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    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Canning and Preserving

    How to Store Fruits and Vegetables

    Published: Jun 9, 2021 · Modified: Jun 9, 2021 by Melissa · Leave a Comment

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    Green vegetables sliced up on cutting board and in bowls with the words "how to store fruits and vegetables" written at the top
    Jar filled with asparagus with the words "how to store fruits and vegetables" written at the top
    top picture is of strawberries and rhubarb cut up, bottom picture is of green beans, with the words "how to store fruits and vegetables" written in the middle
    close up picture of nectarines with the words "how to store fruits and vegetables" written at the top

    Learning how to store fruits and vegetables is a simple thing, but making sure that they are stored properly can keep them fresh longer for you to be able to use. This post will help dive into the different ways to store fruits and vegetables and why that's important.

    hand holding a bunch of asparagus

    What are different places where produce should be stored?

    • Fruits and vegetables can be stored in:
    • A cool, dark place
    • At room temperature
    • In the refrigerator

    Why are produce stored in different places (such as the fridge or counter)?

    There are a few different reasons as to why you might store a fruit or vegetable at room temperature. It may be to maintain flavor, color, and texture. It also might be to help ripen the fruit. 

    top view of a pot filled with the ingredients for pasta primavera

    What fruits do you not store together?

    Fruits produce ethylene gas, a plant hormone that regulates the plant’s growth and development, which causes the fruit to ripen. The effect it has on produce is to cause them to ripen faster or go bad. 

    1. Don’t store high ethylene gas producing produce together
    2. Don’t store a high ethylene gas producing and an ethylene sensitive produce together
    High ethylene productionEthylene sensitive produce
    ApplesBroccoli
    ApricotsBrussels Sprouts
    AvocadosCabbage
    BananasCauliflower
    MelonsCucumber
    NectarinesLeafy Vegetables
    PeachesLettuce
    PearsPumpkins
    PlumsSpinach
    TomatoesSquash
    brussel sprouts in a glass bowl

    What produce should be stored in a cool, dark place?

    These things should be stored away from direct sunlight, where it’s dry, and well-ventilated.

    • Garlic
    • Onions
    • Potatoes
    • Sweet Potatoes

    What produce should be stored at room temperature?

    FruitsVegetables
    Apples (If needed to store less than 7 days)Cucumber
    BananasEggplant
    Citrus FruitsPeppers
    MelonsPumpkins
    PineappleTomatoes
    PomegranatesWinter Squash

    How should produce be stored at room temperature?

    They should be kept out of direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated area, and only washed just before using. 

    What produce should ripen at room temperature, then be stored in the refrigerator?

    • Avocados
    • Kiwi
    • Nectarines
    • Peaches
    • Pears
    • Plums

    What produce should be stored in the refrigerator?

    FruitsVegetables
    Apples (if needed to store more than 7 days)Artichokes
    ApricotsAsparagus
    Asian PearsGreen Beans
    BerriesBeets
    CherriesBroccoli
    GrapesBrussels Sprouts
    Cabbage
    Carrots
    Cauliflower
    Celery
    Leafy Vegetables
    Peas
    Radishes
    Summer Squash
    Sweet Corn

    How should produce be stored in the refrigerator?

    1. Place fruits and vegetables in separate, perforated or mesh bags
    2. Place fruits in one drawer and vegetables in another to minimize effects of ethylene gas.

    Here are some of my favorite fruit recipes:

    • The Best Strawberry Shortcake
    • Sour Cherry and Pomegranate Detox Smoothie
    • Fresh Peach Ice Cream

    Here are some of my favorite vegetable recipes:

    • How to Cook Asparagus on the Stovetop
    • Easy Baked Butternut Squash Recipe
    • Roasted Carrots
    • How to Bake a Potato

    And there you have it! One very full guide on how to store fruit and vegetables, where to store it, what to not store together and more. I hope you found it helpful and informative!

    « Behind the Recipe Farm Update: June 6, 2021
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