Produce 101

Sandi said-I use a lot of fresh produce and have learned over the years that taking care of these items as soon as you get them home from the market will keep them fresh and ready for use. Some items such as lettuce and radishes need to be washed as soon as possible and stored in a container. I bought a salad spinner several years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. It makes lettuce and any leafy produce so crisp and nice. I use zip lock bags to store most of my washed vegetables. Some things like cucumbers and tomatoes and most fruits don’t need to be washed until they are used. I usually have meals planned for all the vegetables and fruits I buy so that they don’t get wasted. Items like potatoes and onions should be stored somewhere dry and dark to discourage growth. After the onions are peeled and washed they can be put in a zip lock and stored in the refrigerator. Bananas should not be stored in the refrigerator. Using fresh fruits and vegetables is very cost efficient and the taste and nutrition are much better. So, take a little time and take care of what you buy.