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So you’ve got all these great fruits and vegetables and now we’re going to help you keep them at their freshest with these tips. These tips are from the Berkley Farmer’s Market which is a Zero Waste market! Here is a printable PDF of their original tip sheet. In the works here at Washington’s Green Grocer is a switch from plastic bags (although we use as few as we can get away with, while still keeping your produce from getting battered on it’s way to you) to only recyclable paper and reuseable cloth bags!  

HOW TO STORE VEGETABLES WITHOUT PLASTIC

Artichokes‐ place in an airtight container sealed, with light moisture.

Asparagus‐ place them loosely in a glass or bowl upright with water at room temperature. (Will keep for a week outside the fridge)

Avocados‐ place in a paper bag at room temp. To speed up their ripening‐ place an apple in the bag with them.

Arugula‐ arugula, like lettuce, should not stay wet! Dunk in cold water and spin or lay flat to dry. Place dry arugula in an open container, wrapped with a dry towel to absorb any extra moisture.

Basil‐ is difficult to store well. Basil does not like the cold, or to be wet for that matter. The best method here is an airtight container/jar loosely packed with a small damp piece of paper inside‐left out on a cool counter.

Beans, shelling‐ open container in the fridge, eat ASAP. Some recommend freezing them if not going to eat right away

Beets‐ cut the tops off to keep beets firm, (be sure to keep the greens!)by leaving any top on root vegetables draws moisture from the root, making them loose flavor and firmness. Beets should be washed and kept in and open container with a wet towel on top.

Beet greens‐ place in an airtight container with a little moisture.

Broccoli‐ place in an open container in the fridge or wrap in a damp towel before placing in the fridge.

Broccoli Rabe‐ left in an open container in the crisper, but best used as soon as possible.

Brussels Sprouts‐ If bought on the stalk leave them on that stalk. Put the stalk in the fridge or leave it on a cold place. If they’re bought loose store them in an open container with a damp towel on top.

Cabbage‐ left out on a cool counter is fine up to a week, in the crisper otherwise. Peel off outer leaves if they start to wilt. Cabbage might begin to loose its moisture after a week , so, best used as soon as possible.

Carrots‐ cut the tops off to keep them fresh longer. Place them in closed container with plenty of moisture, either wrapped in a damp towel or dunk them in cold water every couple of days if they’re stored that long.

Cauliflower‐ will last a while in a closed container in the fridge, but they say cauliflower has the best flavor the day it’s bought.

Celery‐ does best when simply places in a cup or bowl of shallow water on the counter.

Celery root/Celeriac‐ wrap the root in a damp towel and place in the crisper.

Corn‐ leave unhusked in an open container if you must, but corn really is best eaten sooner then later for maximum flavor.

Cucumber‐ wrapped in a moist towel in the fridge. If you’re planning on eating them within a day or two after buying them they should be fine left out in a cool room.

Eggplant‐ does fine left out in a cool room. Don’t wash it, eggplant doesn’t like any extra moisture around its leaves. For longer storage‐ place loose, in the crisper.

Fava beans‐ place in an air tight container.

Fennel‐ if used within a couple days after it’s bought fennel can be left out on the counter, upright in a cup or bowl of water (like celery). If wanting to keep longer than a few days place in the fridge in a closed container with a little water.

Garlic‐ store in a cool, dark, place.

Green garlic‐an airtight container in the fridge or left out for a day or two is fine, best before dried out.

Greens‐ remove any bands, twist ties, etc. most greens must be kept in an air‐tight container with a damp cloth‐ to keep them from drying out. Kale, collards, and chard even do well in a cup of water on the counter or fridge.

Green beans‐ they like humidity, but not wetness. A damp cloth draped over an open or loosely closed container.

Green Tomatoes‐ store in a cool room away from the sun to keep them green and use quickly or they will begin to color.

Herbs- a closed container in the fridge to kept up to a week. Any longer might encourage mold.

Lettuce‐ keep damp in an airtight container in the fridge.

Leeks‐leave in an open container in the crisper wrapped in a damp cloth or in a shallow cup of water on the counter (just so the very bottom of the stem has water).

Okra‐ doesn’t like humidity. So a dry towel in an airtight container. Doesn’t store that well, best eaten quickly after purchase

Onion‐ store in a cool, dark and dry, place‐ good air circulation is best, so don’t stack them.

