On Jun 12, 2:04*pm, wrote:
> When I bring vegetables/fruit home from the supermarket, I never know
> which should be stored in the fridge or outside, which should be
> stored in the crisper drawer or which shouldnt be sealed in a plastic
> bag. I am looking for the best ways to store vegetables for the short
> term (not long term preservation) *I have been searching for a good
> book on this subject or even better, a chart that could be mounted on
> the refrigerator. Until someone recommends a book/chart, perhaps some
> of you have some advice for a few of the vegetables/fruit I buy
> regularly.

The USDA or your county agricultural extension service might have
some information.

The rule of thumb is to store them the same way that the grocer stored
them.
The grocer does not want to waste money by throwing away vegetables.

However, the grocer has technology that you do not. I'm sure you
don't
want to install a sprinkler system to fluff up your lettuce.

In general, produce doesn't like to have water (including
condensation)
against its skin. It will rot quicker that way.

> potatos
> onion
> garlic

Root vegetables should be stored in a cool, dry place. Not the
refrigerator. A cupboard is better than the fridge. Air circulation
around the vegetables prevents mold and sprouting. Store potatoes
separately from onions and garlic.

> scallions

I usually wrap them in a paper towel and put that inside of a plastic
bag. Then into the refrigerator.

> carrots

If they came in a plastic bag, keep them in it. Otherwise, I like to
remove
the tops, wash them, wrap them in a paper towel, plastic bag, fridge.

> celery

In the packaging that it came in.

> banananas

Outside of the refrigerator. However, if you don't like them to get
overripe,
and don't want to bake a lot of banana bread, when they get to the
stage
that you like them, put them in the fridge. The skins will turn
black, but
the bananas won't ripen further. Too much time in the fridge and they
will
get soft, so don't buy a ton.

> lemon
> oranges

Lemons and oranges can be kept outside the fridge. Or you can put
them
in the fridge.

> strawberries

Strawberries are difficult. Under the best circumstances they won't
last
very long. Handle them as little as possible, make sure they don't
get water trapped between them and their container. Frankly, I
wash and hull mine, soak them briefly in water acidulated with lemon
juice, put them into a plastic bowl with a paper towel at the bottom
and
eat them quickly.

Cindy Hamilton