What to do when you buy a week's worth of vegetables - How to prepare vegetables

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to prepping and storing vegetables to extend their freshness and make meal prep easier. From washing and freezing to using stasher bags and enameled containers, the tips cover a wide range of vegetables including carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, cucumbers, and more. Viewers will learn how to efficiently store produce, avoid food waste, and save time in cooking. The video emphasizes using simple methods like blanching, freezing, and pickling, making it easier to incorporate fresh vegetables into daily meals, ensuring they last longer and remain delicious.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prep vegetables in advance to make cooking easier and save time throughout the week.
• 😀 Frequent shopping can be tiring, but buying and prepping in bulk helps reduce unnecessary trips.
• 😀 Bean sprouts are delicate and should be washed thoroughly, stored in water, and kept in a sealed bag to last 3-7 days depending on freshness.
• 😀 Leafy greens like Komatsuna and Bok Choy should be washed, roots removed, and stored with a wet dishcloth in an enameled container to stay fresh for 4-5 days.
• 😀 Storing vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and green onions in dry cloths or Stasher bags helps prevent moisture-related spoilage.
• 😀 Freezing vegetables like green beans and bok choy helps preserve them longer, though freezing can affect their texture.
• 😀 Mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake can be stored fresh or frozen for long-term use, though freezing can alter their texture.
• 😀 For corn, boiling soon after purchase is key to preserving flavor; it can then be stored fresh, frozen, or refrigerated.
• 😀 Enoki mushrooms should be consumed quickly after purchase; they can be microwaved, seasoned, and stored for up to 5 days.
• 😀 Storing garlic in bulk without peeling it allows it to last for 3-4 weeks in the fridge and up to 6 months when frozen.

Q & A

Why is prepping vegetables in bulk recommended?

Prepping vegetables in bulk saves time during the week, reduces the need for frequent shopping, and helps avoid food waste. It also allows you to cook quickly and efficiently, making meal preparation much easier.

What are the best storage methods for leafy greens like Komatsuna and Bok Choy?

Leafy greens should be washed thoroughly and stored in an enameled container lined with a wet dish towel. This method helps maintain the right humidity and keeps them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

How can I extend the freshness of bean sprouts?

To extend the freshness of bean sprouts, wash them thoroughly under running water, then store them in a stasher bag filled with water. Change the water every two days, and the sprouts will last 3 to 7 days depending on their freshness.

Why should I freeze vegetables like onions and carrots?

Freezing onions and carrots helps preserve them for longer periods, especially if they were purchased in bulk at a lower price. Freezing them also makes them convenient for future meals like soups or stir-fries.

What’s the best way to store mushrooms like shiitake and maitake?

Mushrooms like shiitake and maitake should be cleaned with a wet cloth and can either be used fresh or frozen. If freezing, slice them before storing in stasher bags to prevent freezer burn and preserve nutrients.

How can I store cucumbers to make them last longer?

To store cucumbers, wrap them in dry paper towels and place them upright in a stasher bag in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain their freshness for up to a week.

What is the recommended way to store okra to prevent spoilage?

Okra should not be stored in the refrigerator for too long as it is sensitive to cold. You can either freeze it after slicing or cook it immediately. If you choose to freeze, place it in a stasher bag and store it flat.

What are the benefits of using a wet dish towel when storing vegetables?

A wet dish towel helps maintain the right moisture level for leafy vegetables, preventing them from wilting or drying out. It also keeps condensation from forming on the leaves, which can lead to faster spoilage.

How can I store tomatoes to extend their shelf life?

Tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or they can be peeled and stored for longer. For cooking or marinating, they can be used as they are or in soups and stocks. If they are stored at room temperature, they may ripen faster.

What’s the best way to store corn to maintain its freshness?

Corn should be used immediately after purchase, as its freshness deteriorates quickly. You can either store it in the refrigerator or freeze it after boiling. Wrapping it in biodegradable wrap after boiling helps keep it fresh longer.