How to use your fridge crisper drawer properly

• Open vent = low-humidity drawer: This setting increases airflow and reduces moisture. It’s ideal for storing ethylene-emitting fruits (see below), which release gases that speed up the ripening process and can cause some veggies to spoil.

• Closed vent = high-humidity drawer: This setting traps moisture, creating a more humid environment. It’s perfect for leafy vegetables and other greens that need moisture to stay crisp and avoid wilting.

Low-humidity setting (open vent)

Store fruits, and a couple of types of vegetable, that prefer drier conditions and those that release ethylene gas, including:

• Apples and kiwis

• Blueberries

• Stone fruit (plums, apricots, nectarines)

• Citrus fruits (limes, oranges, lemons)

• Rockmelons and other melons (once cut)

• Cucumbers and zucchinis.

These fruits and vegies will stay fresher in a low-humidity environment, because excess moisture won’t speed up the ripening process or cause mould to develop.

High-humidity setting (closed vent)

Store veggies that need moisture to stay crisp, and leafy greens that are sensitive to ethylene gas, such as:

• Baby spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula

• Carrots, radishes and beetroot

• Shallots/spring onions and Brussels sprouts

• Broccoli and cauliflower.

This setting helps prevent moisture loss, keeping your veggies firm and reducing wilting and rotting.

Moderate-humidity setting (half-closed vent)

If you don’t have separate drawers, try setting the vent to a partially closed position. This creates moderate humidity, which works reasonably well for a mixed batch of fruits and veggies.

You can also separate produce within the drawer by using perforated storage containers or bags to control airflow and moisture levels. This helps prevent ‘cross-contamination’ between ethylene-producing fruits and ethylene-sensitive veggies.

• Wrap leafy greens and bunches of fresh herbs in a damp kitchen towel before placing them in the crisper. This adds extra moisture and prevents wilting.

• Keep cucumbers and carrots dry by wrapping them in a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture, which can lead to sliminess.

• Don’t wash produce before storing it. Washing adds moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. Instead, wash fruits and veggies just before eating.

• Avoid airtight containers for moisture-sensitive produce. While sealed containers work well for berries, they can trap too much moisture for veggies like cucumbers, leading to sliminess.

• Don’t overcrowd the crisper drawer. Allowing some airflow helps maintain the right humidity levels, preventing wilting, mould or sliminess.

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