10 Weird But Effective Freshness Hacks That Get The Job Done (5 of 6)

Avocados

Speed up the ripening process of your avocados in two steps. First, place it in a bag with a banana. The banana gives off high levels of ethylene thanks to which avocados will ripen faster. Next, give your avocado a warm embrace. Nestling it in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water for 10-15 minutes can mimic the sun’s ripening effect by encouraging the fruit’s enzymes to get moving. And for a final, hands-on trick, befriend friction! Gently rolling your avocado on a hard surface, like your countertop, helps distribute its oils evenly, giving the ripening process a nudge.

Dry Fruit

Turn back the clock on dry fruit expiration with these pantry power-ups! Ditch flimsy bags and embrace airtight jars or canisters, like trusty glass soldiers guarding against moisture, air, and pesky critters. Find a cool, dark corner in your pantry (think away from sunbathers and radiators) for these flavor-packed troops. Portion control is key – avoid exposing the whole squad at once!