Food waste is a common problem, but with the right techniques, you can significantly extend the life of your groceries. Here are ten practical food storage hacks that vegetable vendors won’t tell you—tricks that will keep your food fresh and flavorful for weeks, even months!

1. Keep Shrimp Fresh for a Year

Shrimp can spoil quickly, but there’s a simple trick to keep them fresh for up to a year. Place the shrimp into a clean mineral water bottle, fill it completely with water, and tightly seal the cap. The water creates an airtight environment, preserving the shrimp’s freshness. Just pop the bottle into the freezer, and you’ll have perfectly fresh shrimp ready whenever you need them.

2. Broccoli That Lasts

Broccoli is notorious for going bad quickly, especially after you’ve cut into it. To extend its freshness, store the broccoli in a container of water. The water helps to keep the broccoli hydrated, preventing it from wilting and keeping it crisp and green for much longer.

3. Prevent Moldy Onions

Leftover onions often mold if not stored properly. A clever way to prevent this is by placing each onion in a stocking and tying a knot between each one. Hang the stocking in a cool, dry place.

This method allows for proper air circulation, keeping the onions fresh for a longer period of time.

4. Prolong the Life of Green Onions

Green onions spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Lay the roots side by side on a piece of paper, lightly spray them with water, and then roll the paper up. This method keeps the green onions hydrated and fresh for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy them without the rush.

5. Potato Sprout Prevention

Potatoes sprout when stored for too long, but there’s a simple hack to prevent this.

Store potatoes alongside apples. The ethylene gas emitted by apples helps prevent the potatoes from sprouting, keeping them fresh for much longer.

6. Keep Tomatoes Fresh with Tape

Tomatoes can also spoil quickly, but sticking tape over the stem tops of tomatoes can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. The tape helps to reduce moisture loss and slows down the ripening process, keeping your tomatoes firm and juicy.

7. Watermelon Bacteria Prevention

Cut watermelon can breed bacteria when stored in the fridge.

To keep it fresh, place two cloves of garlic on either side of the watermelon slice, then cover the garlic and watermelon with plastic wrap. The garlic helps to inhibit bacterial growth, keeping the watermelon fresh for several days.

8. Extend Banana Freshness

Bananas ripen quickly, but you can slow this process by wrapping a plastic bag around the stem. This method prevents the release of ethylene gas from the stem, which slows down the ripening process and keeps the bananas fresh for longer.

9. Garlic Storage Without Sprouting

Garlic tends to sprout if left for too long. To prevent this, store the garlic in a plastic bag with salt and tea leaves.

Seal the bag tightly, and your garlic will stay fresh and sprout-free for up to six months.

10. Bug-Free Rice Storage

Rice can attract bugs, especially in the summer. To keep your rice bug-free, open an unused mask, place some star anise and ginger inside, seal it, and then store it in the rice container. This method naturally repels bugs, keeping your rice fresh for one to two years.

These hacks are easy to implement and can make a significant difference in how long your groceries last. By following these tips, you can reduce food waste, save money, and always have fresh ingredients ready to use in your kitchen.