Storing Your Produce 🥕
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When you get a large amount of fresh produce at once like with a LifeDirt produce box, you’re going to want to be strategic with how you use and store the fruits and veggies! Maintaining the freshness of your produce will reduce overwhelm and make it more enjoyable to prepare and eat your daily 5-7 servings! Here are some do’s and don’ts for keeping different types of produce fresh:
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Leafy Greens
- Do: Store leafy greens in the fridge. Place them in a breathable bag or container with a damp paper towel to keep them hydrated.
- Don’t: Don’t store leafy greens near ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, as this can cause them to wilt faster.
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Berries
- Do: Keep berries in their original container and refrigerate. Only wash them right before eating to prevent mold growth.
- Don’t: Don’t store berries in airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.
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Root Vegetables
- Store root vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a cool, dark place. Keep them in a breathable bag to allow air circulation. They may be kept in the crisper drawer of the fridge but do not keep them out in the open in the fridge as they may go soft and sprout.
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Misfits Market has created this great visual indicating how long produce can generally keep, and where/how to store it:Â https://blog.misfitsmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Misfits-Market-Produce-Storage-Guide_May-2020.pdf
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It’s A Veg World After All has this library of tips on preparing and storing various types of veggies: https://itsavegworldafterall.com/category/blog/vegetable-prep-hacks/
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Final General Tips for Keeping Produce Fresh
- Separate Ethylene Producers: Certain fruits like apples and bananas emit ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process of other produce. Store these items separately.
- Use Storage Bags: Breathable storage bags or containers with vents can help maintain the right humidity levels for different types of produce.
- Store Wilting Veggies In Water: This works great for crispy produce like carrots and celery!Â
- Regularly Check Produce: Inspect your produce regularly and remove any items that are starting to spoil to prevent them from affecting others.