A problem that most of us have is fresh vegetables going bad before they are consumed. The picture above is our garden from last year. I can’t wait until spring so we can start planting again! Below you will find a few tips on how to store fresh vegetables so they keep longer.
Bell Peppers– Store whole in a plastic bag int he crisper drawer.
Broccoli– Store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator in a loose plastic bag. The bag should have air holes as broccoli does need to “breath”.
Carrots– Unwashed carrots store for several weeks in the crisper drawer. Leave them in the plastic ventilated bag that they are sold in. If you are buying baby carrots, store them in a little bit of water. The baby carrots will dry out much faster and don’t last as long.
Celery– For long storage, place celery stalk upright in a cup and add about an inch of water.
Cucumbers– Store in the crisper drawer unwashed.
Eggplant– Interestingly, eggplant does not like to be super cold like most vegetables. Store in the warmest part of the fridge- like the door. Be careful, they bruise easily and only last 2-3 days.
Lettuce– Store unwashed in the crisper drawer. If you do wash the leaves, pat them down with a paper towel. Place the leaves and paper towel in a plastic bag. Remove as much moisture as possible.
Mushrooms- Store mushrooms out of the package they come in. I have found buying the loose mushrooms are more cost effective and they last longer. Store mushrooms in a paper bag to absorb excess moisture.
Onions– Store in a dark, cool and dry place. Onions will store for several months. Do not store in the same bin as potatoes.
Potatoes– Store in a dark, cool and dry place. Ideal temperature for storage is 50 degrees. Storing next to onions will make them sprout.
Tomatoes– Store on the counter. Refrigerating tomatoes makes them loose their flavor.
There are also storage containers available to help keep produce fresh longer. I just attended a Tupperware Party and I ordered the Fridgesmart container to store vegetables. I also ordered the Large Access Mate to store potatoes- I currently have the potatoes stored with the onions which apparently is a big problem!
What are your tips for prolonging the life of your vegetables?
Source Angelic Organics
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I use the same Tupperware containers. Originally afraid of the cost, however, they work! Celery lasts weeks, crisp as the day you brought it home and packaged salads last several days longer than if left in the bag.
Oh good to know Amanda! I have to admit, I only ordered one to try it out. The frugal in me couldn’t part with buying the whole set just yet. If it works, I will be buying more! Especially before the garden starts producing this summer.
Nice list. I have one or two of the Tupperware keepers. They are great!