Whether you're shopping for food at the grocery store or picking it up from your local farmer's market, proper storage is essential in preserving the freshness of your produce. An important tidbit to remember is not all fruits and vegetables are stored the same. To get the most out of your produce and extend shelf life, it's important to know the best way to store them. 

Fruits & Vegetables with Hard Skins 

Fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, and vegetables like potatoes, onions, and squash have hard skins that help protect them from spoiling. These can typically be stored on the countertop or in a pantry for up to two weeks. If you want to extend their shelf life, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure you don't store these too close together, as they tend to release ethylene gas which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen more quickly than usual. 

 Soft Fruits & Vegetables 

Items such as berries and tomatoes have thin skins that make them more susceptible to spoiling. To prevent this from happening too quickly, wrap these items in paper towels before storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or bag. This will help absorb moisture inside the container, keeping your produce fresh for extended periods. It's also essential to check on these fruits and vegetables every few days for signs of mold so that you can discard any items that may have gone bad before they contaminate other foods nearby.  

Leafy Greens & Herbs 

Fresh herbs and leafy greens are essential for preparing tasty meals, but storing them properly can often be difficult. The key to keeping your leafy greens and herbs crisp and flavorful is to store moisture away from them as much as possible. Leafy greens should always be stored in a sealed container with a cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Herbs need extra ventilation so that their oils do not evaporate, and the best way to do this is by transferring them into an open or perforated container. 

Storing your produce correctly ensures it lasts as long as possible while maintaining its freshness. While all fruits and vegetables need proper care when storing them, certain types require different methods than others.