Storage Tricks: Fruits: Keeping Them Sweet and Juicy
Fruits can be some of the most exciting items in your CSA box, but they often require careful handling to keep them fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to store your CSA fruits for maximum sweetness and shelf life.
General Tips for Storing Fruits
Know What to Refrigerate: Not all fruits should go straight into the fridge. Apples, pears, and citrus can be stored at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, move them to the refrigerator to extend their freshness.
Handle Berries with Care: Berries are delicate and prone to mold. Store them unwashed in a breathable container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Wash just before eating.
Separate Ethylene Producers: Fruits like apples and bananas emit ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening in other produce. Store them separately to prevent spoilage.
Keep Stone Fruits at Room Temperature: Peaches, plums, and nectarines should ripen on the counter. Once ripe, refrigerate them to slow down further ripening.
Storage Solutions for Specific Fruits
Apples: Store in the crisper drawer in a breathable bag. Keep them away from vegetables to prevent spoilage from ethylene gas.
Peaches: Allow peaches to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow further ripening. Keep them in a single layer to avoid bruising and handle them gently to prevent damage.
Pears: Similar to apples, pears can be stored at room temperature until ripe, then moved to the refrigerator.
Berries: Use a shallow container lined with a paper towel. Avoid stacking them too deep to prevent crushing.
Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes): Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They can last for weeks when kept cool.
Grapes: Keep them in a ventilated bag or container in the refrigerator. Wash just before eating.
Extra Tips for Longevity
Remove any bruised or overripe fruit from the bunch to prevent it from spoiling others.
For fruits like peaches and plums, place them in a paper bag at room temperature to speed up ripening if needed.
Freeze fruits that are about to spoil for use in smoothies, baking, or jams.
With the right storage techniques, you can enjoy your CSA fruits at their peak flavor and freshness. A little care goes a long way in preserving these sweet treats.
Hi Friends!
I am Rachel Kulchin, the passionate force behind the Blue Heron Project! As a dedicated Backyard Farmer, I am on a heartfelt mission to rekindle your connection with the garden.
Firmly rooted in the belief of savoring the flavors of seasonal and sustainable eating, I am dedicated to empowering you with the liberating experience of reclaiming control over your own food.
Join me on this authentic and exciting adventure towards a more connected and sustainable garden-to-table lifestyle.