Fruit and Veggies Tips
Potatoes
Buying/Storage
- Potatoes should be fairly clean and firm.
- Avoid potatoes that are greening, have wilted skins, large cuts, or that are badly sprouted.
- Handle potatoes carefully as they bruise easily.
- After bringing potatoes home, carefully inspect them for cuts or bruises. If you find potatoes with cuts and bruises use them first.
- Do NOT wash potatoes before storing them. Dampness increases the likelihood of decay.
- The ideal temperature for potatoes to be stored is 45-50°F. Potatoes should be stored in a dark place with good ventilation. If potatoes are stored in warmer temperatures, they should be used within a week as warmer temps encourage sprouting and shriveling.
- Potatoes stored below 40°F tend to have a sweet taste due to some of the starch changing into sugar.
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Onions
Buying/Storage
- Look for onions that are dry and firm and have no mold or sprouting.
- Onions should be stored in a cool, dry place that has good ventilation.
- Onions store well in mesh bags but not plastic bags due to lack of ventilation.
- Sliced or chopped onions store up to 7 days in the refrigerator in plastic containers.
- Do not store onions with potatoes or other fruits/veggies that release moisture.
Apples
Buying/Storage
- Apples should be firm, crisp, and shiny.
- Avoid buying apples with bruises or punctures.
- Store in refrigerator at around 32oF; left on countertops, apples lose crispiness.
Oranges
Buying/Storage
- Oranges should be firm, with bright colorful skins.
- Avoid oranges that have wrinkled, bruised, or discolored skin as this indicates that they were improperly stored.
- Oranges will store at room temperature for several days.
- For longer-term storage, store oranges in plastic bags or the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
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