BEST WAYS TO STORE AND FREEZE YOUR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
BEST WAYS TO STORE AND FREEZE YOUR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Did you know your fridge has different temperatures in different places? Keep these guidelines in mind to help you preserve the freshness.
FRUITS
Apples
Store loosely in the fridge (ditch the plastic bag). If washing first, dry before they are stored.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Cut into pieces, lightly and toss in lemon juice, or blend into puree.
Avocados
Store at room temperature. Once ripe, transfer to fridge.
Freezer Friendly? No.
Bananas
Store at room temperature.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Remove the peel first.
Berries
(blueberries,
raspberries, strawberries etc.)
Store in airtight container in the fridge, with a towel to absorb extra moisture. Be sure to remove any soft or moldy berries. Wash just before eating.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to airtight container or bag.
Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits)
Store in the fridge.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Juice these fruits and freeze the liquid in small jars or ice cube trays for easy use in recipes and smoothies.
Grapes
Wash and dry before storing in the fridge. Remove any soft or moldy grapes.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Remove from stem, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to airtight container or bag.
Melons
Store at room temperature and eat quickly once ripe. Store cut melons in the fridge with seeds intact, or cut into pieces in an airtight container. Consume within two days.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes. Cut into cubes, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to airtight container or bag.
Pears
Ripen at room temperature, then transfer to fridge.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Cut into pieces and lightly toss in lemon juice or blend into puree.
Stone fruit (peaches, plums, apricots,
nectarines, etc.)
Store at room temperature until ripe, then transfer to fridge.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Cut into cubes, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to airtight container or bag.
Tomatoes
Store at room temperature. Ripe tomatoes will keep for up to three days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Puree and pour into small jars or ice-cube trays for use in soups and stews.
VEGETABLES
Asparagus
Trim ends and store in a vase/jar of water in the fridge.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash and dry first. Can be used in soups and stews. Not ideal for steaming.
Green beans
Store in airtight container in the fridge. Wash just before using.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, trim ends and/or cut into pieces.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and
cauliflower
Store in airtight container in the fridge. Wash just before using.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry and cut to size.
Carrots
Remove tops as they draw out moisture. Cut to size and store in bowl water. Change water every 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, cut to size.
Celery
Cut to size and store in bowl water. Change water every 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Freeze ends or small pieces for soup stocks.
Cucumber and zucchini
Store in your crisper. Too much moisture will cause spoilage.
Freezer Friendly? No.
Corn
Whole corn should be stored in husks in the crisper.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Cut corn off the cob and freeze the kernels.
Eggplant
Store airtight in warmer part of the fridge.
Freezer Friendly? No.
Lettuce, greens, and fresh herbs
Wash before storing by soaking in cold water. Store in the fridge in a water-draining container. Do not spin until ready to use as this will damage the cell wall and cause it to go off faster.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Fresh herbs freeze well and preserve flavor.
Mushrooms
Store in the fridge in a paper bag inside a plastic bag or large container, allowing mushrooms to breathe without drying out. Clean by scrubbing with a damp towel.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wipe clean and freeze for soups and stews.
Onions and garlic
Store at room temperature in a dark cool place with good air circulation. Can be cut to size and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? No. Freshness and flavor will decrease.
Peas
Store in your crisper or coldest part of your fridge.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Store in an airtight bag or container.
Peppers
Store in warmer parts of the fridge: Towards the door and out of the produce bins, which tend to be cooler. Can be cut to size and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, and cut to size.
Root vegetables (beets, carrots, celery root, parsnips, yam, sweet potato,
radishes, sunchokes, potatoes, turnips)
Store at room temperature in a dark cool place with good air circulation. Can be cut to size and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, and cut to size.
Winter squash (butter nut, acorn, pumpkin etc.)
Store at room temperature in a dark cool place with good air circulation. Can be cut to size and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezer Friendly? Yes. Wash, dry, and cut to size.
Resource:
Credits to Culinary Nutrition Program * www. culinarynutrition.com
Also check out this great article! http://www.eatingwell.com/article/15848/how-to-freeze-16-fruits-and-vegetables/