Here is my not-at-all-comprehensive-but-very-helpful-guide to Properly Washing + Storing Fruits and Vegetables.
How to Store Produce Secret #1:
Some vegetables and fruits should never be refrigerated.
TOMATOES will turn mealy and flavorless if refrigerated. Ick! Keep at room temperature to ripen and only store cut tomatoes in the fridge.
MELONS such as cantaloupe and honeydew will turn rubbery if kept in the fridge, though refrigerated watermelon does absolutely fine, before and after cutting.
Before cutting melons (and other tough skinned produce like AVOCADOS, PINEAPPLE and SQUASH) wash with a little dish soap and a scrub brush, rinsing well, to prevent spreading any microbes lurking on the surface.
WINTER SQUASHES should be kept in a cool dark place instead of the fridge.
POTATOES should not be kept in the fridge either. The starches in the potatoes will turn to sugar and the potatoes will taste sweet.
How to Store Produce Secret #2:
Ripen these foods on the counter and then refrigerate: AVOCADOS, KIWI, STONE FRUITS (peaches, plums, nectarines, etc.) and use within a few days.
BANANAS should also be kept at room temperature. If refrigerated, peels will turn black, but it doesn’t really affect quality or taste. (Very ripe bananas can be frozen, un-peeled, until later. To use, simply peel the frozen bananas under warm water and add them to smoothies or mash for breads and other baked goods.)
As soon as you bring them home, check over BERRIES and pick out any that show signs of spoilage, because mold will quickly spread to other berries. They should be kept dry. Store them in a plastic clamshell container or paper bag in as few layers as possible. You can also store them on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Berries should never be rinsed until just before eating.
BEANS and PEAS should always be stored in the fridge after picking or buying, and used immediately.
How to Store Produce Secret #3:
Use perforated plastic bags to allow for some air circulation, while not letting produce dry out.
ONIONS should be stored away from other foods, particularly potatoes. Keep them in mesh bags in a cool, dark place and they will keep happily for months. You can also refrigerate onions, but be careful because the strong flavor might transfer to other foods. The exception to this is GREEN ONIONS, which should be stored in a plastic bag in a refrigerator crisper drawer.
The best way to store ASPARAGUS is to cut 1/4″ off the bottom of the stalks and store them upright in a little water.
How to Store Produce Secret #4:
Storing in water also works for fresh herbs, particularly parsley, cilantro, oregano, sage, marjoram, basil, rosemary, tarragon, mint, and chives.
For sturdy leafy greens like KALE, CHARD, and COLLARDS, rinse well, remove the tough stems and cut the leaves into ribbons. Store in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh and ready to use in recipes during the next week.
Remove tops from root veggies like BEETS, TURNIPS, RADISHES, CARROTS, etc., and store separately in plastic bags with a damp paper towel to keep them from wilting. Use the tops within a few days. The roots will keep for much longer. Before cooking with un-peeled root veggies, use a sturdy brush to scrub the nooks and crannies.
How to Store Produce Secret #5:
Good news! You don’t always have to peel root vegetables. Especially if they’re from your own garden and you know they’re chemical-free. A good brush to remove the dirt is all you need.
SALAD GREENS should be refrigerated until ready to eat. When you buy them, keep them in the plastic tub they come in with a paper towel between the greens and the lid to absorb any excess moisture. If you buy them bagged, get them from a local farm, or pick them from your garden, wash greens in a big bowl of water with a little white vinegar added. Gently swish to remove dirt and bugs. Repeat until water is clear, and spin or gently pat dry. Store in plastic bags or tubs with a damp paper towel.
Use the same washing process for broccoli and cauliflower.
How to Store Produce Secret #6:
Head lettuce can tolerate more moisture to keep it crisp, so it doesn’t have to be super dry before going in the fridge. (Yay for timesavers!)
Never soak MUSHROOMS in water. If they are very dirty, give them a quick rinse. Otherwise, leave them be.
And there you have it. Clean fruits and vegetables, that won’t spoil minutes after you buy them. Enjoy the harvest!
P.S. — More Secrets to Living Well.
My husband serubs the celery off with the same scrubber we use for our dirty dishes. No, he doesn’t wash it first. Isn’t that really bad because of the bacteria in the brush? I refuse to eat that celery.
I used to be recommended this website by my cousin.
I am no longer certain whether or not this post is written by
him as nobody else recognize such targeted about my problem.
You are amazing! Thank you!
Many people are put off by large vacuum cleaners because of the noise they make but luckily
for those that reside in big residencies, today’s models have been developed to
be extremely quiet. Because of this, they are often used by
those who have fine and expensive things and know that they must work to take
care of them. If everything checks out then it should be good for another month of great service.
Hello. Just desired to say simply how much I appreciate the information which is discussed below.
Thanks for the tips. There is the belief that vinegar also assists in dissolving some chemical residue on non-organic produce. Also, it can be added to the washing machine with new clothes that contain various chemicals used by manufacturers.
Re your advice on storage using plastic bags, it would be great to have some ideas NOT involving plastic owing to the environmental and landfill impact of this. It is huge!
Currently it appears like WordPress is the top blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this website are really awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up
the good work fellows.
Great tips! I live in Costa Rica and buy all my fruits and veggies at the Faria (farmer’s market). Everything looks so good, I always over buy! The last time I was in the United States, I brought back some “Green bags” and those have been awesome for keeping things fresh as well.
I always cut my celery into smaller lengths and wrap them in silver foil and put into the fridge…..stays crisp and last for ages!
Also, I wrap up my carrots in cling film, put into the fridge and these also last ages and do not go soft. I do not wash the celery or carrots until I want to use them.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt
donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to brand new updates and will share
this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note
of your website and keep checking for new details
about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.
Wow! So useful information! I had no idea that I shouldn’t put the tomatoes in the refrigerator but it is truth that their flavor is better if they are stored somewhere out of the fridge. Thanks a lot for the information!
This year I am going to make my own vegetable garden and I can’t wait to eat my own tomatoes, which have real taste. Thanks a lot for the interesting article!Chase Cross Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Hi to every one, the contents existing at this site are really
amazing for people experience, well, keep up
the nice work fellows.
Do you have any video of that? I’d care to find out more details.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a material!
existing here at this website, thanks admin of this web site.
It’s not my first time to go to see this web page, i am browsing this web page dailly and take nice facts from here every day.
近日，上海对外汉语人俱乐部负责人孔婷老师来访汉声，在经由跟汉声团队的深刻洽商后，发现发明双方在价值观和社会义务感方面有着高度
excellent points altogether, you just received a new reader.
What may you recommend about your put up that you simply made a few days in the past?
Any certain?
Remarkable things here. I am very happy to look your post.
Thank you a lot and I am looking ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
It’s really a great and helpful piece of info.
I’m happy that you shared this useful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
It’s an remarkable piece of writing designed for all the internet users; they
will take advantage from it I am sure.
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard in support of his site,
as here every stuff is quality based stuff.
I like your tip about how you should keep potatoes away from other highly aromatic fruits and vegetables as potatoes can absorb flavors over time. I’m sure this is especially true if you have them pre-cut and peeled for quick dinners after work. I’ll have to make sure that I keep them properly sealed to prevent this from happening. Thanks for the post.
Come across this great site and purchased a steam shower and never ever looked back, magnificent content here can not say thanks enough
I quite like the shades!