If you’re someone who loves discovering clever kitchen tricks that make your life a little easier, you’re in for a treat! These food hacks can help with everything from preserving freshness to cutting down on prep time. So whether you’re aiming to reduce food waste or add some ease to your cooking, here are some tips and hacks you’ll want to try today!
1. How to Keep Bananas Fresh Longer
Wrap the stem of your bananas with plastic wrap. It slows down the release of ethylene gas, which causes them to ripen (and brown) faster. This trick can help extend your bananas’ life by several days! And if they’re already overripe, make banana bread!
2. How To Keep Fresh Pizza Crust on Hand
Store pizza bases in airtight containers or plastic bags with a dry paper towel. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, preventing mold from forming and keeping your bases fresher for longer. You can also lightly dust them with flour to minimize moisture. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ll have fresh bases whenever you’re ready to build the perfect pie!
3. How to Keep Herbs Fresh with a ‘Herb Bouquet’
Fresh herbs often wilt quickly in the fridge. Instead, trim the stems and place the herbs upright in a glass with an inch or two of water, like a bouquet! Cover with a plastic bag, and they can last up to two weeks.
4. The Bread Trick for Soft Cookies
If you love soft cookies, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft and chewy for days.
5. Use Ice Cubes to Steam Leftovers
If you’re reheating leftover pasta, rice, or even pizza in the microwave, place an ice cube on top. The steam from the melting ice prevents food from drying out, giving you a better texture with each bite.
6. Slice Cherry Tomatoes in Seconds
If you find slicing cherry tomatoes one at a time a hassle, here’s a quick solution. Place them between two plates (rim to rim) and gently press down while slicing horizontally with a sharp knife. This cuts them all in half at once, saving you loads of time.
7. Keep Avocados Fresh with an Onion Slice
Store leftover avocado with a slice of onion in an airtight container. The sulfur in the onion slows browning, keeping your avocado fresh and green for longer.
8. Revive Stale Bread with a Damp Paper Towel
Wrap a stale piece of bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 10-15 seconds. The moisture brings it back to life, making it soft and delicious again.
9. Frozen Grapes as Wine Chillers
Instead of ice, use frozen grapes to chill your wine. They keep your drink cool without watering it down and add a fun, fruity touch to your glass!
10. Save Vegetable Scraps for Homemade Broth
Don’t toss your veggie scraps! Save carrot peels, onion skins, and herb stems in a freezer bag. Once it’s full, simmer with water to make a rich homemade vegetable broth—no waste and full flavor!
Which Will You Try First?
These simple food hacks are easy to incorporate into your daily cooking and food storage routines. By using little tricks like a paper towel for your pizza bases or a slice of bread with your cookies, you can keep your food fresher, prevent waste, and even save some time along the way! So go ahead and give these a try—you might be surprised at how big of a difference these small tips can make.