How To Store Produce

How To Store Produce

Citrus is best kept at room temperature of 60-70 degrees and used within two weeks. Do not store in plastic bags.

Berries and Cherries are best covered in the fridge. Don’t wash until you use them-too much moisture in the package speeds spoilage.

Avocados & Bananas are best stored and eaten at room temperature. Both will ripen with time. To speed ripening of green bananas store them in a paper bag with an apple in a warmish place. If they still don’t ripen after 1 week, they have been transported at a low temperature, and you might as well make chutney of them. If you don’t use the whole avocado in one sitting, store the remainder with the pit intact in a bag in the fridge- the pit will keep the fruit from discoloring.

Apples are best kept in the fridge, stored loose-they need to breathe to stay crisp. Use within a month.

Eggplants, Potatoes, Onions, Winter Squash, Rutabagas, & Sweet Potatoes are best kept moderately cool, no lower than 50 degrees. A cool, dry dark place is best- on the 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.

Melons should be used as soon as possible after ripening.

Tomatoes should be kept uncovered at room temp, but can be refrigerated if very ripe. All other fresh vegetables belong in the refrigerator