A trip to places such as Whole Foods or Central Market always intrigues my interests to take a trip down the produce isle and pile up on fresh greens, assorted veggies and fruits. Healthy cooking is always a great idea but realistically how many days a week are you going to actually cook? Nine times out of ten I always buy too much! Here are some helpful storage tips to get the best life out of your finds:
Apples
Refrigerate for 3 weeks
Artichokes
Regrigerate fof 5 days. To ripen, keep at room temperature in a paper bag until soft and fragrant.
Asparagus
Regrigerate for 3 days. Trip the ends before wrapping the spears in a damp paper towel, then in a plastic bag.
Avocados
Refrigerate for 3 days. To ripen, keep at room temperature in a paper bag until soft.
Bananas
Countertop for 5 days.
Bell Peppers
Refrigerate green peppers for one week. Red, yellow, and orange for 5 days.
Blueberries
Refrigerate for one week. Then, put them in the freezer for a much longer life span.
Broccoli
Refrigerate for one week.
Carrots
Refrigerate for 2 weeks.
Garlic
Lasts in the pantry for 2 months.
Grapes
Three days in the refrigerator. One week is possible in a bowl or ventilated bag. Or, freeze them!
Lettuce in a bag
No matter what follow the expiration date.
Mushrooms
Refrigerate for one week in a paper bag.
Onions
These last for 2 months. If cut, only 4 days in the refrigerator.
Oranges
3 days on the countertop or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Potatoes
3 weeks in the pantry as long as air can circulate around them.
Rasberries
3 days on a paper towel-lined plate or I say freeze them!
Tomatoes
Countertop for 3 days. To ripen, keep at room temperature in a paper bag.
Zucchini
Refrigerate for 5 days.
Remember, leave refrigerated produce unwashed in its original packaging. If your greens seem dirty, rinse and dry them well, then wrap in a paper towel before placing in a plastic bag. Fruits and veggies stored a room temperature should be removed from packaging and left loose.