Got a bunch of green bananas? Learn how to ripen them for baking, cooking or snacking. A ripe banana can be a thing of beauty. Getty Images Luckily, there are several ways to ripen bananas quickly. What Causes Bananas to Ripen? Bananas are a climacteric fruit, meaning they ripen after they are picked from the plant. Bananas produce high amounts of ethylene gas, a plant hormone that regulates growth and development....

Learn the easy ways to keep your apples for short-term and long-term storage. Plus, pick up a few delicious apple recipes along the way. Plus, we’ll tell you how to store cut apples and how to freeze apples. Look for apples that are smooth, unwrinkled and free of blemishes. Sinceapples come in different colors, snag the ones with bright, vibrant-looking skin. When sniffed, they should smell pleasantly fruity with no trace of rottenness or dankness....

Learn how to store this delicate leafy green, including the best way to freeze it. However you plan to enjoy fresh arugula, make the most of it by storing it properly. Look for arugula that is bright green with no yellowing. If the arugula has any slimy spots or wet leaves, skip it. That’s an indication that the arugula is starting to spoil. Additionally, if there is any bruising (dark spots) on the leaves, skip it....

Dont let any fruit go to wastelearn the best way to store cherries so they last. Cherries are an all-around winner in the kitchen. Whether they’re sour or sweet, cherries are delicious in desserts,drinksandsnacks. Photo: Getty Images The fruit also has somegreat health benefits, including being packed with antioxidants and melatonin. Cherry season is fleetingthey’re best in the summer. How Do You Keep Cherries Fresh for Longer? That’s why the refrigerator is the best place to store cherries....

If youre stumped on how to store cucumbers, we can help. The cool crunch of cucumber in our salads is the song of summer. That leaves us with another conundrum: how to store cucumbers so they stay fresh. How Long Do Cucumbers Last? When stored properly, cucumbers can last up to one week in the refrigerator. This timeframe is applicable to both whole cucumbers and sliced cucumbers. If you’re looking for a long-term storage solution, you could try freezing cucumbers....

Because no one likes slimy greens. Why Does Spinach Go Bad? Have you ever purchased a package of spinach only to discover the leaves have turned slimy within days? Photo: Casey Barber Why does spinach seem to quickly go from yum to yuck? The answer: Moisture. First, the leaves should be crisp and dark green without any signs of yellowing on the edges. Casey Barber Another indicator of bad spinach is if the leaves are slimy or wilted....

Dont let fresh strawberries go to wastefind out the best way to store this delicious fruit. Is there anything better in summer than a truly ripe, fresh strawberry? Plus, get tips for when to wash strawberries and when to cut them. Getty Images Place strawberries in a paper-towel-lined shallow container in a single layer. You may need more than one container, and that’s fine. Loosely cover the container with its lid or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate....

Have no idea when you opened that carton of oat milk? Here’s how to tell if it’s past its prime. How Long Can Oat Milk Last in the Fridge? Getty Images But thoselabels can read like a bit of a riddle. Most should last from 7 to 10 days, but check the label to be sure. How Long Does Shelf-Stable Oat Milk Last? Unopened, most shelf-stable oat milks should last for at least six months in your pantry or a cabinet....

Nutritious, delicious and versatile,yogurtis a staple in many people’s kitchens. But how long does it last? Can you still eat yogurt past the “use by” date on the carton? Getty Images Keep yogurt fresh by storing it in thecoldest part of the fridgewhere the temperature is the most consistent. How Long Does Yogurt Last in the Fridge Once Opened? Using dirty utensils Got a large tub of yogurt and can’t finish it all?...

Corn tortillas are an indispensible cooking staple. But before you tap into their flexibility, they need to be warmed up slightly. Warming tortillas prevents them from cracking and breaking. On The Stove Turn a gas or electric burner on high. Cover tortillas to keep warm.

Tacos Rancheros will become your favorite way to combine eggs and the classic flavors of tacos. Add onion; cook about 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds more. Return to heat and stir in the water, continuing to mash the beans. Simmer until beans are thick and of spreading consistency (mixture won’t be completely smooth). Remove from skillet; keep warm. Rinse and dry the skillet; coat with cooking spray....

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