Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Weekly Produce Tips - How to Keep Apples, Asparagus, Avocados, & More

We thought we would start a new feature entitled "Weekly Produce Tips." Aren't you always wondering the best way to keep those fruits and vegetables fresh so they last as long as possible? Well, we thought we would share a few tips with you and work our way through the list a few every week.

Be sure to check back often for more great produce tips. You can subscribe to our blog feed to get automatic updates.
Feel free to leave comments and let us know if you have any special tips!


Here are the tips for this week:

Produce Item

Shelf Life

How to Store

Extra Tips

Apple

14-28 days

Keep in an open plastic bag in the crisper at cold setting

Always keep apples refrigerated because they will become overly ripe and mealy within 2-3 days if left out of the refrigerator

Asparagus

3-4 days

Wrap the bottoms of the stalks in damp paper towel and store in an open plastic bag in the crisper

Asparagus is one of those produce items you want to use as soon as possible in order to get the maximum flavor. Look for buds (tips) that are tightly closed. The stalk should stand up straight when held upright from the bottom indicating freshness.

Avocados

5-7 days

Keep on the kitchen counter away from sunlight until ripe, then refrigerate.

Avocados are ripe when they yield to slight pressure applied near the stem. To keep guacamole green, place a piece of plastic wrap across the top and press down on to the guacamole to prevent exposure to air. Also, add some lime juice to the guacamole. Not only does it taste good but it preserves the color as well.

Bananas

3-5 days

Leave out a room temperature, away from sunlight

Bananas can be refrigerated once they are fully ripe. The skin will discolor (turn black) but the fruit will last for a week or more without loss of flavor or quality.

Cherries – Bing

4-7 days

Leave unwashed in an open plastic bag in refrigerator

Color ranges from red to deep red. Cherries are only 104 calories per cup. A healthy low calorie snack!

Broccoli

5-7 days

Store in a loose plastic bag in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Microwaving is actually the healthiest way to prepare broccoli. Place a pound of cut broccoli on a micro-safe dish. Add ¼ cup of water. Cover with a paper towel and cook on high for 5-6 minutes. This will preserve the nutrition and flavor


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