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How to Store Vegetables and Fruits

How to Store your Vegetables and Fruits

Here are some plastic bag-free storage tips for some commonly purchased fruits and vegetables:

Beets
Leaving any top on root vegetables will draw moisture from the root, causing them to lose flavor and firmness, so be sure to cut off the tops before washing them and storing them in an open container with a wet towel over the top.

Carrots
Cutting the tops off keep them fresher longer. Place them in a closed container wrapped in a damp towel.

Cucumber
If you plan to eat within one to two days of harvesting or purchase, they may be left out in a cool room otherwise wrap in a moist towel in the fridge.

Greens
Keep in an airtight container covered with a damp cloth.  Firm lettuce, such as romaine can be washed, dried and stored in a tightly sealed glass jar.  Be sure to fill the jar tightly to reduce air inside.

Green beans

These beans like humidity but not wetness. Drape a damp cloth over an open container and store in refrigerator.

Spinach
Store loose in an open container in the crisper.  Spinach prefers coolness, so get it into a cold environment quickly.

Strawberries
Do not wash your berries until you are ready to eat.  Berries do not like to be wet. Store in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a week. 

Citrus
Store in a cool place, but not in an airtight container.

Many root vegetables prefer to not be refrigerated and are best stored loosely in a cool dark area.  This includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic and winter squashes.  Tomatoes also prefer to not be refrigerated but they generally are best eaten within a week.

As a general tip, do not store apples with other fruits and vegetables.  Apples will cause other produce to ripen quickly.  Conversely, if you have fruit you need to ripen, put together with an apple and check the next day.

What are some of your favorite ways to preserve your produce without using plastics?