Chef's secrets and food facts

1. Whole melons will last for a couple weeks if kept cold. Cut melons wrapped in plastic wrap will keep for a few days
2. Don’t wash berries until you need them
3. Strawberries will last longer if stored in the refrigerator in a container that allows air to circulate
4. Blueberries are an antioxidant and are higher in Vitamin C
5. Never leave a moldy piece of fruit or berry lying next to a good one, it will cause the mold to spread quickly
6. Cook cranberries only until they pop as any longer will make them taste bitter
7. When cooking fruit, always add a tablespoon of butter and it will eliminate over boiling and excess foam
8. Shredded grapefruit is a great addition to any fish salad or dish
9. Adding salt to any melon will make it taste sweeter
10. Kiwi may be used to tenderize meat. Also papaya
11. If you sprinkle lemons or limes with water and then refrigerate, they will last for months
12. Submerge a lemon or lime in hot water for 15 minutes before squeezing and you will get 90 percent more juice