How to Keep Vegetables Crisp Without a Crisper Drawer

Vegetables keep well in the refrigerator when lightly wrapped in plastic.

You don't need a crisper drawer in your refrigerator to keep your produce fresh. Use plastic bags or containers to recreate the effect of a crisper drawer. By storing vegetables in plastic in the refrigerator, you keep the environment moist, preventing the veggies from drying out and getting wrinkly. Does this Spark an idea?

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Plastic bags or containers
Scissors
Plastic wrap or foil
Paper towels
Tall glass

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place fresh vegetables in large, plastic bags or plastic storage containers. Poke holes in the plastic bags or containers with scissors to allow air to circulate around the vegetables. Storing vegetables in plastic without allowing them to breathe can speed up the decaying process.
- 2
  
  Loosely wrap vegetables in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, leaving some openings for air to reach the produce. Use this technique especially with foods that put off a strong odor, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
- 3
  
  Completely dry produce with paper towels before putting it in plastic to store in the refrigerator. Avoid putting wet produce in plastic, as doing so can speed up decay.
- 4
  
  Store celery and asparagus standing up with the stems sitting in a tall glass of water. Cover the top of the glass with a plastic bag and keep the produce on a shelf in the refrigerator. Alternatively, wrap the vegetables' stalks in wet paper towels before storing in plastic.
- 5
  
  Store fresh fruit and vegetables separately. Some fruits, such as apples and pears, emit a gas that can cause vegetables to become overripe.

Tips & Warnings

Use produce quickly after purchasing to prevent vegetables from spoiling before you get a chance to eat them.
Don't refrigerate onions, potatoes or winter squash. Instead, store these items in a cool, dark, dry place.