How to Store Cut Cucumbers for Maximum Freshness

– Cucumbers can go bad quickly if not stored properly
– Storing them in the crisper drawer may not be the best method
– Wrapping cucumbers in plastic wrap or paper towels can help retain moisture and prevent sliminess
– Cucumbers are sensitive to ethylene, a natural gas that causes quick ripening
– Cucumbers should be stored towards the front of the refrigerator
– Temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is not ideal for cucumbers
– With proper storage, cucumbers can last about two weeks
– Sliced cucumbers should be stored in an airtight container with a paper towel

Continue Reading

How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For and Best Storage Tips

List of Pertinent Information on ‘How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For’:

– Cooked mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
– Cooked mashed potatoes can be stored in the freezer for 10-12 months.
– Fresh potatoes will last 2-3 months at near 50°F.
– Fresh potatoes will last 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
– Raw potatoes stored in water will last 24 hours.
– Boiled potatoes stored in the refrigerator will last 3-4 days.
– If there is a foul smell or appearance, mashed potatoes should be discarded.
– Reheat mashed potatoes to 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have formed.
– Ways to freeze mashed potatoes include adding cream and butter, dividing them into one-cup portions, and freezing them on a baking sheet.
– Mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.
– Adding extra liquid, such as cream or buttermilk, can help prevent them from drying out while reheating.
– If reheating in the oven, spread butter on top and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, until the potatoes reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
– It is recommended to make dishes with mashed potatoes before they go bad or spoil.
– Nutritional information for mashed potatoes cooked with skin without salt: 87 calories, 1.9 grams of protein, 20.1 grams of carbs, 77% water, 1.8 grams of fiber, and 0.1 grams of fat.
– Recommended potatoes for mashing are Russet Potatoes and Yukon Gold Potatoes.
– Russet Potatoes are reddish-brown with dark brown skin, white, dry, and starchy flesh.
– Yukon Gold Potatoes are creamy when crushed, never plump, and have a slightly buttery flavor.
– Recipe ingredients: 1kg potatoes, 1/2 cup hot milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup unsalted butter, 6-8 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional), salt and pepper for taste, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional).
– Recipe instructions: peel and cut potatoes, boil for 15-20 minutes, fry garlic in butter, drain cooked potatoes, add butter, milk, garlic, and sour cream, mash potatoes, add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
– Storing mashed potatoes in an airtight container prevents deterioration due to oxygen exposure and moisture loss.
– Leftover mashed potatoes can be used to make a variety of dishes.
– It is important to reheat mashed potatoes to a temperature of 71 degrees Celsius before consuming if they have been left out for 8-10 hours.
– Peeled potatoes can sit in water for 12-24 hours but should not be kept for more than 24 hours.
– Mashed potatoes can last longer when stored in the freezer.
– Mashed potatoes should not be stored with onions and apples because they produce gases that can affect their quality.

Continue Reading

How long does spinach last? Best storage tips

– There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long an opened bag of prewashed spinach lasts in the fridge as it depends on various factors. However, on average, it can last for up to 3-5 days.
– Some sources suggest that spinach can last for up to a week if stored properly.
– To maximize its shelf life, it is recommended to store spinach in a cool, dry place and place it in a sealed container or bag.
– Factors that can affect the lifespan of spinach include the quality of the spinach, temperature and humidity levels in the fridge, and how well it is stored.
– Fresh spinach can last up to 10 days if stored correctly.
– Moisture speeds up the decaying process, so excess water should be absorbed by wrapping spinach in a paper towel.
– Fresh spinach should be placed in an airtight container or bag and stored in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
– Ethylene-producing fruits (such as bananas and apples) should not be stored next to spinach, as exposure to ethylene gas will cause it to go bad more quickly.
– Cooked spinach should be allowed to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
– Cooked spinach can last three to five days in the refrigerator.
– Spinach can be frozen for long-term storage, especially if needed for more than a week.
– Whole spinach leaves or puréed spinach can be frozen.
– Whole leaves should be placed in freezer bags, with excess air removed and sealed tightly. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
– To freeze puréed spinach, blend whole leaves with a small amount of water and freeze the purée in ice cube trays for up to a year.
– At the store, crisp and unwilted spinach with vibrant green leaves is preferred.
– Spinach with yellow or brown spots should be avoided.
– Stems of spinach may be fibrous or thin, with fibrous stems being older and tougher, while thin stems are younger and more tender.
– Young, tender spinach is best used raw, while mature spinach is better in cooked recipes.
– The main indicators of spoiled spinach are wilting and loss of bright green color.
– As it continues to spoil, the leaves become slimy and develop an unpleasant odor.

Continue Reading