place them in the refrigerator.

Also, when storing it fresh for a long time, it is recommended to periodically check it for spoiled leaves. If there are any, they need to be thrown away, and the rest of the greens should be washed in salt and then running water and returned to their original place. The container in which it was originally stored also needs to be washed and treated.

How to keep green onions fresh?

To enjoy the freshness and aroma of green onions, just use the following methods.

Method 1

Choose feathers that are small in size and glass containers that are the same height. This is mandatory for this storage method, because the main thing is not to bend or break the onion feathers. Place the onion in the jar and close the lid tightly. If spoiled, they will not be stored for long. So, you can keep onions fresh for up to 1 month.

Method 2

If the number of feathers does not require very long storage, use thick paper. Rinse and dry with a paper towel, wrap in paper. Sprinkle with water and place in the refrigerator. 2-3 weeks of freshness are guaranteed.

Attention!

Do not use newspaper for this storage; it gets wet and leaves paint on the food.

Method 3

For longer storage, use a regular bag. Carefully place the greens in it and tie it. Then make holes for ventilation with a sharp object. Thus, the freshness of the plant can be preserved for up to 1.5 months.

Method 4

You can maintain freshness by using the freezer for storage. Place the feathers in special freezer bags or use containers. It's better to chop the onion first. So, it will be more convenient to use it in the future. For this freezing method, it is convenient to use pre-washed and dried plastic bottles.

How to store greens in the refrigerator?

There are several ways to store greens in the refrigerator, depending on their packaging and containers. They are all quite effective and will help you keep the leaves juicy and tasty for a long time.

1

In containers

A fairly simple but effective way to keep greens in their original condition and avoid yellowing for 2-3 weeks.

After processing and preparing the greens, you simply need to pack them in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. It is desirable that it is screwed or made of silicone.

You can replace the container with a regular glass jar, which is closed with a plastic lid. Due to the tight closure of the container, oxygen will not enter it, which can oxidize its contents. Thanks to this, the product is stored longer.

2

In the package

Cellophane bags are also used to store greens, however, not in the usual way for us.

Before placing the greens in the bag, they must be thoroughly dried. Even a small amount of moisture can cause condensation to form on the inner surface of the cellophane, which will quickly lead to rotting of its contents.

There are two ways to store greens in cellophane:

1. Inflated. In this case, the greens are poured into a bag, a large amount of air is drawn into it, and then it is tied tightly.
2. With onion. In this case, the greens must first be sorted, but not washed. It is transferred to a bag, and then a couple of small onions, cut into quarters, are placed in it. So the bag is stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, after which it needs to be untied, the contents inspected for signs of rotting, and the bulbs replaced with fresh ones.

If you store greens in the usual way for us, when all the air is expelled from the bag and it is simply rolled up loosely, you will only be able to keep the contents fresh for 4-5 days.

3

In water

An effective way that will help you preserve the freshness and juiciness of greens for a long time, avoiding their withering and rotting.

In this case, the stems are trimmed a little with a knife and then placed in a glass of cool filtered water. The top of the glass with leaves is covered with a plastic bag and then placed in the refrigerator.

Once every 1.5-2 days, it is recommended to change the water in the glass, and at the same time check its contents for signs of rotting and spoilage, sorting if necessary.

4

In the towel

A quick method that requires you to just sort your greens, but don't wash them.

In this case, the greens are simply placed on a waffle towel, which is then rolled into a tube. You shouldn't store it this way for a long time, but a towel will help you keep the contents fresh for at least a day until you find time to pack it in any other way.

How to wash properly

Most types of fresh greens store best unwashed. This applies to celery and leeks. Parsley, green onions, and dill can be washed, but it is important to do it correctly. Greens should not be washed under strong pressure of water. It damages delicate leaves, leaves creases, and provokes the release of juices.

How to wash properly:

1. Fill a basin with cold water.
2. Omit the greens. Don't hold it for long. Gently wet and remove dirt. If necessary, change the water.
3. Take it out. Shake off any drops.

Next, you need to put it on a napkin and let it dry. Drops of water, an abundance of moisture shortens the shelf life. You won't be able to keep greens fresh for long.

Other ways to store greens for a long time

Even if you follow all the recommendations and rules for storing greens in the refrigerator, they will still begin to spoil after a few days or weeks.

