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Last Updated on July 6, 2019 by Tracy
How To Keep Produce Fresher Longer
I use fresh fruits, vegetables and greens in my smoothies every day. I have a salad just about every day with dinner. I love serving up fresh sauteed vegetables as a side. However, my husband and kids do not share my love of a daily smoothie, and my son refuses most fruits and vegetables, and my daughter can also be particular. So, that means I either have to eat a LOT of fruit and vegetables daily, or only buy a few produce items for my smoothies (which gets BORING!), or I end up throwing out some produce that I just don’t get the chance to eat.
Taking those once beautiful strawberries and putting them in the trash or garage disposal is heart breaking, not only am I throwing out fresh produce, but I am throwing out money.
So, how do we fix this problem? I would like to say, eat more fruit and vegetables, but we all know that sometimes that’s just not possible. We go away for a weekend, we just can’t make another strawberry smoothie, you already made a ton of fresh salsa and you still have tomatoes and peppers in the garden. You need a way to make your produce last longer, stay fresher.
You need Rubbermaid FreshWorks.
I was asked by Rubbermaid to do a Long Live Produce challenge and I gladly accepted. If they found something that would make my fruits and veggies last longer and save me money, I am in!
So, what is FreshWorks?
It is storage for your produce that utilizes a revolutionary technology that creates the optimal environment to keep your produce fresh up to 80% longer than using traditional packaging.
How does FreshWorks keep your produce fresher longer?
- The storage containers have a FreshVent™ Lid that contains revolutionary membrane that naturally regulates the flow of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide to create the optimal environment so your produce stays farm fresh.
- Produce container sized to optimally fit and keep produce fresher, longer.
- CrispTray™ elevates produce away from moisture and promotes proper airflow to help prevent spoilage.
What produce can fit into FreshWorks containers?
Everything from berries to leafy greens! There are three different sizes to fit your produce needs.
- Small (2.5 Cups): Ideal for small berries
- Medium (6.3 Cups): Perfect for strawberries
- Large (17.3 Cups): Optimal for leafy greens
How did my Long Live Produce Challenge go?
I bought organic strawberries and blueberries from the store and put one package in my new Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers and left the others in the store bought packaging.
**Store packaging on the left, FreshWorks Container on the right in all images.**
After a few days, I noticed that the store packaged berries were ripening faster.
After a week, there were a few berries in the store packaging that I definitely wouldn’t consider eating.
After 11 days, my store packaged berries had signs of mold, rot, and were tossed in the disposal.
And my daughter and her friend gladly ate the berries that were in the FreshWorks Container π
And I used my still-fresh blueberries to make my Blueberry Delight Breakfast Casserole
Was my Long Live Produce Challenge a success?
Definitely, the Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers did indeed keep my produce fresher longer. I will definitely be using them from now on for all my produce! LONG LIVE PRODUCE!
Did you know?
Americans waste 23 billion pounds and $24 billion worth of fresh produce each year because it spoils before we can eat it. That’s 187 pounds and $192 per household that can be saved by using FreshWorks .
Where to buy:
- Keep a look out for FreshWorks at your favorite retailers like: Walmart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and more
- Online
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Please note – it is recommended that you do not cut or wash your produce before adding them to your FreshWorks containers.
I want to try FreshWorks – this is a great invention. I spend quite a bit of energy trying to make sure nothing goes bad, it is worth it to have these, and not feel so obsessed about the fruits and veggies. They are quite pricey, and for environmental reasons, too, nobody wants to waste food. This makes it easier.
I agree, I hate wasting food! Especially fruits and vegetables! Definitely keep a look out for them in your favorite store and online – I have really been pleased with FreshWorks so far.
I really need to try this. Like everyone I to, hate wasting money.
I’ve seen those containers before and wondered if they really worked. Thanks for showing the comparison pictures between those containers and the store containers. I will have to look into buying some now that I see it really works. I hate throwing away produce too.
I just bought my first set of these and have found that the large one will keep my bagged spinach much fresher longer. After reading your post, I ran to put one of my packages of strawberries in the medium sized container and the other I left in the store container. I can’t wait to see the difference for myself!
I am glad to hear that you have been enjoying them too – be sure to come back and share your results with me too π I have been very happy with them so far!! I have noticed that my lettuce definitely stays fresher too!
I really enjoyed this thank you for sharing!!! My fruits and veggies always go bad fast!!!
Thanks for the tip about not washing the fruits vegetables before putting them in the containers. The first thing I do when getting home from the store is rinse, then put in the fridge.
That’s certainly a massive difference in the quality. With millions starving in the world it feels morally wrong to waste food.
It can be hard keeping produce fresh. Some great products and ideas here. I look forward to checking these out further….because I definitely need help in this area!
I am putting these on my Shopping list I waste so many berries from molding. Freshworks look great!
I hadn’t heard of this before, and I definitely have a need for it! Thanks for the review!
Great tip, thanks!
These are great ideas!
Thank you!