Keeping Produce Fresh

One question I often hear from people is "how do you keep your produce fresh?" 

Well, the answer varies according to each fruits and veggies.

First of all, you need to know about a chemical compound called ethylene that is released as produce ripens. 

This ripening action builds up in the closed plastic bag, so the gas makes your food break down quicker. 

Now, if you take it out of the bags, it will dry out.

So the best thing to do is 

really just opening the bag. Sometime the produce (eg. lettuce) comes in bags that have little holes in them to allow the ethylene to release without drying out.

Secondly, there are things that should be kept in the refrigerator and there are others that should not.

Here some vegetables that should be stored in your pantry:

Onions

Potatoes

Garlic

Sweet potatoes

Also keeping them away from the light will help prolong their shelf life and keep them from sprouting.

I use a dropcloth placemat over the potatoes.

Here is a list of produce in the fridge:

Apples

Cherries

Grapes

Melons (unless you're trying to ripen up on the countertop)

Corn

Berries (don't wash until ready to use)

Grapes

Peas

Any citrus

Artichokes

Asparagus (cut the ends off and place them in a glass of water, plastic over the top)

Lettuces

Spinach

Eggplant

Cucumbers

Peppers

Greens

Cauliflower and broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

 Fresh herbs

Green onions or scallions

Zucchini and summer squash

Turnips

Green beans

Celery

Mushrooms

Keep in mind that the thinner the skin on the fruit or vegetable is, the sooner it needs to be used.

And finally, here is a list of produce that can start on your counter then can go into the fridge if necessary

 ***but you need to be aware that it can get too cold and end up somewhat bruised or ruined by the fridge***

Avocados

Tomatoes

Peaches

Papaya

Apricots

Plums

Pineapple

Pears

Nectarines

Mangos

Kiwi

Bananas

This simple guide should help you start storing and using your produce wisely minimizing the waste.

Stay Frugal,

Daniela

Linking to
Cowgirl Up
Between Naps on the Porch
twelveOeight
Savvy Southern Style
Stone Gable
The Frugal Girls
It's Overflowing