Produce Storage Tips
Apples
Apples prefer cool temperatures for storage. The ideal temperature range for storing apples is between 30 to 40°F (-1 to 4°C). You can store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, which provides a slightly cooler environment and helps maintain humidity levels.
Asparagus
To prepare your asparagus for storage, trim about half an inch off the bottom ends of the spears. Once trimmed, store them like you would flowers. Stand the spears up in a glass jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Avocado
If you have whole, uncut avocados, simply place them in the refrigerator without any additional packaging. Keep them in the crisper drawer or on a shelf where they won’t get squished or damaged. Whole avocados can typically last in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending on their ripeness. If they need to ripen more quickly, you can leave them in a cool, dry place overnight.
Banana
When you bring home a bunch of ripe bananas from the store or market, separate them from the bunch. This helps prevent the ethylene gas produced by ripe bananas from speeding up the ripening process of the other bananas. Bananas ripen best at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Find a cool, well-ventilated area in your kitchen or pantry to store your bananas.
Berries
Place washed and dried strawberries in a glass Mason jar, seal, and place in the fridge. Make sure there is no moisture present before sealing the container. You can also add a paper towel to the original packaging, flip the container so the strawberries are laying on the towel, then store in the fridge.
Carrots
Store carrots with a paper towel in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Store them in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is cool and consistent. Carrots prefer being in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in cool environments. After purchasing or picking cucumbers from the garden, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Excess moisture can cause cucumbers to become mushy and accelerate spoilage. To prevent this, avoid washing cucumbers until you’re ready to use them. If you need to rinse them, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before storing them in the refrigerator.
Garlic
Garlic should be stored in a cool, dark place outside of the refrigerator. Avoid storing garlic in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, as this can cause the garlic to sprout or spoil prematurely. A pantry or cupboard in the kitchen is one potential storage spot.
Squash
Zucchini and summer squash should be stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Hard squash like butternut, acorn, or delicata squash can be stored on the kitchen counter until you are ready to use them.
Onions & Potatoes
Onions, potatoes (including sweet potatoes and yam), and shallots should be stored in a cool dark place to keep them fresh, like a basket in a cupboard or a cellar. Avoid storing these products in plastic bags, as this encourages spoilage. As long as the room remains cool, they can be left on a counter as well.
Melon
Whole melons should be left at room temperature until ripe. Once they have ripened, place the whole melon in the refrigerator. If you are storing leftover melon, you can wrap halves in plastic wrap or store pieces of melon in an airtight container, like a glass container with a locking lid.
Tomato
If the tomatoes are ripe, you can eat them right away or put them in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness. A ripe tomato can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about two weeks. You can also store your tomatoes on the counter if you plan to eat them soon.
Gen La Rocca
Chef Gen is a professionally trained recipe developer and culinary school graduate. She is also the owner of the California-inspired recipe site Two Cloves Kitchen. She is a certified holistic chef, and offers 1:1 culinary and health coaching through genlarocca.com. As the creator of Meal Planning Pro, Chef Gen develops flavorful recipes that boost gut health. Featured in major publications like Food & Wine and Woman’s World, she emphasizes the importance of proper digestion and delicious food for overall wellness and personal nourishment.
