Best Way to Store Vegetables

Fresh vegetables

Vegetables are generous plants. You can eat almost every part of them from the root to the leaves. Within these parts of the plants you will find an abundance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber, all of which help us restore and maintain health. Vegetables are also hardy. If you buy them from a grocer they have already spent a great deal of time in transit and yet they still look beautiful and are tasty when you get them home. If you pick your vegetables fresh from a garden they are even fresher and have more to offer. No matter where you get your vegetables, there are a few simple steps you can take to prolong their shelf life.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bags or closed containers
• Refrigerator
• Cool area or unheated porch

Instructions

1. The primary factor in prolonging the life of fresh vegetables is temperature. Vegetables thrive in low temperatures and high humidity. Most refrigerators have drawers called "vegetable crispers" in the bottom. This drawer works well because it keeps the air moist by closing off circulation.

2. If you do not have access to a vegetable crisper drawer, put the unwashed vegetables in plastic bags or covered containers.

3. Tomatoes and potatoes do not respond to lower temperatures as well as other vegetables. They thrive in slightly warmer conditions, such as the one you will find on an unheated porch or cellar steps, or a cool cupboard area.

4. If you buy vegetables pre-packed or bagged in plastic or cellophane, be sure to go through them before storing them to sort out the damaged or decaying vegetables so they do not affect the other vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying vegetables be sure to look for the ones that have not already sustained damage. Don't overhandle, wash or peel the vegetables until right before cooking to maintain their flavor and nutritional value.

• Never rinse or wash your vegetables before storage as the extra water can cause bacterial growth.

Resources

• Information on storing, cooking and nutritional content of vegetables as well as other foods.