A few months ago, we joined a local CSA for the very first time. It's fantastic: We're eating more vegetables and a wider variety of things than we wouldn't normally buy at the store. The only downside to the whole experience has been when we accidentally let things go bad before we get to enjoy them (what's more depressing than a giant wilted bunch of chard?). Luckily, we've found a resource that is helping us keep our fruits and veggies fresh longer ...
Our CSA (Farm Fresh to You) actually has a page on their web site devoted to storage tips. When we get a box of produce, we've learned to check the storage tips first. We've been following the rules and it seems to work pretty well.
Here are some of Farm Fresh To You's tips for a few of our favorite fruits and veggies (Get the whole list of storage tips here):
• Artichokes: Keep artichokes refrigerated (32-36°F), storing in a perforated plastic bag to retain moisture.
• Asparagus: Cut an inch off the bottom of asparagus spears. Submerge ends in water and refrigerate.
• Corn: Keep corn refrigerated (32-36°F), storing in a perforated plastic bag.
• Tomatoes: Keep tomatoes at room temperature (55-70°F). Do not refrigerate, as it will make the tomatoes mealy and flavorless.
• Strawberries: Fresh berries are highly perishable. Store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator (32-36°F), loosely covered with plastic wrap. Do not wash until ready to use.
Oh, and mom says to wrap your celery in tin foil in the refrigerator ... It actually works. Any other odd veggie storage tips out there?
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That's my CSA! I <3 them.
I found that cutting my carrots down (just the tips and heads) and then storing unwashed in an opaque tupperware in the fridge keeps them really fresh.
We get our box tomorrow and I can't wait. Delivery day is like Christmas around here.
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We wash celery immediately upon purchase and then store in ice water in covered containers in the fridge. It stays nice and crispy for days.
Oooh, great to see this! I couldn't find a local CSA in my area, but I did find www.naturaldirect.com I've ordered from them for the last 3 weeks and its been AMAZING. They service the Chicagoland area and have all organic produce and locally grown produce when available. So great!
Carrots and celery get stored in a container with water in the refrigerator. They keep crisp forever.
The asparagus trick also works wonders for parsley and cilantro. I find that those "green" bags really do work for lettuce, microgreens and broccoli. Veggies last a lot longer in our crisper in those bags.
After weeding out any wilted or slimy leaves on a head of lettuce, I put the lettuce (unwashed) in a new bag and tuck a paper towel in before I seal it up. I find it really helps keep the moisture low, which keeps it fresh much longer.
I think I'll go rummage through the crisper--this thread is making me hungry for some fruits and veggies! :)