Tuesday, July 20, 2010

how to store produce

always wondering how to best store things, found this list. only thing that isn't included is knowing to keep some produce apart. like i think bananas cause other things to ripen quicker if they are sitting together?? i also am always hearing different advice on apples. roomp temp, or fridge. we tend to leave ours on the counter.

Citrus-room temperature.use within two weeks. do not store in plastic bags.

Berries and Cherries-covered in the fridge. don’t wash until you use them.

Avocados & Bananas-room temperature.

Apples-fridge, stored loose. use within a month.

Eggplants, Potatoes, Onions, Winter Squash, Rutabagas, & Sweet Potatoes-
moderately cool-counter, in a cupboard or basket.

Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Mangoes, Kiwis, Plums and Melons should be ripened before refrigeration, stored in plastic bags when ripe.

Tomatoes-uncovered at room temp, can be refrigerated if very ripe.

--All other fresh vegetables belong in the refrigerator--


Green Beans and Peas-in plastic bags or containers. they’ll last 3-5 days in the fridge.

Corn keep in its husk in the fridge. eat as soon as possible.

Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Beets, and Parsnips-store in plastic bags. they’ll last two weeks in the fridge. take tops off carrots before storing, leave greens on radishes, turnips and beets, with both roots and tops in the bag.

Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Scallions, and Summer Squash will last 4-7 days in plastic bags in the crisper.

Spinach, Kale, Chard, Lettuce, Salad Greens, and Cooking Greens have the same crisper, keep in plastic bags. any bunch greens can be freshened by cutting an inch of the bottom stalks and soaking the entire bunch in cold water for 10 minutes. Place in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few hours to revive.

Peppers, & Cucumbers-store in crisper

Cauliflower, Fennel, Artichokes and Leeks wrap in plastic and use within a week.

Cabbage and Celery fridge life of up to two weeks. wrap celery in plastic.

HERBS: Parsley and Cilantro are best with bottoms of stems trimmed, placed upright in a jar of water in the fridge. Basil can be stored upright in a jar of water at room temperature, or in an open bag on the counter. all do well frozen also (they will lose texture but not taste).

Thyme and Rosemary store in the fridge in bags for up to a week, after that they can be brought out onto the counter to dry. dry herbs should be stored tightly in a jar

Asparagus use within 2-3 days, wrap in a damp towel and store in plastic bags or bins.

Mushrooms cool, dark place in a bag. do not wash until ready to use.

Ginger will keep in the fridge for a week or two, but for longer term should be frozen in a bag or jar. you can easily grate the root direct from the freezer.

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