There are a lot of ways to serve fresh fruits and vegetables. If you need to store them for more than a day before serving, follow the storage guidelines below for the best taste and texture.
Countertop Storage
Many fruits and vegetables should be stored only at room temperature because refrigerator temperatures damage them or keep them from ripening to a good flavor and texture. Produce that should be stored at room temperature include:
Many fruits and vegetables should be stored only at room temperature because refrigerator temperatures damage them or keep them from ripening to a good flavor and texture. Produce that should be stored at room temperature include:
| Bananas Cantaloupe Eggplant Grapefruit | Honeydew Jicama Lemons Mangos | Oranges Peppers Pineapple Plantains | Pumpkin Squash Tomatoes Watermelon |
Ripen on the Counter, and then Store in the Refrigerator
Some produce continue to ripen after they are picked. Produce that can ripen in a bowl or in a paper bag until they reach the desired softness include:
Some produce continue to ripen after they are picked. Produce that can ripen in a bowl or in a paper bag until they reach the desired softness include:
| Avocados Kiwi | Nectarines Peaches | Pears Plums |
Cabinet or Pantry Storage
Produce that should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place includes:
Produce that should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place includes:
Onions Garlic Potatoes Sweet Potatoes
Originally posted in the Young at Heart Instructor Newsletter - January 2015