Is there really such a thing as too many food hacks? Probably not, right? It doesn’t matter how old you are – there’s always something new to discover and learn in the kitchen. And because food waste is such a huge problem, we’ve come up with 8 food hacks that will help keep your food fresh for longer. By using these tricks, you’ll not only help the environment but also your bank account. Say goodbye to the days when you had to throw away unused food. These 8 genius hacks are sure to help you avoid food waste!
1. Store Onions Properly
You’ll Need:
- nylon stockings
Here’s How:
Wrap up one onion at a time in a pair of nylon stockings and make a knot between each bulb to separate them. To avoid dents, hang up the onion-filled tights. This trick will make your onions last up to 6 months longer.
2. Keep Bugs At Bay
You’ll Need:
- bay leaves
Here’s How:
The best way to save flour and grains from bugs, moths, and worms is to put a few bay leaves in the containers. Bye bye, bugs!
3. Preserve Leftover Tomato Paste
You’ll Need:
- parchment paper
- freezer bag
- freezer
Here’s How:
The next time you find yourself at the end of a tube or jar of tomato paste, don’t throw away the leftovers! Make small dollops of tomato paste with a spoon or ice cream scooper and put them on a piece of parchment paper. Cut the parchment paper into squares and wrap the tomato paste in it to make them look sort of like hard candy. Put the pieces of « candy » into a freezer bag and then place them in the freezer. The frozen tomato paste will last at least another 5 months.
4. Keep Cheese From Getting Moldy
You’ll Need:
- water
- salt
- food storage container
Here’s How:
The next time you notice a little bit of mold on your cheese, don’t throw it away. Just cut off the moldy piece and put the rest of the cheese in a homemade brine. To make the brine, put some water and salt in a container and then add the cheese. This method is a surefire way to keep your favorite snack food fresh for way longer.
5. Save Wilted Herbs
You’ll Need:
- parchment paper
- sheet pan
- oven
Here’s How:
Throwing wilted herbs into the trash is a total waste and totally avoidable. All you need to do to save those sad-looking greens from their untimely deaths is to scatter them on a piece of parchment paper and put them in the oven at 125°F. Store your dried herbs in an airtight container and use them whenever you feel like it.
6. Keep Ginger Fresh For Longer
You’ll Need:
- Mason jar
- water
Here’s How:
Give your ginger root a rough chop, put it in a Mason jar, cover the ginger with water, and seal the jar. This helps the ginger stay nice and fresh for a really long time.
