Food storage tips

[nagymom]

(per Tips du Jour)

FOOD STORAGE TIPS

* Are your banana's past their prime? Peel then leave whole or slice and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place bananas in a plastic freezer zipper bag. Use in smoothies or in any recipe calling for mashed bananas.

* To quickly ripen a tomato, put it with an apple in a perforated bag in a covered bowl. The apple gives off ethylene gas that speeds the ripening process.

* For longer life, store fresh mushrooms in a brown paper bag in the produce drawer of your refrigerator.

* Store lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit rinds in the freezer. Grate fresh citrus zest whenever you need it.

* Best Way to Store Parsley -- Fresh parsley will last for at least a couple of weeks if you store it in a jar. Place unwashed parsley in a clean jar with the stems down. Replace jar lid, and refrigerate. Pour off any water that periodically collects in the jar. Wash before using.

* Freeze leftover cooked long grain or brown rice (other varieties tend to get sticky) for quick use later. Cool the cooked rice before packaging in plastic freezer storage bags. Freeze flat.

* Basil wilts quickly, but it perks up if set it in cool water for about 30 minutes.

* Potatoes rot quickly if stored near onions, so keep them separate.

* To prevent potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag.

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