How to Keep Your Produce Fresh in Fall
By Sara Butler
Apples, pumpkin, and cabbage -- oh my! In the fall, there are so many tasty foods to enjoy. You may go a little crazy at the local farmers market only to get home and wonder how on earth you’ll be able to enjoy all your fall produce before it goes bad. Well, here at The Joint Chiropractic we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to help you keep your fall foods fresh so you can enjoy all the season’s bounty.
Stay Fresh Fall Tip No. 1: Don’t Wash Your Fruit and Vegetables
Of course, you should wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them, but don’t wash them right when you get them home. The added moisture can be the kiss of death for fresh produce. Instead, store them dry and then wash with water right before use. Be on the lookout for softening or wilting fall produce too. That means it’s starting to spoil and needs to be gobbled up fast!
Stay Fresh Fall Tip No 2: Store Your Apples and Pears to Last!
Apples and pears can last months longer if you can store them as near to freezing as possible. All you have to do is pack them into a well-ventilated bag or individually wrap and then layer in boxes or some other container. If you notice condensation, make sure to air them out since that will lead to spoilage.
If you don’t want to store them that long, then simply let them ripen over five days and eat them along the way. Do not store them next to other foods such as potatoes, onions, or bananas. Apples and pears give off ethylene gas and will cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen faster.
Stay Fresh Fall Tip No. 3: Trim Your Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are synonymous with the season and you can make them last longer if you do a little work before storing. All you need to do is separate the greens from the roots. The greens, if you want to save them and enjoy them, should be cut off and wrapped in a paper towel, and then placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for a few days. Store the roots in a cool, dry place away from the sun and they’ll stay good for up to three weeks.
Stay Fresh Fall Tip No. 4: Keep Your Pumpkins and Winter Squash Fresh
Pumpkins and winter squash are easy to store, so feel free to stock up when the getting is good! All you need to do is store them in a cool, dark place where they’ll stay good for up to six months. It’s probably a good idea to store them away from other vegetables in their own bin.
Vegetables and fruits that come in season in autumn are some of the best of the year, so stock up and reap the harvest of the season. Following these tips can help you ride that awesome autumn wave for longer!
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