Farmers Market Produce Storage Tips

Maintain Quality & Freshness with these Produce Storage Tips

The popularity of farmers markets skyrockets in the summer when there is an abundance of in-season produce available to purchase. It is tempting to fill your cart with limited available and pantry-staple produce with the hopes of whipping up delicious recipes every day of the week using your super-fresh produce. One of the many purposes and benefits to shopping at a local farmers market is the reduction of food waste. But, this can only remain true if you know exactly how to store those fresh and local fruits and vegetables you’ve just bought. Fiorentino’s Farm Market in Hammonton, NJ offers produce storage tips & tricks to ensure your favorite seasonal items stay fresh as long as possible.

6 Produce Storage Tips to Get the Most out of your Fruits & Veggies

Don’t leave your produce in the heat. If you have other errands to run on the day of your farmers market trip, it is best to save the market for last. High temperatures and direct sunlight can cause your produce to wilt & lose flavor very quickly.

Only buy what you need. On the topic of reducing food waste, only buy what you really need & splurge on a few additional items. It is helpful to meal plan ahead of time so you know exactly what fruits and vegetables will go into your meals.

Separate fruits & veggies. Fruits emit high levels of ethylene gas, which is what helps them to ripen. But, when vegetables are exposed to the gas they will spoil much quicker than normal.

Do not cut. Whenever possible, wait to cut your fruits and vegetables until you’re ready to eat or cook. Of course if you plan on bringing a watermelon or fruit salad to work or school, precut produce can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days.

Wash berries in water & vinegar. Mix 3 cups water with 1 cup white vinegar into a bowl and use to wash berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries & more. After you’ve rinsed them well, drain into a colander and rinse with running water. Dry completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Discard damaged produce. Once you’re home from the market, sort all of your produce. Spoiled or mashed produce does sneak through from time to time. They need to be removed as quickly as possible as it could lead to quicker spoil time for the entire bunch.

Know where to put your produce: The most important produce storage tip: understand where your produce needs to be kept. Tomatoes, onions and garlic are stored at room temperature, while berries, zucchini, eggplants and carrots go in the fridge and potatoes should be stored in a cool dry place. Always verify where your produce should be stored to ensure the longest shelf life possible.

Shop Fiorentino’s Farm Market in Hammonton, NJ

At Fiorentino’s Farm Market we pride ourselves on making sure our customers have access to affordable, farm fresh produce and the means to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Shop our farmers market seasonally to find an array of produce items that change with the seasons. Besides fresh produce, we also offer dairy products, nuts, a bakery and snack shop right on premise! Visit our farmers & produce market in Hammonton, NJ or call 609-561-0300 with any questions.