How to Properly Use Your Fridge Crisper Drawers

March 29, 2021
by Katherine Sousa Tips and Tricks

    It’s time to say goodbye to wilted greens and moldy fruit, because we’re teaching you how to properly use your refrigerator’s crisper drawers to keep your produce fresh, longer. 

    Did you know that there is a proper way to use your refrigerator crisper drawers that can help keep your produce fresh? Gone are the days of your crisper drawers being a place your produce goes to waste, say hello to fresh produce that lasts longer.

    Do you know why all your produce is going bad so quickly? Ethylene Gas. Certain fruits (like bananas) release ethylene gas as the ripen. This is great if you want to quickly ripen an avocado (which is why putting an avocado in a paper bag with bananas is so effective), however if you want your greens to stay crisp and fresh it’s not so great. But good thing for you, your fridge is built to help you keep your fruit and veggie fresh – you just need to know how to use it.

    How do refrigerator crisper drawers work?

    So how does it work? Your refrigerator’s crisper drawers are made be adjusted based on what produce you need to put in them. Almost any fridge you have will have an adjustable airflow slider. This is the key to using your crisper drawers properly. When you shut the airflow access, you’re creating a high-humidity crisper drawer. When you keep the airflow open you’re creating a low-humidity drawer. If you’re fridge doesn’t have manual sliders, just assume the crisper drawers are high-humidity.

    What belongs in each crisper drawer?

    So what belongs in each drawer? There is a general rule to follow, if it rots keep it in low-humidity drawer and if it wilts keep it in the high-humidity drawer.

    For your low-humidity drawer, it’s mostly fruit and this includes ethylene-producing produce. Produce like peaches, apples, pears, figs, kiwi, mango, papaya, apricots, plums, nectarines, avocado, blueberries, grapes, mushrooms, green onion, and citrus fruits.

    For your high-humidity drawer, it should be leafy greens and other produce that tends to wilt rather than rot – this also includes produce that doesn’t produce ethylene gas. Produce like okra, lettuce, kale, arugula, spinach, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, green beans, peas, peppers, squash, cucumber, cauliflower, asparagus, and zucchini.

    Top tips for using crisper drawers properly:

    • Don’t overstuff the drawers. Crisper drawers are designed to work when two-thirds full, so it’s best not to overstuff your drawers to keep your produce fresh for longer. Packing produce too tightly doesn’t leave enough airflow in between each produce.
    • Adjust the settings as needed. If you don’t need a high and a low humidity drawer, it’s okay! You can use both as a high or low, or have one of each.

    Looking for delicious ways to use up your fresh produce? Enjoy a fresh start to your morning and a little taste of Spring. We’ve got you covered with 3 homemade juices to brighten up your day.

     

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