Here’s a detailed version of that life hack:
How to Store Fruit and Vegetables in Glass Canning Jars
If you often find your fruits or vegetables going bad too quickly, this simple method can help prolong their freshness. By transferring your produce into glass canning jars, you can keep them fresh for much longer — sometimes over a month! Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients and Tools:
- Fresh fruit or vegetables (from Aldi or any grocery store)
- Glass canning jars (with lids)
- Cold water
- Clean towel or paper towels
- Refrigerator
Instructions:
- Select Fresh Produce:
When you’re at the store, choose fresh, undamaged fruits and vegetables. Aldi’s produce section offers a wide variety — strawberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwis, leafy greens, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and more! - Prepare Your Workspace:
Clean your glass canning jars and their lids thoroughly with hot soapy water. Rinse them well, and let them air-dry or pat dry with a clean towel. - Rinse the Produce:
Take the fruits or vegetables out of their original packaging. Rinse them gently under cold water. For fruits like strawberries or blueberries, use a colander to avoid crushing them. For leafy greens or veggies like cucumbers or carrots, rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. - Dry the Produce:
After rinsing, pat the produce dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Make sure the produce is mostly dry, especially for leafy greens, as excess moisture can cause faster spoilage. - Transfer to Glass Jars:
Carefully place your dried fruits or vegetables into the glass canning jars. For soft fruits like strawberries and grapes, layer them loosely to avoid bruising. For leafy greens, loosely pack the jars to allow air circulation. Veggies like carrots and cucumbers can be packed a bit tighter. - Seal the Jars:
Once the jars are filled, tightly seal them with the lids. - Refrigerate:
Place the sealed jars in your refrigerator. The cold, sealed environment of the jars will help extend the life of your produce. You’ll notice that your fruits and vegetables will stay fresh much longer — often past a month! - Enjoy:
Whenever you’re ready to enjoy your fruit or veggies, simply open the jar, wash again if necessary, and use them. You’ll be surprised by how fresh they remain, even if you’ve forgotten them for a while!
Tip:
- Keep a rotating stock of produce in your fridge so that older jars are used first to minimize food waste.
Try this method and experience how it keeps your produce fresher for longer! You can even label the jars with dates to keep track of when you stored them. Let me know how it works for you! 🍓🥬🥕