If you want to preserve your favorite crop for use in cooking until the next season, you can resort to stronger methods of preserving it - drying or freezing.

1

Freezing

An effective way to store herbs for a long time, thanks to which you can enjoy the aroma of your favorite spices for a long time and add them to various dishes.

Before freezing, the greens must be sorted from debris and thoroughly washed and dried.

After that, use one of three options for storing it:

1. In the form of bunches. In this case, the dry bunches are simply placed in a plastic bag, then all the air is expelled from it and it is rolled up. The tighter you roll the bag, the less likely it is to form ice.
2. Sliced. After drying the greens, cut them, package them in bags or containers and place them in the freezer.
3. In the form of ice cubes. In this case, you don’t have to dry the greens, but immediately cut them and put them in molds for making ice - it’s better to use silicone ones. Use water or oil to hold the chopped greens together. Once the ice has set, you can also transfer the cubes into one bag or container.

It is recommended to store dried herbs in the compartment with vegetables, since even frozen leaves quickly absorb surrounding odors.

2

Drying

Another way to preserve greens for several months, thanks to which you can use your favorite spices in winter and spring to improve the taste of dishes.

The easiest way to dry greens is as follows:

1. It is thoroughly washed and sorted from debris and dirt, and then soaked with a paper towel.
2. Wet greens are chopped or chopped.
3. Then it is laid out on a baking sheet covered with paper or parchment. The thinner the layer, the faster it will dry. To speed up drying, you can place the baking sheet on a glazed balcony or windowsill.
4. After drying the greens, they are transferred to bags or jars and closed.

Preparation for the winter

Sorrel is canned for the winter and delicious soups are prepared from it. Cilantro for salads is placed in jars, covered with vegetable oil, and stored in the refrigerator. Finely chopped dill and parsley are sprinkled with salt and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight glass container.

The most common ways to store leafy vegetables and herbs are drying and freezing. If certain rules are followed, most of the nutrients are retained in dried and frozen leafy vegetables.

Drying

Salads, garlic, and chervil cannot be dried. All other varieties of greens grown in the country can be harvested in one of two ways:

• naturally;
• using a special device (electric dryer, oven, microwave oven).

See also

How and how long to store smoked fish at home in the refrigerator, on the balcony and attic

Under natural conditions, greens are dried in the shade. In the light it loses color and turns yellow. It is laid out in a thin layer on a flat surface or tied into bundles and hung vertically.

For drying, use baking sheets, small sheets of plywood, flat plates and trays. Place paper or cotton fabric underneath. To prevent rotting, the layer of grass is made thin (1-1.5 cm). Turn it over periodically so that it dries evenly.

In an electric dryer, greens are dried at a temperature of 40 °C. It takes from 2 to 6 hours. Exact recommendations for drying greens are given in the instructions for the device. They should be followed. Dry the herbs in the oven with the door open for 2-4 hours. Set the temperature to 40 °C.

Microwave drying takes minimal time:

• clean, sorted raw materials are placed on a paper plate;
• place a napkin on top;
• set maximum power;
• set the time - 3 minutes.

If necessary, increase the time to 5 minutes. The herb dried in any way is ground using a household device or crushed by hand. The finished spice is poured into canvas bags or cardboard boxes. Store for up to six months.

Freezing

Frozen leafy vegetables and herbs retain a large percentage of nutrients. In winter, it is useful to add freezing to prepared dishes. Not all herbal crops can be stored in the freezer. When defrosted, lettuce leaves turn into porridge, onions become watery, and basil loses its aroma.

They tolerate freezing well:

• celery;
• dill;
• sorrel;
• parsley;
• spinach.

How to wash and dry greens is described above. Only clean and dry raw materials are frozen. It is stored in bunches or crushed. Bundles are formed by type or combined. The choice is up to the hostess; it depends on the manner of preparing the dishes and their assortment.

The bundles are packed in cling film and sent to the freezer. After quick freezing, they are placed in a bag, and a piece of paper with the date and name of the greens is also placed there. Dry, crushed grass is placed in yogurt and sour cream cups. For storage use containers and freezer bags.

With the advent of silicone molds, greens began to be frozen in water. Ice cubes are convenient to use when preparing hot dishes, sauces, and drinks. They are easy to prepare:

• leaves, thin stems finely chopped;
• put into molds;
• to fill with water;
• put the form in the freezer;
• Pour the frozen cubes into a container, bag, and place in the freezer.

