Keeping Produce Fresh

1. Start with the freshest veggies possible. Fresh vegetables are not shriveled, and do not have soft spots or bruises.
   
2. Refrigerate your veggies as soon as possible after purchasing. Produce should be stored in the vegetable crispers bins in your refrigerator. If you are growing your own, try to harvest only what is needed.
   
3. Try Ziploc Vegetable Bags. As per the manufacturer, each bag contains hundreds of 'freshness vents' that are designed to let excess moisture out, while holding in the right amount of moisture. It is recommended that you store your veggies in these bags unwashed and uncut, but most of the time, bunches of lettuce or kale do not fit into these bags whole. Even if you cut off the ends or prewash the salad, veggies still keep well in these bags. Instead of using these special veggie bags, you can also wrap bunches of produce in paper towels, put them in an open plastic bag, and store in the vegetable crisper. Ziploc Vegetable Bags are available at most larger grocery stores.
   
4. Pre-washed greens make salad time quick and easy. To keep pre-washed greens fresh, thoroughly dry them, then put them in a plastic bag with a paper towel or in a Ziploc Vegetable Bag, and store in your vegetable crisper.
   
5. Herbs with roots: Put the herbs in a tall glass, with just enough water to cover the roots. Cover the bunch of herbs loosely with a paper towel, then put a plastic bag over top. Change the water every couple of days.

Happy munching!

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