HabiTalk

This article on where to store fruits and vegetables is pretty basic. I’m recovering from hip replacement surgery, so I needed to keep this month’s blog post simple. Fortunately, an email from the California Farmers’ Markets Association popped up in my inbox with these tips. Especially since spring has arrived (yummmm….asparagus), I thought I would share them with you. I hope you find them useful. Nap time! 😉

A Chart to Remind You How to Store Fruits & Vegetables

I follow most of this advice, with a couple of exceptions. I like my bananas a little under-ripe so I keep them in the refrigerator. Even if  the skin darkens, the fruit stays fresh. I’m surprised they recommend keeping zucchini, cucumbers and green beans at room temperature. Have you had success with that? Let me know in the comments.

Graphic By: EatingWell

Some Helpful Tips for Keeping Produce Fresh

• Keep apples, avocados, tomatoes, stone fruits, and pears separate from other fruits and veggies. They naturally emit ethylene gas which speeds up produce ripening. This is handy if you want something to ripen faster though.
• Wash produce right before use. If you decide to wash produce ahead of time, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing.
• Store lettuce in the crisper drawer in an airtight container or plastic bag. Wash before serving, using a salad spinner to remove excess water. If washing ahead of time make sure it is completely dry. (Tip from Jackie: keep a dry paper towel in the bag or container to absorb residual moisture.)
• Store asparagus, cilantro, parsley, and dill in a glass of water in the fridge. Lightly cover the bunches with a bag and change the water every couple days. Store basil in the same way but on the countertop. (Tip from Jackie: cut the stems before putting in  water. Basil may seem to wilt immediately, but don’t give up. It may perk up the next day.)

Find More Links You Can Really Use at HabiLinks Guide

The internet is full of great resources, but page after page of search results can be too much of a good thing! We search for useful information in eighteen lifestyle categories, so you don’t have to. When we find the link with the most useful content it becomes a HabiLink, one of the chosen few! Unlike other web guides or review sites, we don’t accept payment for listings. We simply think they’re the best at what they do. You’ll find more helpful information in the Food & Beverages category at HabiLinks. When you’re looking food & beverage  tips, you can depend on HabiLinks for links you can really use.

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