It is commonly believed that nearly all produce belongs in the refrigerator. While this is true for certain fruits and veggies, there is actually a lot of produce that will store better away from the cold. Keeping produce in the proper environment will help maintain freshness as well as reduce the risk of bacteria.
Here’s where you should store some common produce items.
- Onions – Whole onions belong in a dark, dry area. However, once they have been cut into, leftover onion pieces should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.
- Potatoes – The cold temperature inside a refrigerator will cause the starch in potatoes to turn into sugar. You can avoid this by keeping your potatoes in a cool, dark place.
- Bell peppers – Peppers don’t last long in the heat, so these are a vegetable that should be kept in the fridge.
- Berries – Berries tend to go bad quickly, so the fridge is the best place for them as well.
- Avocados ndash; Avocados store best on the countertop or in a fruit basket. If you want them to ripen quickly, you can place them in a paper bag and fold the top down.
- Bananas – Bananas should be kept on the countertop as well. You can also freeze bananas to extend their life and use the frozen pieces for baking or making smoothies.
- Garlic – Garlic cloves can be kept in your pantry or cupboard as long as they have access to some air.
- Fresh Herbs – Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley should be stored in the refrigerator. You can prolong freshness by wrapping them in a damp paper towel first.
Follow these tips for produce storage in your Quarters apartment in Lady Lake, FL. To learn more about our community and beautiful apartment homes, contact the leasing office or schedule a tour. We are happy to assist you in any way we can!