YOUR GUIDE TO PRODUCE STORAGE ________________________________ How to get the longest life and best taste out of your fruits and vegetables using your Summit Appliance SUMMIT APPLIANCE DIVISION FELIX STORCH, INC. ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED 770 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474 USA • TEL 718.893.3900 • FAX 844.478.8799 info@summitappliance.com • summitappliance.
MARKET, HOME, REFRIGERATOR. _________________________ For many of us, this is our grocery shopping routine. It’s almost second nature to take fresh produce purchased at the grocery store or farmer’s market, bring it home, and immediately place it into the refrigerator for, what we assume, is safe keeping. However, our routine may not be the best for all produce. Outlined within this brief guide are methods to ensure you enjoy the longest, freshest conditions for your fruits and vegetables.
TIPS & TRICKS TO PROPERLY PREPARE AND STORE PRODUCE _________________________ Storing produce is not just about where you keep it. To get the longest life and freshest taste out of your greens, you also must consider factors like humidity, temperature, light conditions, when to rinse your fruits and vegetables, and which ones emit or are sensitive to ethylene.
PREPARING YOUR PRODUCE FOR STORAGE _________________________ Different produce requires different storage procedures and conditions. For example, apples are best stored in your refrigerator’s crisper in a perforated bag, while avocados are better left on the counter, in the open, until they ripen. To that end, we’ve supplied some general guidelines to prepare your produce.
LET IT BREATHE. _________________________ Like humans, fresh produce breathes, also known as respiration. Fruits and vegetables need room to breathe. So, as you prepare to store, be conscientious about where you are storing. Generally speaking, most fresh produce should not be stored in air-tight containers, but in breathable, perforated bags or similar containers that allow air flow and circulation. STAY CHILL(ED).
ETHYLENE & PRODUCE RIPENING WHAT TO KNOW & WHAT NOT TO DO _________________________ Ethylene is a naturally occurring gas that is produced by some fruits and vegetables. Ethylene itself causes cells to degrade, which can cause some fruits and vegetables that are susceptible to ethylene to ripen and spoil faster. Ethylene can be both a positive and a negative with respect to fruits and vegetables. On the one hand, it can help to hasten the ripening process, ensuring they are ready to consume more quickly.
Ethylene Producers Ethylene Sensitive Not Sensitive to Ethylene Apples Apples Beans (Snap) Avocados Asparagus Blueberries Bananas Avocados Cherries Cantaloupe Bananas Grapefruit Kiwi Broccoli Oranges Mushrooms Cabbage Pineapple Peaches Cantaloupe Potatoes Pears Carrots Raspberries Peppers Celery Strawberries Tomatoes Cucumber Tomatoes Eggplant Grapes Honeydew Kale Kiwi Lemons Lettuce Mangoes Mushrooms Olives Onions Peaches Pears Peppers Squash Sweet Potatoes Watermelon 7
Storage Conditions & Rules _________________________ Prolonging the shelf life of your produce depends on proper storage. The charts on the next few pages provide an overview of where each type of produce should be stored, as well as recommended storage duration and additional instructions.
COLD ZONE (36-43° F) Fruit / Vegetable (Storage Temperature) Length of Storage for Optimal Use Special Storage Instructions Ethylene Producer Ethylene Sensitive Apples (30-40°F) Up to 1 month Produces ethylene; store away from ethylene sensitive produce. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ripe Avocados - Store whole in the refrigerator.
PANTRY ZONE/WINE CELLAR (41-68° F) Fruit / Vegetable (Storage Temperature) Length of Storage for Optimal Use Special Storage Instructions Ethylene Producer Ethylene Sensitive Bananas (Ripened) (56-60°F) For unripe, see page 13 5 to 7 days Store here to help slow ripening. Yes Yes Whole - 1 to 2 weeks Whole - Keep in a plastic bag. Sliced - Store in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
PANTRY ZONE/WINE CELLAR (41-68° F) Fruit / Vegetable (Storage Temperature) Length of Storage for Optimal Use Honeydew (45-50F) 1 to 2 weeks Limes (48-55°F) Up to 1 month Mangoes (Ripened) (50-55°F) For unripe, see page 13 Up to 5 days Store whole or sliced mangoes in the fridge. Sliced mango should be placed in a sealed container. Olives (41-50°F) Up to 14 days Keep chilled in the original container. If planning to stuff them, take out and let sit at room temperature a few hours prior to use.
REFRIGERATOR Fruit / Vegetable (Storage Temperature) Length of Storage for Optimal Use Special Storage Instructions Asparagus (32-35°F) 7 days Place the whole asparagus stem down in 1-2 inches of water and cover with a plastic bag. Yes Broccoli (32°F) 4 to 5 days Wrap whole broccoli in a damp paper towel and place in the refrigerator; do not place in a sealed container as broccoli needs air. Yes Cabbage (32°F) 1 to 2 months Place unwashed cabbage in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
COUNTERTOP Fruit / Vegetable (Storage Temperature) Length of Storage for Optimal Use Special Storage Instructions Ethylene Producer Ethylene Sensitive All fruits/vegetables in this section should be placed at room temperature, generally defined as 68-72°F Avocado (Unripe) Left Out 3 to 7 days Paper Bag 1 to 2 days Bananas (Unripe) Up to 7 days Cantaloupe (Unripe) 1 to 2 days Cucumber Up to 1 week Eggplant (Unripe) Up to 3 days Mangoes (Unripe) Left Out - Leave at room temperature and allow
ALSO FROM SUMMIT _________________________ Loving your Pantry? Check out what else Summit has for you! Our extensive selection of refrigeration storage solutions is perfect for your home or business. With a product line that includes a variety of capacities, heights, styles, and sizes, we have something for everyone! Additionally, our product line can be modified to meet your specific needs. To learn more visit us at summitappliance.com or contact our product specialists at 718.893.3900.
SUMMIT APPLIANCE DIVISION FELIX STORCH, INC. ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED 770 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474 USA • TEL 718.893.3900 • FAX 844.478.8799 info@summitappliance.com • summitappliance.
