95% of People Set Their Refrigerator Temperature Incorrectly, Causing Vegetables to Wilt Quickly

Many people unknowingly set their refrigerator temperature incorrectly, which can lead to vegetables wilting and losing their freshness faster. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is typically between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (4°C). If the temperature is too high, vegetables may not stay fresh for long, and if it’s too low, they may freeze or become damaged. Proper temperature control is crucial for keeping produce crisp and prolonging its shelf life.

Mistakes in Storing Vegetables and Fruits in the Refrigerator

Storing vegetables and fruits improperly in the refrigerator can harm your health. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1.  Not Sorting Vegetables and Fruits

Failing to sort vegetables and fruits and putting them all together in the refrigerator can cause one spoiled item to affect others, or cause the loss of nutrients. Additionally, fruits like plums, mangoes, pears, tomatoes, and bananas produce ethylene, which accelerates the ripening process. If these fruits are stored near other vegetables and fruits, they will spoil quickly.
To ensure food safety, store each type of vegetable and fruit in separate bags to keep them fresh.

2.  Storing Wet Vegetables and Fruits in the Refrigerator

Many people have the habit of storing wet vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator, believing it will help them stay fresh longer. However, this is a mistake. If vegetables and fruits are stored while still wet, bacteria will grow faster, causing them to wilt quickly. It’s best to wait until they dry off before storing them in the refrigerator.

3.  Storing Food in the Refrigerator for Too Long

Many people tend to stockpile large amounts of food, especially during holidays, and leave them in the refrigerator for extended periods. However, different types of vegetables have different shelf lives. For example, lettuce can be stored in the fridge for about 10 days, while asparagus, cabbage, and mushrooms should only be kept for 2-3 days.
When storing these foods, be mindful of the time to avoid forgetting them, which can lead to spoilage and contamination of other items in the fridge.

4.  Not Washing Vegetables and Fruits Before Storing

If vegetables and fruits are not washed before being placed in the refrigerator, especially those that still have dirt and fertilizer residue, bacteria can spread to other foods and cause health issues. Always clean vegetables and fruits before storing them in the refrigerator.

5.  Storing Cooked and Raw Food Together

You should always keep cooked and raw foods separate in the refrigerator. Storing them together increases the risk of bacterial contamination, which can deplete the nutrients in the food, cause food poisoning, and lead to digestive problems.

6.  Incorrect Temperature Setting

Choosing the right temperature for your refrigerator is crucial to keeping vegetables and fruits fresh longer.
Maintain your refrigerator at a temperature between 1-4°C (34-40°F) when storing vegetables and fruits. If the temperature exceeds 40°F, bacteria can thrive, while if the temperature is too low, food can freeze, losing its nutrients.

7.  Overloading the Refrigerator

To ensure proper storage, the refrigerator should not be overloaded. There should be enough space for cold air to circulate evenly. Therefore, store food in reasonable amounts and organize the items to allow optimal air circulation.

8.  Using Plastic Bags Incorrectly

The humidity in a refrigerator is typically around 65%, while most vegetables need a humidity level of 80-95% to stay fresh. To maintain humidity, store vegetables in plastic bags, especially those without skins like leafy greens.
However, not all foods should be stored in plastic bags. Some fruits like tomatoes and certain mushrooms will spoil faster and become slimy if stored in plastic.

9.  Cutting Vegetables and Fruits Before Storing

Cutting vegetables and fruits before storing them in the refrigerator might seem convenient, as you can simply take them out and cook them. However, this reduces their nutritional value and may even cause the release of harmful substances.
It’s better to store vegetables and fruits whole. Only remove dirty roots or wilted parts when preparing them for storage.