When the Avocado Hits the Floor: How Proper Produce Care Can Save You Cash and Reduce Food Waste
By Adrian Fulle
I’ll be honest—food waste was never really on my radar until it hit me, literally. A while back, I opened the fridge, and an avocado rolled right off the shelf and splattered on the floor. Now, for those of you who don’t know me, let me explain how devastating that moment was. I love avocados. I mean, I REALLY love avocados. We use them in everything – homemade guacamole, as a topper for egg dishes and salads, and yes, avocado toast… lots of avocado toast – that little green fruit with the giant pit is a staple in our home. And yet, there it was—$3 of green mush wasted, because I didn’t use it in time. That’s when I realized I might have a bit of a problem. The fridge was full of perfectly good produce slowly rotting away because I wasn’t doing enough to keep it fresh.
My family and I try to shop organic as much as possible. We’ve made it a priority in our budget because we believe it’s better for our health, and that’s more important to us than some of the other things we’ve cut back on. But it’s not cheap—so wasting food, especially organic produce, stings. That’s when I started thinking about how to get more out of the food we’re buying.
Why Proper Produce Care Makes a Difference
Let’s get straight to it: keeping produce fresh is about more than just buying the right food. It’s about handling it properly once you get home. I used to think rinsing fruits and veggies under the tap was good enough, but I’ve since learned that dirt and bacteria that lead to spoilage can stick around even after a rinse. That’s why something like Fresh Extend can make a big difference. It’s a fruit and veggie wash designed to clean your produce and, more importantly, help it stay fresh longer.
Since we’ve started using it, we’ve noticed a lot less waste in our fridge. And, believe me, with two kids and a busy schedule, anything that keeps us from throwing out half-eaten lettuce or mushy tomatoes is a win in my book. Fresh Extend isn’t just about washing; it’s about saving what you’ve spent your hard-earned money on.
Making Your Groceries Last (And Saving Money)
We all know organic produce isn’t cheap, and there was a time when I didn’t even believe it was actually healthier. But after reading the reports and studies and seeing that organic really is the way to go, I started paying attention to the cost. If you can get a few extra days out of it, the cost doesn’t feel as heavy. I like to think of Fresh Extend as a small investment that pays off by keeping our fruits and vegetables fresh longer. Plus, we’re not making as many trips to the store, which is another plus when you’ve got a packed schedule.
Here’s how we do it at home:
- Wash: As soon as we get home from the store, we wash everything down with Fresh Extend. It’s quick, and it removes that layer of grime and bacteria that can cause things to spoil. We then rinse in the sink.
- Dry: After washing, we make sure to dry everything off. I’ve learned that moisture can actually make your produce go bad faster, so this step is key.
- Store: Once everything’s clean and dry, it’s all about storing things the right way. Fresh Extend takes care of the washing, but where you store your food matters too. Where you store your produce can significantly affect how long it stays fresh. Some fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening and spoilage of other nearby produce. For example:
- Fruits like apples, bananas, and avocados produce ethylene, so they should be stored separately from more delicate produce like leafy greens.
- Leafy greens and herbs should be stored in the crisper drawer of the fridge, preferably in a loosely closed plastic bag or with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture without getting soggy.
- Root vegetables like potatoes, onions, and garlic are best stored in a cool, dark place, not in the fridge, as the cold temperature can affect their texture and taste.
It’s Not Just About Freshness—It’s About Less Waste
Look, I’m not going to pretend that we’re perfect about food waste now. But since we’ve started paying more attention to how we handle our produce, I can say we’re wasting a lot less. Less food in the trash means less money wasted and more healthy meals for the family. It’s that simple.
If you’re anything like me—trying to eat healthy while keeping an eye on your budget—making your groceries last a little longer can make a big difference. Fresh Extend has helped us keep things fresh longer, and it’s made us more mindful of how we treat the food we bring home.
At the end of the day, none of us want to throw money (or avocados!) in the trash. Taking a few extra steps can help and using something like Fresh Extend can be part of that solution. Give it a shot—it just might save you a few bucks and keep your fridge from becoming a produce graveyard.