Features of storing different types of greens

Depending on the type of greens, the recommendations and features of their fresh storage may vary.

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1

Dill, cilantro, parsley, green onions

The most unpretentious types of greens that can be stored in any airtight closed container or in a glass of water.

2

Arugula

Store in a glass jar or plastic vacuum container with a tight-fitting lid.

3

Sorrel, spinach

Store in a plastic bag, paper or any tightly closed container.

4

Lettuce leaves

The most vulnerable type of greenery, which quickly begins to deteriorate and rot. It is better to store them in a glass of water or in a small container with soil, in which they are often sold in stores.

Fried vegetable roll with tofu

Fried vegetable roll with tofu Photo: Subzero Restaurant
Recipe author Pavel Koshel, chef of the Subzero restaurant

• 100 g cooked sushi rice
• 10 g nori
• 2 g cilantro
• 5 g basil
• 6 g spinach
• 20 g oyster mushrooms
• 50 g tofu
• 20 g guacamole
• salad mix
• wasabi
• pickled ginger
• breadcrumbs
• almond petals
• peanut

Article on the topic

Window sill salad.
What plants can be grown in an apartment Garlic sauce (for 1 serving - 20 ml of sauce) :

• 1 tbsp. mustard
• 50 ml soy sauce
• sugar
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. sunflower oil
• Garlic - to taste

Jalapeño sauce (for 1 serving - 20 ml sauce):

• 20 ml rice vinegar
• 30 ml olive oil
• garlic
• jalapeno
• Dressing for rice:
• 20 ml rice vinegar
• salt and sugar

Step 1. Fry oyster mushrooms in olive oil.

Step 2. Season the rice with rice vinegar, salt and sugar. Place rice on a sheet of nori.

Step 3. Cut the tofu into strips, tear the spinach at random.

Step 4. Place strips of oyster mushrooms, spinach and tofu in the center of the rice.

Step 5. Using a special mat, roll the ingredients into a cylinder and cut it into 6-8 pieces. Next, deep fry each roll.

Step 6. Garlic sauce: puree all ingredients in a blender until liquid.

Step 7. Jalapeño sauce: puree all ingredients in a blender until liquid.

Step 8. Place guacamole on a plate, place the roll on top, then the salad mix. Top with cilantro, basil, almond flakes and peanuts. Pour the resulting sauces over everything. Serve with wasabi and ginger.

Common storage errors

The most common mistakes made when storing greens are:

• Neglecting recommendations for sorting it. Regardless of the storage method, you must sort it out and throw out leaves that begin to deteriorate.
• Storing several types of greens together. It is recommended to separate them and pack them separately.
• Rare change of water in the glass. When performing this method, be sure to change the water and ventilate the greens every 2 days.
• Storing unwashed greens. It usually rots and withers faster.
• Storing greens at room temperature. Even if you place the stems in a glass of water, too high a temperature will cause it to wilt quickly.

Cleanliness is the key to freshness

This method of storing greens in the refrigerator is suitable if you have a lot of them. In addition, it must be of the same type. You should not store dill, sorrel and parsley at the same time. To keep it fresh you need:

• Rinse the greens thoroughly;
• Dry it with paper or a towel;
• Let dry in the shade for 10-15 minutes.

After this, select a suitable container. It is important that the greens fill the maximum volume. But it is not recommended to break it; avoid damaging the leaves.

Popular answers to questions about storing greens

Let's consider the most popular questions on the topic of storing greens.

Do I need to open store-bought greens after purchasing or is it better to leave them in an airtight container until used?

If there is no condensation on the inside of the film, you can leave it in the store packaging. However, after 1-3 days you will still have to open it to sort and repackage.

How long do greens last in the refrigerator?

On average 1-2 weeks, but maybe more. It all depends on its original condition and your compliance with the recommendations for its storage.

Can greens be frozen?

Yes, this is one of the ways to store it for a long time.

Should greens be washed before storing?

In most cases, yes. This must be done in two stages: first in a large container with cool water, and then under running tap water for the final rinse.

Buy less

If you need greens for immediate consumption, then it is best to buy them in small portions. Since greens and salads are perishable products, they do not store well in the refrigerator, there is a lot of humidity. And if you bought greens over the weekend, then by the end of the week you risk getting withered or even blackened leaves.

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