how to properly store produce

Storing produce correctly can dramatically extend its life, helping fruits and vegetables stay fresh for weeks instead of rotting in days. Small changes in temperature, moisture, and airflow make a big difference in prolonging shelf life and preserving quality. This alphabetical guide covers how to properly store all your common fruits and vegetables. See embedded links for recommended storage containers and reusable bags.

See also: printable produce storage guide

FULL PRODUCE STORAGE GUIDE (A-Z)

APPLES

keep them cool, dry, and away from other produce, especially ethylene producers. refrigerate in the crisper drawer. do not wash before storing.

APRICOTS

keep unripe fruit on the counter until soft and fragrant, then refrigerate in a breathable bag. do not wash before storing.

ARTICHOKES

sprinkle with water, wrap loosely in a slightly damp towel, and store in a breathable bag in the refrigerator.

ARUGULA

do not wash before storing. wrap leaves in a clean, dry towel and place in an airtight container in the crisper drawer.

ASPARAGUS

trim the ends and stand upright in a jar with 1 inch of water. loosely cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate. change water every couple days.

AVOCADOS

keep unripe at room temperature until soft. refrigerate once ripe. keep away from other produce. do not wash before storing.

BANANAS

store at room temperature away from sunlight. refrigerate only once ripe. keep away from other produce.

BASIL

store like fresh flowers: trim the stems, place in a glass of water at room temperature, and avoid refrigeration. loosely cover. change water every couple days.

BEETS

remove greens, leaving 1 inch of stem. store unwashed beets in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

BELL PEPPERS

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the refrigerator crisper.

BLACKBERRIES

store unwashed in a vented container lined with a towel (original container works). refrigerate.

BLUEBERRIES

store unwashed in their original container or a vented one lined with a towel. refrigerate.

BOK CHOY

wrap unwashed leaves in a clean towel and place in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

BROCCOLI

poke holes in the bag it comes in or place in a vented bag. refrigerate in the crisper drawer.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

CABBAGE (GREEN, RED, SAVOY)

store unwashed, whole heads in the crisper. once cut, wrap tightly.

CANTALOUPE

store uncut at room temperature. once cut, refrigerate in an airtight container. do not wash before storing whole.

CARROTS

remove greens. wash and peel optional. store submerged in cold water in an airtight container, changing water every few days.

CAULIFLOWER

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

CELERY

separate stalks, wash and trim the ends. submerge completely in cold water in an airtight container. change water every few days.

CHARD (SWISS CHARD)

do not wash before storing. wrap in a slightly damp towel and place in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

CHERRIES

store unwashed in a breathable container in the refrigerator.

CHIVES

wrap unwashed in a dry towel and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

CILANTRO

trim stems. place in a jar with 1 inch of water. loosely cover with a bag. refrigerate and change water every few days.

CITRUS (ORANGES, MANDARINS, GRAPEFRUIT, TANGELOS)

refrigerate in a sealed bag or container. keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.

COCONUT (WHOLE)

store whole at room temperature. once opened, refrigerate the flesh in an airtight container.

COLLARD GREENS

do not wash before storing. wrap in a clean dry towel inside a bag or airtight container.

CORN (FRESH)

keep unshucked. refrigerate in the crisper drawer.

CUCUMBERS

store unwashed in the crisper drawer, loosely wrapped to protect from moisture loss.

CURRENTS

store unwashed in a vented container lined with a towel. refrigerate.

DAIKON

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper. remove greens.

DILL

trim stems. store upright in a jar with water, loosely covered, refrigerated. change water every few days.

EGGPLANT

store unwashed in the crisper drawer. keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.

FENNEL

store unwashed bulbs in a breathable bag in the crisper. use fronds quickly.

GARLIC

store whole, unpeeled heads in a cool, dark cabinet. once peeled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

GINGER

store unpeeled in a cool, dry cabinet. peeled ginger should be wrapped tightly or sealed in a bag in the crisper drawer.

GRAPES

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the refrigerator.

GREEN BEANS

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

GREEN ONIONS (SCALLIONS)

store upright in a jar with 1 inch of water, loosely covered, or wrap in a damp towel and store in a bag. change water every few days.

HONEYDEW

store uncut melons at room temperature. once cut, refrigerate in an airtight container.

JALAPEÑO

store unwashed in a towel-lined plastic bag in the crisper drawer.

KIWI

store at room temperature until ripe. refrigerate once soft. do not wash before storing.

KOHLRABI

remove greens. store unwashed bulbs in a breathable bag in the crisper.

LEEKS

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper. avoid trimming until use.

LEMONS

refrigerate in a sealed container or bag. keep away from ethylene producers.

LETTUCE (ROMAINE, BUTTER, ICEBERG)

do not wash before storing. wrap whole heads in a clean towel and place in an airtight container or bag.

LIMES

store in the refrigerator in a sealed container or bag.

MANGO

ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate unwashed.

MUSHROOMS

store unwashed in a paper bag in the refrigerator. avoid airtight containers.

NECTARINES

ripen on the counter until soft and fragrant, then refrigerate in a breathable bag.

OKRA

store unwashed in a dry, breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

ONIONS (RED, WHITE, YELLOW)

store whole and unpeeled in a cool, dark cabinet with airflow. keep away from potatoes.

ORANGES (SEE CITRUS)

refrigerate in a sealed bag or container. keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.

PARSLEY

trim stems. place in a jar with 1–2 inches water. loosely cover with a bag. refrigerate. change water every few days.

PASSIONFRUIT

store at room temperature until wrinkly and ripe, then refrigerate.

PEACHES

ripen at room temperature until fragrant, then refrigerate in a breathable bag. do not wash before storing.

PEARS

ripen at room temperature. refrigerate once soft.

PEAS (SNAP + SNOW)

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the refrigerator.

PINEAPPLE

store whole at room temperature. refrigerate once cut in an airtight container.

PLUMS

ripen on the counter, then refrigerate unwashed.

POMEGRANATES

store whole in the refrigerator. arils go in an airtight container.

POTATOES (RUSSET, YUKON, RED)

store unwashed in a cool, dark cabinet with airflow. keep away from onions.

RADICCHIO

store unwashed in the crisper in a breathable bag.

RADISHES

remove greens. store unwashed radishes in a bag or submerged in water, changing water every few days.

RASPBERRIES

store unwashed in a vented container lined with a towel. refrigerate.

ROMANESCO

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

ROSEMARY

trim stems and store in a jar with water, loosely covered, or wrap in a dry towel and refrigerate.

RUTABAGA

store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

SPINACH

dry thoroughly, wrap in a thin clean dish cloth, and store in an airtight container or bag in the crisper drawer.

SQUASH (SUMMER VARIETIES)

store unwashed in a towel-lined breathable bag in the crisper.

SQUASH (WINTER VARIETIES)

store whole and unwashed in a cool, dark cabinet.

STRAWBERRIES

store unwashed in a vented container lined with a towel. refrigerate.

SWEET POTATOES

store in a cool, dark cabinet. do not refrigerate.

TARRAGON

trim stems and store in a jar with water, loosely covered, refrigerated.

THYME

wrap unwashed sprigs in a dry towel and store in an airtight container.

TOMATOES

store stem side down at room temperature away from sunlight. do not refrigerate until fully ripe.

TURNIPS

remove greens. store unwashed in a breathable bag in the crisper.

WATERMELON

store whole at room temperature. once cut, refrigerate in an airtight container.

ZUCCHINI

store unwashed in a towel-lined breathable bag in the crisper drawer.