5 Tips to Keep Food Fresh for Longer

One of the biggest challenges home cooks face is keeping ingredients and leftovers fresh for as long as possible. Here are our top practical tips: 1. Store leafy greens (like arugula and parsley) wrapped in paper towels inside a plastic bag in the fridge; this keeps them crisp and fresh much longer. 2. Never leave cooked rice or pasta at room temperature for more than two hours; chill them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 3. Keep whole garlic and onions in a cool, dry, dark pantry rather than the fridge to prevent mold and sprouting. 4. If you have extra meat or poultry, portion it into meal-sized freezer bags before freezing so you only thaw what you need. 5. Practice the "first in, first out" rule—organize your fridge so older items sit up front, ensuring you use them before they spoil.