Parsnips‐an open container in the crisper, or, like a carrot, wrapped in a damp cloth in the fridge.

Potatoes‐ (like garlic and onions) store in cool, dark and dry place, such as, a box in a dark corner of the pantry; a paper bag also works well.

Radicchio‐ place in the fridge in an open container with a damp cloth on top.

Radishes‐ remove the greens (store separately) so they don’t draw out excess moisture from the roots and place them in a open container in the fridge with a wet towel placed on top.

Rhubarb‐wrap in a damp towel and place in an open container in the refrigerator.

Rutabagas‐ in an ideal situation a cool, dark, humid root cellar or a closed container in the crisper to keep their moisture in.

Snap peas‐ refrigerate in an open container

Spinach‐ store loose in an open container in the crisper, cool as soon as possible. Spinach loves to stay cold.

Spring onions‐ Remove any band or tie and place in the crisper.

Summer Squash‐ does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut.

Sweet peppers‐ Only wash them right before you plan on eating them as wetness decreases storage time. Store in a cool room to use in a couple a days, place in the crisper if longer storage needed.

Sweet Potatoes‐ Store in a cool, dark, well‐ventilated place. Never refrigerate‐‐sweet potatoes don’t like the cold.

Tomatoes‐ Never refrigerate. Depending on ripeness, tomatoes can stay for up to two weeks on the counter. To hasten ripeness place in a paper bag with an apple.

Turnips‐ remove the greens (store separately) same as radishes and beets, store them in an open container with a moist cloth.

Winter squash‐store in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. Many growers say winter squashes get sweeter if they’re stored for a week or so before eaten.

Zucchini‐ does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut. Wrap in a cloth and refrigerate for longer storage.

HOW TO STORE FRUIT WITHOUT PLASTIC

Apples‐ store on a cool counter or shelf for up to two weeks. For longer storage in a cardboard box in the fridge.

Citrus‐ store in a cool place, with good airflow, never in an air‐tight container.

Apricots‐ on a cool counter to room temperature or fridge if fully ripe

Cherries‐store in an airtight container. Don’t wash cherries until ready to eat, any added moisture encourages mold.

Berries-Don’t forget, they’re fragile. When storing be careful not to stack too many high, a single layer if possible. A paper bag works well, only wash before you plan on eating them.

Dates‐dryer dates (like Deglet Noor) are fine stored out on the counter in a bowl or the paper bag they were bought in. Moist dates (like Medjool) need a bit of refrigeration if they’re going to be stored over a week, either in cloth or a paper bag‐ as long as it’s porous to keeping the moisture away from the skin of the dates.

Figs‐ Don’t like humidity, so, no closed containers. A paper bag works to absorb excess moisture, but a plate works best in the fridge up to a week un‐stacked.

Melons‐ uncut in a cool dry place, out of the sun up to a couple weeks. Cut melons should be in the fridge, an open container is fine.

Nectarines‐ (similar to apricots) store in the fridge is okay if ripe, but best taken out a day or two before you plan on eating them so they soften to room temperature.

Peaches (and most stone fruit)‐ refrigerate only when fully ripe. More firm fruit will ripen on the counter.

Pears‐ will keep for a few weeks on a cool counter, but fine in a paper bag. To hasten the ripening put an apple in with them.

Persimmon –Fuyu‐(shorter/pumpkin shaped): store at room temperature.–Hachiya‐ (longer/pointed end): room temperature until completely mushy. The astringentness of them only subsides when they are completely ripe. To hasten the ripening process place in a paper bag with a few apples for a week, check now and then, but don’t stack‐they get very fragile when really ripe.

Pomegranates‐ keep up to a month stored on a cool counter.

Strawberries‐ Don’t like to be wet. Do best in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a week. Check the bag for moisture every other day.

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Advice for the signs

Aries: Take a step back and think. You are wonderful just the way you are, why do you have to be mean to others just to compensate for your lack of self-esteem? You care so much, I know that. But you have to let the others know as well. You don't need to prover yourself to anyone. You're a hidden gem, aries and let someone find you instead of wrecking the surprise for them. You are loved and you know exactly how to have fun so keep reminding yourself that you are worthy of the adventure your life has to offer.

