Tips for Storing Fall Produce!

While getting double the produce with Good Food Bucks is a great benefit, you might have trouble using it all while it is still fresh. To stretch your produce and increase its shelf life, here are some tips that we put together. 

🌽Factors to consider when storing produce 

• Temperature

• Airflow 

• Light 

• Moisture 

🥬Rule of Thumb 1: Don’t prewash your produce before you store it

• This is key! Not pre-washing means that you are not adding unnecessary moisture to the produce you buy. Reducing the amount of moisture means keeping the produce from going bad faster. If you have to wash it, dry as much as possible before storing it. 

🍎Rule of Thumb 2: Separate the Produce by family

Separate the produce you buy by family. For example, keep the root vegetables like carrots and turnips together separate from strawberries and blueberries. Separating them into types of vegetables can be helpful when managing storing your produce since they all have different requirements. 

Handling Ethylene Producers; Bananas, Tomatoes and Apples 

• Keep most produce separate from bananas, tomatoes and apples. These fruits release ethylene gas as they ripen which can make other fruits and vegetables ripen quickly. This gas is released in the natural process of fruit ripening and can cause the fruit to change flavor, and color as it “ages”. (learn more about ethylene gas here) 

How to store your Fall Produce

Fridge/ Crisper Drawer 

Root Vegetables

• Root vegetables like carrots and beets can be stored with the greens cut off, unwashed, in the fridge. You can wrap the carrots with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. After it’s prepped, place the vegetables in the crisper drawer. 

Leafy Greens

• Leafy Greens should be stored in a breathable bag. 

• If you must wash it before putting it in the fridge make sure to wrap it in a paper towel to reduce the moisture. 

Dark Pantry 

• Onions and Potatoes can be stored in a crate or an open container in a well ventilated place with minimal light. These vegetables can be stored for a long time in these conditions. If you need a crate, check out your local goodwill or thrift store for a low cost second hand container. Stored at room temperature

Counter

• Apples, Tomatoes 

  • Give off a lot of ethylene when they ripen. This can cause other produce around it to ripen as well. See below to understand more about what to do with apples, and tomatoes 

🧅Rule of Thumb 3: Freeze herbs like cilantro, parsley or sage in a bit of oil. You can then pop these herb cubes into dishes like soups, stews, and other dishes throughout the winter so you have fresh herbs for your meals. This allows you to have fresh summer herbs even in the winter. 

🥔Rule of Thumb 4: Store your cut carrots, apples, and potatoes in water or with a damp paper towel to increase their freshness and prevent spoiling. 

By following these simple storage tips, you can make your Good Food Bucks go even further—keeping your produce fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy. With a little planning and the right storage techniques, you’ll waste less, save more, and get the most out of every seasonal fruit and vegetable. Happy storing!