The preparation and use of fresh flowers are important both during holidays and in daily religious rituals. People often purchase flowers such as marigolds and roses to decorate temples, prepare offerings for worship, and enhance the appearance of home shrines. However, a problem arises: fresh flowers bought at the market begin to wilt the very next day, forcing people to throw them away.
If you encounter this problem, you no longer need to worry about flowers wilting quickly. It is not just about buying flowers, but also about the correct way to store them. Many place flowers directly in the refrigerator, but improper storage prevents them from staying fresh for long periods. The good news is that this does not require expensive products; a simple trick can be used.
Although many put flowers directly into the refrigerator, it is crucial to store them properly. This does not require expensive goods; you can use a large household tray, paper towels, and a little rice. Paper towels and rice help absorb excess moisture from the flowers, reducing the risk of moisture buildup around them.
To start, take a large, clean tray and line it with paper towels. It is important that the tray is completely dry to prevent external moisture from getting on the flowers. Then, sprinkle a small amount of dry rice grains over the paper towels. The rice grains and paper towels are used to absorb excess moisture around the flowers.
When placing flowers in the tray, a specific order should be observed. Heavier and sturdier flowers, such as marigolds, should be placed at the bottom, while more delicate flowers with petals, such as roses, should be placed on top. This prevents excessive pressure on the flowers and reduces the likelihood of petal damage. When arranging, ensure the flowers are not heavily compressed.
After placing the flowers in the tray, sprinkle them with a small amount of dry rice grains, and then gently cover them with a paper towel. After this, place the tray in the refrigerator, but choose a spot where the temperature will not be too low, and under no circumstances should you put the flowers in the freezer.
To keep flowers fresher for longer, any damaged or wilted petals must be removed before storage. It should be avoided to place moist flowers directly into the tray. You should also regularly check the paper towel for accumulated moisture and change it if it gets wet. Furthermore, flowers should be kept away from fruits, such as apples and bananas, because the ethylene they emit can accelerate flower wilting.
Nevertheless, this method does not guarantee that the flowers will remain fresh for a whole week. The lifespan of the flowers depends on their variety, the degree of freshness at the time of purchase, and the temperature in the refrigerator.