food storage

If you've tried it all — resealable baggies, plastic containers from delis, and even mini shampoo bottles — but haven't yet found the best way to pack salad dressing for lunch, then try these three mini containers and bottles, made from plastic, silicone, and glass. They're guaranteed to be food-safe, durable, and, most importantly, spill-free.

Nalgene Leakproof Jars ($2) — The makers of the BPA-free plastic water bottles also make these mini leakproof jars with a screw lid that hold just enough salad dressing for lunch.

See more salad containers.

If you're not yet acquainted with your supermarket's bulk aisle, there's no time like the present. Assuming your market has high turnover, bulk items are generally fresher, more economical — particularly when you need just a bit of an ingredient — and allow for eco-friendly shopping as they reduce and can even eliminate disposable packaging from the equation. Add to that the variety of snacks, staples, and even spices on offer in some stores, and it's no wonder many swear by this section. But before we get carried away, keep these tips in mind:

• Stock up on storage containers: Transfer your newly bought loot to a sturdy storage container — whether it be a pop-top container for grains, nuts, dried fruit, and the like, or small jars for spices — to avoid a pile up of flimsy plastic bags, and an organizational headache. That said, if you're planning to use up the contents of your purchase within a few days, don't sweat it.
• Don't get too carried away: It's easy to get excited by the plethora of options on offer, snapping up a bit of this and a bit of that, but keep in mind that like a buffet, the bulk aisle's variety can lead to overconsumption, overspending, and even waste. Buy what you think you'll use in a few weeks (longer if you're shopping for spices, oils, or vinegars), unless you're shopping somewhere unusual, and don't think you'll find the ingredient elsewhere. You can always come back for more!

Keep reading for two more tips.

Picnics, brunches, and tea parties call for tea sandwiches, but those delicate bites tend to dry out in a flash. What's the solution? Dampen a paper towel, wring out any excess water, and cover the tops of the sandwiches before you store them in an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. The damp paper towel will keep the bread hydrated plus it acts as a protective barrier from the air. Keeping the tea sandwiches wrapped until the second you plan to serve or eat them will also prevent them from drying out.

If you don't have a mason jar in your kitchen, then it's about time you invest in this multipurpose container. There's no need to invest in fancy kitchen equipment when mason jars are able to do (and store) so much, plus they'll only cost you about a dollar a jar. From preserving fruits to shaking up salad dressings, take a look at the major uses for this glass canning jar

We've all been there: going a little bulk-bin happy and ending up with a lifetime supply of walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Months later, when you rediscover the stash, you come to the devastating realization that they've gone completely rancid, and all of that money has gone to waste! It's a challenge to know how long nuts and seeds will last, but there are tricks to buying and storing them to extend their shelf life so that you don't end up tossing the majority in the trash. Here are a few rules to live by:

• Taste-test before you buy: Nuts and seeds are expensive, but buying them in bulk is not only more economical; it also allows you to taste a few to make sure the batch is fresh and not rancid. Additionally, those from the bulk bins tend to have a higher turnover than prepackaged nuts, so there's a lower chance of rancidity.
• Only buy what you need: Ignore the special two-for-one sales, and only buy what you need for the week. It's better to replenish your nut and seed stashes frequently to ensure that you are using the freshest nuts and seeds available, rather than cashing in on deals, because chances are that, if they're on sale, the nuts and seeds are past their prime.
• Buy whole, raw nuts: Chopped, sliced, ground, or blanched nuts and seeds have a shorter shelf life than whole, raw varieties. These processed versions produce oxidize faster, because the oils inside the nuts and seeds are exposed to more air. When it makes sense for your recipes, try to avoid precut varieties.

Learn more nut and seed storing tips.

It may be hard to visualize given Summer's solid grip right now, but in a few months, we'll be indoors, seeking respite from the cold and washing away the Winter fruit shortage with little more than apples and oranges for comfort. So what's a girl to do?

Take a hint from Kate Kiernoziak, sous chef at San Francisco's Credo Restaurant: stock up on stone fruits, berries, and melons at the farmers market, then pickle them while they're still at their seasonal peak so you can enjoy them any time of year, rain or shine.

Keep reading for tips on making your own extraordinary-tasting pickled fruit

Here at the office, we're big fans of mason jar meals; we've found you can avoid the hassle that comes with plastic food containers if you bring your lunch to work or school in a Ball jar. These glass storage containers are easy to clean and not prone to residue. We love that they seal, which prevents leaking in your bag, and they leave no plastic flavor in food. Best of all, they can hold anything from salads (think of all the stacked Caprese salads you could enjoy for lunch!) to various types of soup. You can heat up the contents in a microwave and eat it right out of the jar, if you like, to avoid cleaning more dishes. They're also reusable, affordable, and eco-friendly. Next time you find yourself searching frantically for that one lid that fits your plastic Tupperware container, I say think again and reach for the mason jar instead.

How do you bring your food to work?

I love finding easy ways to make little shifts that make a big difference from the environment. I don't have the space for a compost box, and I do love indulging in a long shower every now and again, but finding a supersimple way to store food without plastic? I'm game. While we consider plastic as positive, plastic is not a biodegradable. And while it can be recycled, many stations are asking us to abstain from tossing plastic bags in our bins. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make a few easy switches that will really help the Earth, without making your life any more difficult. Keep reading for an abbreviated list of the way to store some favorite Fall produce without plastic.