The Longest-Lasting Fruits And Vegetables
Fresh produce is healthy and delicious, but often spoils quickly. This can make it hard to keep a well-stocked kitchen. But not all fruits and vegetables have short shelf lives. Some last for weeks, even months, if stored properly. Choosing the right ones helps reduce waste and saves money.
Here are seven of the longest-lasting fruits and vegetables worth keeping on hand.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the most durable vegetables you can buy. Stored in a cool refrigerator drawer, it can last for several weeks. Its dense leaves hold moisture and resist wilting.
Cabbage is also versatile, working best in salads, stir-fries, or soups. Buying a whole head means you can use it gradually without worrying about spoilage.
Carrots
Carrots, when stored properly, last for a month or more. Keep them in the fridge in a plastic bag or container to prevent drying out. Their firm texture makes them resistant to quick spoilage.
They're handy for snacking, roasting, or incorporating into soups. Carrots provide both convenience and staying power in the kitchen.
Onions
Onions can last for months if kept in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Their dry skins protects them from spoiling too quickly. Avoid storing them in plastic, as they need airflow.
Onions are essential for countless dishes, making them a practical long-lasting staple. Keep them separate from potatoes, since gases from each can cause quicker spoilage.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another pantry classic with an impressive shelf life. Kept in a cool, dark area, they can last for several weeks to months. They should not be stored in the fridge, as cold temperatures can change their flavor.
Potatoes are filling, affordable, and can be prepared in a variety of different ways, making them one of the most reliable and versatile foods.
Apples
Apples last for weeks, sometimes months, especially when stored in the fridge. Their firm texture helps them resist bruising, and they remain crisp far longer than softer fruits.
Apples can be eaten raw, baked, or added to salads. Varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith are even more durable.
Squash
Winter squash, such as butternut or acorn, can last for months when stored in a cool, dry space. Their tough outer skins protect the sweet, firm flesh inside.
This makes them ideal for keeping through colder seasons. Squash works well roasted, pureed, or in soups.
Beets
Beets can stay fresh for weeks in the fridge. Their thick skins protect the firm root inside. Removing the leafy tops before storage helps them last longer.
They're nutrient-rich and can be roasted, boiled, or shredded raw into salads. Beets are a reliable, earthy vegetable that keeps well when other produce starts to fade.
Stock Up On Staples
Some fruits and vegetables are built to last, saving you money and reducing food waste. Cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, apples, squash, and beets all store well with proper care.
Stocking up on these staples ensures you always have fresh ingredients available. By choosing long-lasting produce, you keep your kitchen practical, efficient, and ready for healthy meals.