Several people have asked me if the mason jars I use really help my produce last longer. There are two answers to this question, yes, it last longer and no, it doesn’t last longer. 🙂
First, I have found that our prepared produce does last longer. Usually, when you wash and cut your produce, their shelf life is limited to a couple of days. But, when I put them in mason jars after prepping them, they last a week to a week and a half. Because mason jars are air tight, they keep the produce from spoiling as quickly. I have not had to throw out any produce for quite some time now.
Second answer, it doesn’t last longer…because we eat it! Seriously though, I also find that we use our produce more quickly when it is prepped ahead and in full view in mason jars. Usually, almost everything I bought the week before is gone that week, or a little into the next. Before using this method, I found that I would buy lots of produce, and much of it would spoil in the veggie drawer before I could or would use it.
There are so many other reasons I enjoy using mason jars in my kitchen…I see a list forming! Stay tuned! Blessings to you!
Hey Diane! I can now testify your idea of storing veggies in mason jars really works! I have tried at home and was even able to compare. I had a cabbage that was too big to fit in the mason jar. So I cut it, washed it and dried it and then put as much as possible in the mason jar and the rest in a regular platic bag (those you use to freeze products). And at the end of the week, I noticed the cabagge stored in the bag was drier and started to turn grey/black on the edges while the one in the jar was still looking fresh!
Thanks for sharing your culinary tricks! The only thing I need to work on is freeing enough time (and energy) to actually prepare the veggies after I receive them. I tend to be too lazy and then I regret it when I see my veggies turning bad before I was able to use them!
Hi Claire, Thank you so much for posting! I am so glad that you have begun to use the jars! You have taken the first steps and that is great! Seeing the difference, like you have, is what is motivational to me. I am sure it will encourage you too! Have a wonderful day!