Keep Fresh Produce Fresher, Longer

So your garden is a success this year. A big success. Because of you, all your friends, family and co-workers now eat green beans three times a week. You’ve got squash piling up in the fridge faster than coupons in your mailbox, and a brigade of tomatoes has begun to fall into formation on your countertop. So how do you best store your home grown produce to share and enjoy next week, or the week after?

For most vegetables the ideal storage conditions are a dry location between 32-38 degrees.  Here are some tips for keeping your produce fresh in the refridgerator.

Apples
Apples will absorb odors, so store them separately from other produce. They also give off ethylene, which speeds ripening in other produce.

Asparagus
Place in a plastic bag and use within a span of 3-4 days 

Blueberries
Store blueberries in a shallow container for up to four days. Do not wash before storing.

Cabbage
Store heads of cabbage in a plastic bag for up to two weeks. The longer cabbage is stored, the stronger the flavor and aroma become. Store a half head by sprinkling the cut side with water, and sealing in a plastic bag.

Carrots
Cut off the tops, and store carrots in a paper bag. A plastic bag works well too, and the carrots will keep for several weeks, but they’ll taste their best during the first week. 

Corn
Corn stores the most poorly of any vegetable. Try and use it the day you pick it.

Cucumbers
Homegrown cucumbers will dry out much faster than the wax coated store bought ones. If you store your cukes unwashed, away from other produce, they’ll last a week or more.

Eggplant
When stored in your fridge’s crisper, it will stay fresh up to a week.

Grapes
Store grapes in a sealed plastic bag until you’re ready to use them. They can keep for several days.

Green Beans
Green beans stored in a plastic produce bag in the refrigerator can last for about a week.

Greens
Start by rinsing the leaves and removing any bad spots. Then dry between paper towels and store in the fridge in a plastic bag.

Herbs
herbs like basil, parsley and cilantro keep better if left on the stem. Place the branch in a glass of water, and cover with a plastic bag.

Melons
Keep melons away from other fruit, in a dry place between 45 and 50 degrees.  Refrigerate melons after cutting.

Peaches
Store peaches in a paper bag at room temperature until they’re ripe, then refrigerate for up to five days. Separate peaches from other fruit to avoid overripening.

Pears
Pears are best harvested before they have fully ripened. Store at room temperature for a few days, then refrigerate apart from other produce. They can last up to a week.

Peppers
Store whole peppers away from fruit, in a dry place between 45-50 degrees. Refrigerate once cut.

Plums
Store unripe plums in a paper bag at room temperature. After they ripen, store refrigerated for 3-5 days, apart from other fruits.

Potatoes
Store potatoes in a paper bag with holes in it, and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place with good ventilation. Be sure to keep potatoes away from onions, apples, and direct sunlight, as it can cause the skins to turn  green and bitter.

Raspberries & Blackberries
Store berries for up to two days unwashed. When preparing, mist the berries instead of washing under running water.

Squash
Wipe dirt from squash instead of washing, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Strawberries
Store strawberries in a shallow container, covered loosely with plastic, and in the coldest part of the refrigerator. They can last up to three days.

Tomatoes
Don’t refrigerate tomatoes as it will ruin their flavor and texture. Store unripe tomatoes at room temperature until ready to eat.