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Fruits and Vegetables How should we store them?
Have you ever heard when you buy a car as soon as you drive it off the lot it starts to depreciate? Yep that’s exactly what happens when you buy your produce! But you can do some things to keep them fresh longer. Storage is super important and a lot of people are not getting the best because they are not storing them correctly. One of the best ways to know how to store fruits and vegetables is remember what part of the store you bought them in. If they were at room temp that is the best way to store them
Almost all fruits and vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator with these exceptions Bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, lemons and limes.
Almost all fruits and vegetables can be frozen with these exceptions Lettuce (ick if you have ever accidentally frozen lettuce you already knew this) and herbs. When freezing do it on cookie sheets in small batches and then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, This keeps them IQF (individually quick frozen).
Vegetables
Tomatoes are the first one on the list. They are very picky about their environment and should always be stored on the counter at room temperature. If they are refrigerated they become mealy and lose their flavor. Now if you cut a tomato it should then be placed in the refrigerator. Or my suggestion is eat it all. Or purée and add to sauces or soups.
Vidalia onions are high in water content and should be wrapped in paper towels or aluminum foil and kept in the refrigerator.
Eggplant should be used within 2 days of purchase it goes bad quickly. It should be stored in the refrigerator.
Root Vegetables (potatoes , sweet and white) garlic and onions should be kept in a cool dry dark area (not the refrigerator.) Potatoes will get very sweet if stored in the refrigerator. If they are in a warm area they will sprout.
Carrots should be kept in the refrigerator in a bag to keep moisture out and do not peel until ready to use.
Mushrooms should be stored in a brown paper bag in the main area of the refrigerator . Do not wash until just before use.
Asparagus can be stored several ways. I personally wash and scrap in foil this way it lasts up to a week. You can also store in moist paper towels or a glass of cold water but this way should be used within a couple of days.
Herbs this are kind of tricky too. Wash them then dry them really well. But off the ends and place in a glass of water like flowers. Cover the tops with a plastic bag or paper towel to seal in moisture. You can also wash and dry well them wrap in a paper towel.
Lettuce I have my favorite way because I use it this way. I have not had a head of lettuce go bad in years. I bring it home I chop it up and wash and spin it thoroughly then let it sit on paper towels for an hour or so. The place in a bowl and cover with aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for about a week but you will use it up faster than that because all the work is done!
Fruits:
Plums, pears, peaches and mangoes and can be ripened on the counter. ( you can speed up this process by placing in a brown paper bag, however don’t forget they are there. ) Once they are ripe move into the refrigerator.
Cantaloupe will ripen quickly on the counter and should be eaten soon after bringing home. Melons do not hold up well in the refrigerator keep on counter until ready to use. Then slice and put any unused on the refrigerator but use quickly.
Berries are another one that needs to be used quickly. You can wash them in iced cold water and a drop or 2 of lemon then let dry on paper towel. Keep different berries separate do not mix until ready to eat. Blueberries are the most hearty and can last longer than other berry types. You can also freeze them. Freeze in a single layer for about an hour then put in a freezer safe baggies or starlight container. PS you can do this with sliced peaches and sliced bananas too.
Sliced frozen bananas make an amazing desert with a tablespoon of chocolate syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. YUM!
Lemons and Limes should be kept on the counter at room temperature. They will pick up all the odors from the refrigerator.
Apples can be kept in the refrigerator or In a cool dark place (for up to 4 months) this depends on your preference.
I hope this was educational and fun.
Please feel free to ask me any questions here!
Live a Life you Love ❤️
Paris
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