Wouldn’t it be convenient if every fruit and vegetable came with a handy storage manual? Unfortunately, we’re left to figure it out on our own. To save you from any produce preservation woes, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on storing fruits and vegetables. These practical tips will ensure your produce stays fresh, saving you money and reducing waste.
Here are some overall tips to consider when storing fruits and vegetables:
Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.
- Avoid storing fruits and vegetables near each other, as some fruits can release ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process of other fruits.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before storing them, but do not wash them until you are ready to eat them, as this can shorten their shelf life.
- Store fruits and vegetables in their original packaging, or in a reusable container, to help keep them fresh.
- Check fruits and vegetables regularly and remove any that are starting to spoil.
- Compost any fruits and vegetables that you do not eat, to help reduce food waste.
Now, let’s dive into some specific tips for storing fruits and vegetable highlighted in the Self Magazine article “HOW TO STORE PRETTY MUCH ANY KIND OF PRODUCE”:
Apples:
To prevent premature ripening, store apples separately from other produce. Bananas and citrus fruits emit ethylene, a gas that speeds up the ripening process. For extended shelf life, keep apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Asparagus:
Trim the ends and store the asparagus upright in a glass of water. Cover it with a plastic bag, ensuring freshness. Replace the water if it becomes cloudy.
Avocados:
Allow avocados to ripen at room temperature before refrigeration. Once ripe, store them in the fridge, preferably with the pit intact, and sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
Bananas:
Keep bananas at room temperature until they develop brown speckles. Then transfer them to the fridge to extend their lifespan.
Bell Peppers:
For optimal storage, keep unwashed bell peppers in the refrigerator. Moisture can cause premature rotting, so wash them just before use.
Berries:
Refrigerate berries to maintain their freshness. Rinse them right before consumption to preserve flavor. Leave stems or caps on until ready to eat.
Broccoli:
Preserve the crispness of broccoli by placing the head in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Cover it with a moist paper towel for enhanced freshness.
Brussels Sprouts:
Store unwashed Brussels sprouts in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should remain fresh for up to a week.
Cabbage:
Keep cabbage in the crisper drawer, and avoid cutting it until you’re ready to use. For cut cabbage, tightly wrap or bag it.
Cauliflower:
Store cauliflower in the plastic it was sold in or wrap it in plastic. Place it in the crisper drawer, stem side up, to prevent moisture accumulation. Keep the head intact until use.
Carrots:
Carrots can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry environment for long-lasting freshness.
Celery:
Wrap celery in aluminum foil and store it in the crisper drawer to avoid exposure to ethylene gases, which accelerate breakdown.
Cherries and Plums:
These stone fruits last the longest when kept as cold as possible. Consume cherries promptly, as they lose sweetness with time.
Citrus:
Store citrus fruits at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Avoid direct sunlight. They can last for a few days to several weeks, depending on storage conditions.
Corn:
Keep unhusked corn cobs in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic, until ready to cook.
Cucumbers:
Cucumbers are sensitive to cold temperatures. It’s best to store them at room temperature.
Garlic:
Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid refrigeration, as it may negatively affect its texture. Or better yet, our hot STAPLES & ESSENTIALS tip – while bulbs of garlic do taste the best, we choose to always have a container of pre-minced garlic on hand for ease in everyday recipes.
Grapes:
Unwashed grapes can last up to a week in the fridge. Rinse them just before eating.
Herbs:
Store fresh herbs in the refrigerator, either dry and bagged or in a jar with water. Trim the ends if storing them in water.
Kiwis:
Refrigerate ripe kiwis, but only after they’ve fully ripened. Unripe kiwis can be stored at room temperature.
Leafy Greens:
Keep lettuce and spinach fresh by washing and drying them thoroughly. Store them in a plastic bag with a paper towel to prevent moisture build-up.
Mangoes:
Allow mangoes to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag.
Melons:
Uncut melons should be stored at room temperature. After cutting, refrigerate them in an airtight container to inhibit bacterial growth.
Nectarines, Peaches, and Apricots:
Avoid refrigerating these fruits, as it dehydrates them. Store them in a cool spot in your kitchen.
Onions:
Keep onions in a cool, dark place, but not in the fridge, to maintain their texture.
Pears:
Store pears in the fridge once fully ripened. Sprinkle the cut pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Pineapple:
Allow pineapple to ripen at room temperature before refrigeration. Store uncut pineapple wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container.
Pomegranate:
Pomegranates can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Keep pomegranate seeds in an airtight container.
Potatoes:
Store potatoes in a cool, dark place but avoid placing them with onions to prevent sprouting.
Summer Squash (Yellow Squash or Zucchini):
Store summer squash, such as zucchini, in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Tomatoes:
Avoid refrigerating tomatoes, as it affects their texture. Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Winter Squash:
Uncut winter squash can be stored at room temperature for weeks to months. After cutting, refrigerate it in an airtight container for a few days.
Here is a great WIRECUTTER IMAGE to go along with these tips from their article “HOW TO KEEP YOUR PRODUCE FRESH FOR WEEKS (HINT: IT’S NOT ALWAYS IN THE FRIDGE.”
With these tips for storing fruits and vegetables, you’ll no longer be puzzled about what to do with them to keep them fresh. Proper storage not only extends their lifespan but also ensures their optimal flavor and freshness. Say goodbye to wasted produce and hello to enjoying your favorites for longer periods.
