Each type of produce has its own storage instructions.
Nothing tastes better than a fresh salad or an apple pie; however, produce, if not taken care of properly, does have a tendency to go bad quickly. Learning properly store your fruits and vegetables can help you save money and use produce when it's at its best.
Instructions
1. Learn about the optimum storage conditions for the produce you buy. Different items require specific temperatures; others may have certain requirements in regards to exposure to light. Keeping your items stored at the right temperature will help prolong their usability. (For information about storage times and temperatures, see Resources.)
2. Harvest or purchase your fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness if you intend on using them within a day or so. Otherwise, most fruits and vegetables should be not fully ripe, or sometimes even "green," to allow for longer storage. Do not purchase more ripe produce than you intend on using within a day unless you intend to freeze, dry or can the food.
3. Put a thermometer in both your freezer and refrigerator compartments to ensure that your unit is functioning at the optimum temperatures. Refrigerators should run about 38 to 42 degrees F for most uses; freezers should be able to maintain zero degrees. Allow at least 48 hours for the thermometer to obtain a reading then adjust the temperature if you find your refrigerator is running too warm.
4. Remove any over-ripe or rotted produce from storage and either use or throw away. Older foods can cause other items to decompose at a faster rate. Store your vegetables and fruit in separate areas, as mixing certain items together can cause a faster rate of deterioration. Also, keep your refrigerator/freezer clean; old, moldy or sour food can affect your fresh food storage times.
5. Consider freezing surplus fruits and vegetables. Buying items when they are in season and freezing for later can also help to save money. In addition, using quart and gallon-sized plastic baggies will allow you to freeze in portion-friendly servings so you won't have to thaw out huge amounts later.
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