How to Preserve Produce Without Plastic
We live in a world where plastic is prevalent all around us. While plastic offers conveniences there are also negative consequences for our environment, our oceans, animal life, and more.
FarmFresh offers our customers a completely plastic free experience. But how do you store all of those fruits and vegetables?? There is a non-plastic solution and it's a lot easier than you might imagine. Please refer to the list below as a reference on how to live a more plastic-free life (and pass it on).
A Note on Wilted Leaves: Leafy vegetables are not only delicious and great to cook with but are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering countless health benefits. An unfortunate side effect of plastic-free shipping is the tendency for leaves to wilt during delivery. Do not fear - soak in water for a few minutes, dampen a towel, place leafy vegetables in the folded, dampened towel, and refrigerate. The leaves will perk back to life in their optimal state and will be well preserved.
Asparagus: Place upright in water in a glass or bowl at room temperature
Basil: Soak in water if wilted, place in an airtight container accompanied by a damp paper towel or damp washcloth
Beet: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator in an open container with a wet towel on top
Bell Peppers: Best stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag or wrapped in cloth
Broccolini: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Cabbage: It is fine to leave cabbage out at room temperature for up to week, or keep in a vegetable crisper on its own in the refrigerator
Carrot: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Cucumber: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Daikon Radish: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Eggplant: Store at room temperature, a paper bag works well, keep away from tomatoes, bananas, and melon as the ethylene causes the eggplant to ripen or spoil more quickly
Garlic: Store ideally in a cool, dark place, a paper bag works well
Kale: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator, storing dampened towel in an air-tight container helps, or placing with stem side down in a cup of water at room temperature works
Leafy Greens: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator, or store in the refrigerator in an open container with a wet towel on top
Leek (Naganegi): Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator, or placing with stem side down in a cup of water at room temperature works
Lettuce: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Lotus Root (Renkon): Peeling optional, dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Mushroom: Store in a paper bag to keep dry and fresh, refrigerated or at room temperature
Onion: Store ideally in a cool, dark place, a paper bag works well
Potato: Store ideally in a cool, dark place, a paper bag works well, store separate from onions, garlic, or leeks, which can impact the flavor
Radish: Store in the refrigerator in an open container with a wet towel on top
Spinach: Soak in water for a few minutes if wilted, dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
String Beans/Green Beans: Dampen a towel, place inside, wrap, and store in the refrigerator
Taro: Store ideally in a cool, dark place, a paper bag works well
Tomato: Store at room temperature or above 60F/15.5C, stem side down, on a paper towel, in an open container
Turnip: Store in the refrigerator in an open container with a wet towel on top