Eating fresh local produce is always a treat and one of the best things about summer! Here are a few tips on maintaining the quality and safety until you are ready to eat it.
Store in the Refrigerator: Apples (>7 days), apricots, berries, cherries, cut fruits, grapes, herbs, mushrooms, green beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cut veggies, leafy greens, summer squash, sweet corn
Ripen on the counter, then store in the refrigerator: Peaches and pears
Store at room temperature: Apples (<7 days), bananas, citrus fruits, watermelon, muskmelon, basil (in water), *cucumbers, *eggplant, **garlic, **onions, *peppers, **potatoes, pumpkins, **sweet potatoes, tomatoes, winter squash.
*Cucumbers, eggplant and peppers can be kept refrigerated 1-3 days if they are used soon after removal from the refrigerator.
**Store garlic, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes in a well-ventilated area in the pantry.
