The key to understanding the life cycle of your weekly fresh produce haul is thinking about its moisture content.

A berry is going to go bad much faster than an apple because berries are mostly water.

But it doesnt have to be this way.

Strawberries are photographed in a studio.

Fresh for: 1 to 3 Days

1.

Place a plastic bag loosely over the top, and your asparagus could last for up to a week.

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2.

You should also keep your berry haul in the fridge, ideally without a lid.

Otherwise, that satisfying crunch will turn wilted fast.

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Kale tends to be the heartier of the three due to its low moisture content.

Spinach and lettuce on the other hand have a high moisture content.

They also lack any sort of a protective covering, like a peel.

So, first things first, get them out of the packaging.

Keep an eye on it, though.

If you see a couple leaves losing their freshness, take them out so the rest stay fresh.

Peaches

Peaches are another sensitive fruit.

Theyre best stored in the refrigerator, but dont often stay fresh for more than four days.

The key here is to keep them away from other fruits andethylene-producing vegetableslike green beans and broccoli.

Fresh for: 3 to 6 Days

5.

Avocados

Bet you didnt expect to see avocados this far down the list.

Bananas

Bananas can last between three days to a week when stored on your counter.

confirm theyre in a cool, well-ventilated space.

If theyre packaged in plastic, remove it.

Broccoli

Broccoli is slightly heartier than leafy relatives like spinach and kale.

However, just like spinach and kale, broccoli is susceptible to moisture.

Green Beans

Like broccoli, green beans are a veg that will hang in there longer than most greens.

They could stay fresh up to a week if stored like this.

Tomatoes

First things first: Get your tomatoesout of the fridge.

They will usually keep for a week this way.

Otherwise youll compromise their taste and texture.

Fresh for: A Week or Longer

10.

Apples

Apples win the prize for the longest lasting fruit of those listed.

Carrots are among the vegetables that last the longest.

Cauliflower

This vegetable wont quit.

Because of its low moisture content, it can stay fresh in your fridge for up to two weeks.

Its best to remove the plastic if you see moisture collecting, especially near the stem.

Potatoes

Potatoes can last up totwo monthsif stored in a cool place and away from sunlight.

Your pantry is the perfect spot.

Squash

It dependson the squash, but most will last between one to three months.

If they start to get mushy or show signs of mold, its time to throw them out.

Anna Brugmann is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.