Get the most life out of your produce.

Hi friends!

My temptation when I get home from grocery shopping is to throw all the produce in the frig. But there are some fruits and veggies who’s nutrients are stunted this way. Gasp! But never fear. We can help them help us. Here are a few of those “special needs” fruits and veggies, and here’s what I’m doing with them:

Apples – keep in their very own drawer in the frig or in a sealed plastic bag because they give off a natural ethylene gas which will accelerate the ripening (and deterioration) of other produce.

Avocados, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums – store on the counter top until ripe, then put into frig.

Basil and uncut Tomatos, Garlic, Ginger, Bananas – keep dry on the counter top out of direct sun light.

Citrus Fruits – I usually refrigerate my citrus, but everything I’m reading says it is good to let it sit on the counter for up to 2 weeks.

Leafy greens and green onions– wash and somewhat dry (by spinning or pat dry) and wrap in paper towel (or flour sack) inside sealed plastic bag in the frig. Paper towel absorbs moisture which would have rotted the greens.

Potatos and Sweet Potatos – dry paper bag in the cupboard. Do not refrigerate or their starch will convert to sugar. Light turns them green.

Red and Yellow Onions – dry paper bag in the cupboard. Never combine with potatos, or else the potatos’ moisture will rot the onions. Exception: Sweet onions do better in a sealed plastic bag in the frig.

There’s a really helpful chart at this website:

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22145/57459-keep-fruits-veggies-fresh