When you store your fruits and veggies properly, it can help them last longer and save you money. Whether it’s on the countertop, in the fridge, or in a cool, dark and dry place, find out where to best store your fruits and veggies.
Check out our Produce Storage Guide below:
Practical produce storage tips
On the countertop
- Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and washed just before using.
- Avocados, oranges, mangoes, melons, plums, peaches, and pears can be ripened at room temperature. Once ripe, transfer to the fridge for longer storage.
- Store pineapple upside down for a day or two at room temperature or in the fridge to allow the sweetness to spread throughout the fruit.
- To speed up the ripening process, place a fruit in a paper bag with a ripe banana. Keep an eye on the fruit daily to ensure the best possible ripeness.
- For more information, download our Home Storage Guide
In the pantry (in a cool, dark, and dry place)
- Garlic, onions, potatoes, and squash should be kept in a well-ventilated area, cool, and dark place.
- Don’t store your onions and potatoes together, as the gas from onions may cause your potatoes to spoil more quickly.
In the fridge
- Many fruits and veggies can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Did you know that apples soften ten times faster at room temperature than in the fridge?
- A crisper drawer will help protect your produce and keep the moisture in to maintain freshness for longer.
- Asparagus should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped with a moist paper towel. You can also stand it up in a glass of cold water, with the tips wrapped in a produce bag.
- Store your fresh tender herbs, like cilantro and parsley, like flowers in the fridge. Stand them up in a glass with 1-2 inches of water, and cover the top with a produce bag.
- Plastic bags with tiny vents help keep certain produce fresh for longer by releasing moisture. They are great for grapes, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries.
- Fresh heads of lettuce store best, when washed and well-dried before refrigerating. Store in a salad spinner or resealable bag with a paper towel.
In the freezer
- Freezing fruits at home is a fast and convenient way to preserve produce at their peak maturity and nutritional quality.
- Freezing is not recommended for artichokes, Belgian endive, eggplant, lettuce greens, potatoes (other than mashed), radishes, sprouts and sweet potatoes.
- Try this:
Peel and freeze your dark bananas in a clean plastic bag. Use them later in baking or for delicious fruit smoothies.
Freeze papaya slices or mangoes on a tray, then store in a clean plastic bag for tasty frozen snacks.
- For more information, download our Home Freezing Guide
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