11 essential food storage tips every cook needs to know

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that American consumers waste about 30 percent of the food they buy. Not only does this waste contribute to landfills across the country, it also directly impacts home cooks’ wallets. Wasted food is wasted money.

By properly storing food and leftovers, the life of food and ingredients can be extended. Storing food the way it needs to be stored will reduce the frustration of opening the refrigerator, ready to cook, only to find wilted, soggy lettuce and moldy basil. These storage tips will help keep food out of the waste stream and help ensure fresh food tastes the way it should.

In the refrigerator

1. Fresh herbs
Keep delicate fresh herbs in water in the refrigerator. Some kitchen supply stores sell herb-keeping canisters, but any jar or glass will do. A small amount of water for the stems will extend the life of cut herbs.

2. Asparagus
Like fresh herbs, asparagus stalks also benefit from hydration. Storing asparagus upright in a jar with an inch or two of water will keep it from wilting before you're ready to cook it.

3. Green onions/ scallions
Like other easily-wilting stalks, green onions are also best stored in the refrigerator with some added water. Put the root end of the onions in a jar with water and cover the top of the jar with a plastic bag. The bag ensures the onions stay at the right humidity and won’t dry out as quickly.

4. Lettuces
For longest storage, place lettuce leaves in a container lined with paper towels. The container protects the leaves, and the paper towels absorb extra moisture so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.

5. Citrus
Though citrus fruits will survive at room temperature for storage longer than a few days, it's best to put fruits such as oranges, lemon and limes in the fruits and vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating or juicing for the best flavor.

6. Leftovers
Store leftovers in glass or other microwave-safe containers. This will help entice hungry fridge-shoppers to pop the leftovers directly into the microwave for quick consumption.

7. Placement in the refrigerator
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator at eye level. Also, since the bottom shelves of the fridge are the coldest, store milk and other cold-thriving foods there. Use the settings on the crisper and meat drawers to properly store the contents.

In the pantry

8. Garlic and onions
Garlic does best when kept in a cool, dark location. Like their cousin garlic, onions also keep best in the dark. A rack or a bin that allows for air circulation is necessary to prevent mold.

9. Potatoes
Similar to alliums, potatoes also store best in pantry darkness. To keep potatoes longer, however, be sure to keep them away from the garlic and onions. The gas given off by onions speeds up the decay process in potatoes.

10. Tomatoes
Juicy, ripening tomatoes should be kept at room temperature. The cooler temperatures of the refrigerator take away some of the flavors of a tomato. If a tomato is overripe, however, keeping it in the fridge will help prolong its life a few days until it can be used.

11. Basil
Although most fresh herbs should be kept in the fridge, basil is best stored in water at room temperature. Place fresh basil stems in a little jar or vase with water to prolong the herb's life and to enjoy its fresh scent.