Taurus: Get out of your comfort zone and stop caring about what people think. I know that you're the best at giving advice but I think it's about time that someone takes care of you. You are not those stereotypes people try to label you with. You are candid. Don't forget your dreams and keep focusing on how to get there. Be social, let yourself be loved and remember that you can always learn from anyone. You're not alone and people can understand, if you let them in. Take in the sun, try something new and keep in mind the fact that you can live through anything. You represent grace. You are going to be okay.

Gemini: You have so many interesting things to say and don't let anyone ever shush you. You are a deep thinker, an innovator. Gemini, I know your mind is on overdrive but take a moment to slow down, on your terms. But after that, do as much as you can because you are capable of so much. Be sure of your opinions (stick to them!) and keep looking forward, you moment will come too. Discover yourself, your surroundings and let yourself be immune to all that is superficial. We all know you are authentic so why keep up the mask? We'll love you anyway and perhaps even more. You are going to be okay.

Cancer: You spread your love so much that at the end of the day, you have none left for yourself. So, when you're down, let yourself be nurtured as much you would nurture someone else. Your voice may be soft but every word has so much meaning. You are so kind, genuinely thoughtful and you are so rare. Keep your purity, don't let corruptions soak in your veins or crawl on your skin. Sometimes, it can be good just to stop caring and to live at the moment. The world's problems are not your responsibility. You are free. Always. You are going to be okay.

Leo: Keep being yourself, I like that. But remember, people's opinion about you does not impact your self-worth. You are special and you are whole just by yourself. It's okay to lose your cool sometimes and become humble and silly, it will feel refreshing I promise. You are so brave and one of kind. Keep standing up for what you believe in and never let anyone extinguish your fire. Go get what you want and keep fierce. You are going to be okay.

Virgo: You are so on top of everything and I admire you for that. I know that things are overwhelming right now but you have to realize that you are powerless to somethings. Live and let live. You are so talented, unique, sensitive, intellectual and grounded, why are you so hard on yourself? You are your very own prized position. Be proud of yourself and keep working hard, it's going to bring you places. Keep being kind and considerate. The fear you feel is only in your head and you hold power over it. You are going to be okay.

Libra: I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful you are, so stop trying to please so hard! The people who are truly good for you are the ones you will not compromise yourself for. You are aloud to be unhappy with something and voice your opinion about it. Discover your talents and expose them to the world. Sing, dance, laugh and don't let anyone rain on your parade. You are more than meets the eye libra. You are a force to be reckoned with. You are going to be okay.

Scorpio: Oh boy, there are so many things I want to tell you. I'll start by saying that people care about you as much as you care about them so stop pushing them away. When you're in the dark, let your hand be held. You know you are different but you forget that it's a good thing. You are so loyal but don't be with your demons. You are not who has hurt you so shake that thought out of your head. I love how you are able to strive even when your heart is shattered. Remember what your priorities are and make sure to include yourself. You are going to be okay.

Sagittarius: The world is your oyster so never limit yourself to only what is known. Be daring, keep being honest and don't let yourself taken over by things that are simply not worth your time. Be patient and the good things will come. Cherish your freedom and keep that laugh of yours just as loud. Remember your one liners and how many faces you have made smile. Do whatever you want your heart desires and stay candid. You are going to be okay.

Capricorn: You have so many plans and you know exactly how to make them happen. No matter what your achievements are, you will always be successful. Take a minute to look at the beautiful world around you. Show them they were wrong! You are so much more than what they tell you to be. Keep asking questions, competing but keep your mind open. You know that you have an emotional side to yourself and you will feel at piece once you acknowledge it. You are devoted but let someone but just as kind towards you. You are going to be okay.

Aquarius: Keep being weird and not caring about the differences that set you apart from the rest. Your brain holds so much knowledge and wisdom, don't let your pride get in the way of it. You can revolutionize, change the world, modify the norms. You are so peculiar and I know that it's hard to have your interest but I can promise you that if you look at everything without a filter, you will feel at peace. Be the exception to everything. You will be okay.

Pisces: Always follow your gut. Your thoughts speak nothing but the truths so never put them aside. You are so special already, you don't need to change to fit it. You naturally do. You are an old soul, the one who got away, the one who will take you home. Don't let yourself get taken avantage of, trust yourself and never stop dreaming. Keep doodling and listening. Remember how strong you are, that behind that sweetness hides a layer of tar that you need to discover on your own. You are multi-dimensional. You are going to be okay.

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