Every refrigerator comes with a separate section for vegetables and fruits, usually at the bottom of the refrigerator. But why is that a completely different section, and not a part of the regular freezer? Here is the reason.
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The separate section for produce at the bottom of refrigerators is known as the crisper drawer, and it is not there just for better presentation. It actually has a unique function that keeps the produce fresh for longer.
The drawers are specifically designed to control humidity . The general area of the refrigerator typically circulates cold, dry air to keep food chilled and fresh. However, fresh produce has different requirements, sometimes even within the same type. Different types of produce benefit from different moisture levels. While some items wilt quickly without moisture, others spoil with too much moisture or natural ripening gases.
Crisper drawers usually come with a humidity controller. The High-humidity settings trap moisture in the drawer by keeping vents closed, keeping certain types of fruits and vegetables from drying out or becoming limp.
On the other hand, low-humidity settings open the vents, allowing natural ripening gases like ethylene and moisture to escape. Ethylene is naturally released by certain fruits as they ripen, which can cause fruits and vegetables nearby to ripen faster and even spoil.
According to Southern Living , if a refrigerator has two crisper drawers, it is best to keep one in a high-humidity setting and another in a low-humidity setting.
Fresh produce that benefits from staying in a high-humidity environment includes leafy greens, herbs and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers. In short, vegetables that dry out quickly.
Produce that stays fresh for longer in low humidity includes fruits like apples, pears, grapes, Stone Fruits, and ripe avocados, which produce ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening.
While refrigerators are a common appliance across households, not everyone knows how best to use a crisper drawer to get the most out of their appliance. Here is a list of common utility mistakes that make the crisper drawer less effective.
Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, us news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research. Read More
