Apples

Because apples emit ethelyne, store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Apples can be used to speed up the ripening of ethylene-sensitive fruit (like bananas) by storing unripe fruit with apples in a plastic bag. Bring to room temperature for maximum flavor.

Apricots

Sore at room temperature until. Ripe. When ripe, store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They are very perishable.

Arugula

Use as quickly as possible. To store, place unwashed leaves in paper bag in refrigerator.

Avocados

To ripen hard avocados, store in paper bag at room temperature until flesh begins to give. Eat ripened avocados within a few days. To keep longer, store in refrigerator

Bananas

Store unripe bananas at room temperature. When ripe, store in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Over ripe bananas can be stored in the freezer in a plastic bag for longer storage when using for smoothies or baking.

Beets

Beets can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Remove beet greens before storing and store separately in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the refrigerator.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers must be stored away from ethylene producing produce. Store for up to 5 days in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Green peppers last longer than the other colored varieties.

Berries (Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Raspberries)

Organic berries (except cranberries) spoil more quickly than conventional berries. Store unwashed in the refrigerator. Use as quickly as possible.

Bok Choy

Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It is perishable so use within a few days.

Broccoli

Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Broccoli Rabe
Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Cabbage

Store unwashed in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Carrots

Don’t wash before storing Remove greens attached to carrots and store them separately in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Cauliflower

Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Celery

Keep refrigerated. Wrap celery in aluminum foil before storing in the refrigerator.

Corn

Eat corn as soon as possible. The sugar in the corn converts to starch the longer it is stored. Keep in husk and store in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Cucumbers

Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Eggplant

Take care when storing in the refrigerator, eggplants bruise very easily. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Store in the door to prevent bruising.

Fennel

Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use within a few days for maxium flavor.

Garlic

Store in a cool dark well ventilated place for several week up to one year. Do not refrigerated unless garlic has been cut. If cut, use very quickly as cut garlic can turn rancid extremely quickly. If a sprout is seen, remove before using.

Ginger

Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can be stored in an airtight container for longer storage.

Grapefruit, Oranges

Store at room temperature if using within a few days. Place in refrigerator for longer storage. Grapefruits are juiciest when at room temperature.

Green Beans

Store green beans in a paper or plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use within a few days.

Greens

Store greens in the coldest part of the refrigerator in a plastic bag. If they wilt, place greens in an ice-bath for a few minutes. Greens spoil quickly and should be eaten as soon as possible.

Herbs

To store fresh herbs at room temperature, trim the stems and place in 1.5-2 inches of water. For longer storage, cover herbs and jar and with dry plastic bag and place with jar in the refrigerator.

Lemons & Limes

Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days.

Lettuce

Store unwashed lettuce in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Do not store with fruit as the ethylene gas will turn it brown.

Mangoes

Unripe mangos can be stored at room temperature. Ripe mangos should be refrigerated. Use within a few days.

Melons

Unripe melons can be stored in a cool, dark place. Once ripe, store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator Cut melon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Onions

If the onions are young, store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Otherwise, store in a cool, dry place away from other food to prevent spoiling.

Peas

Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use within a few days as the sugars convert to starch quickly.

Pineapple

Store unripe pineapples upside down. Once ripe, store in the refrigerator for a few days.

Potatoes (Russet, Red, Fingerling)

Store potatoes in a cool, dry place with good air flow. If using a plastic bag, punch holes in the bag and don’t close the bag.

Only refrigerate Fingerling potatoes. Use within a few days for maximum flavor.

Root Vegetables

Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Spinach

Store unwashed an loose in a barely closed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Squash: Summer

Summer squash, such as Zucchini and Summer should be stored in a plastic bag in the cripsr drawer of the refrigerator.

Squash: Winter

Winter squash such as Butternut, Kaboocha, Pumpkin, Acorn and Spaghetti should be stored in a cool dry place for up to several months.

Strawberries

Strawberries spoil very quickly. Refrigerate unwashed by stacking them between layers of paper towels in an airtight container. Eat within 2-3 days. To store longer, rinse berries in water and then let dry. Layer on a baking sheet and freeze in a single layer. When frozen, place in an airtight container to prevent sticking.

Sweet Potatoes (Yams)

Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry and dark place. Use within a week. Refrigeration causes the sugars to convert to starch.

Tomatoes (Cherry, Grape, Plum, Roma, Salad)

Tomatoes are best at room temperature. If refrigeration is necessary, bring to room temperature before using.