| Keeping Vegetables from Wilting in the Fridge
To keep vegetables from turning brown or becoming "limp" or wilted in the refrigerator, certain storage guidelines should be followed. Here are some storage recommendations to help maximize vegetable storage.
Fresh Vegetables Storage Chart |
| Fresh Vegetable |
Fridge Time |
Freezer Time |
Storage Tips |
| Asparagus |
2 - 3 days |
8 - 12 months |
Don't wash before refrigerating. Store in crisper. |
| Brussels Sprouts & Broccoli |
3-5 days |
8 - 12 months |
Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper. |
| Celery |
1-2 weeks |
Not Recommended |
Refrigerate in crisper. |
| Cauliflower & Snap Beans |
1 week |
8 - 12 months |
Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper. |
| Carrots, Parsnips, Beets, Radishes & Turnips |
2 weeks |
8 - 12 months |
Remove tops. Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper. |
| Green Peas/Lima Beans |
3-5 days |
8 - 12 months |
Leave in pods & refrigerate. |
| Lettuce/Other Salad Greens |
1 week |
Not Recommended |
Wash. Drain well. Wrap & refrigerate in crisper. |
| Mushrooms |
3-5 days |
Not Recommended |
Store in paper bag in crisper. |
| Onions, Green |
3-5 days |
8 - 12 months |
Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper. |
| Peppers & Cucumbers |
1 week |
8 - 12 months |
Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper. |
Fresh vegetables remain fresh longest in a moist environment. They should be stored in the crispers with the control on the "Vegetables" setting. If the crispers are full, store vegetables in plastic bags or plastic containers to prevent moisture loss.
Most vegetables should be stored in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Exceptions include potatoes, sweet potatoes, mature onions, hard-rind squashes, eggplant and rutabagas, which keep well in cool rather than cold storage. Tomatoes should be refrigerated only after they are fully ripe and only for a short time.
Store Vegetables In Crisper Drawers
The crisper drawers trap moisture inside to help keep foods fresh. Moisture controls on some crisper drawers can be used to regulate the moisture level in the crisper. As a general rule, vegetables require high moisture storage and fruits low moisture, Refer to the User's Guide for directions on setting the crisper control. The crispers in a refrigerator will perform better if they are at least two-thirds full.
Wrap Certain Vegetables
Storage in the crispers slows the dehydration of fresh vegetables. In addition, leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, should be placed in plastic bags or airtight containers (Tupperware, Rubbermaid*, etc.) to reduce moisture loss. Odorous foods such as peppers and cabbage should always be wrapped to contain odors. Mushrooms should be stored in paper bags rather than plastic.
Remove Excess Moisture
Vegetables need a certain amount of moisture to remain fresh as long as possible. However, too much moisture can shorten the storage of vegetables, especially lettuce. Brown spots may develop with excess moisture. It is important that lettuce be well drained before storing. It may be helpful to place a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the bag to absorb any excess moisture; replace the toweling occasionally. Some storage containers feature a special drainage device to raise the lettuce off the bottom and keep it from sitting in accumulated moisture.
Maintain Proper Refrigerator Temperatures
The fresh food compartment of a refrigerator should be kept between 34 and 40 degrees F., with an optimum temperature of 37 degrees F. Refrigerator temperatures can be checked by using an appliance thermometer. Lower than recommended refrigerator temperatures could cause vegetables to freeze. Freezing damages cell structure and vegetables can turn brown and become limp.
Consider Vegetable Quality
Vegetable quality affects the length of storage. Quality can vary from item to item, variety to variety and season to season. For example, a rainy growing season can cause lettuce to be brown when purchased, or become brown more quickly. Sort vegetables before storage and use bruised or soft vegetables first. Discard those showing evidence of decay.
Follow Length-of-Storage Guidelines
Following the guidelines should help to keep vegetables fresh and maximize their storage time in the refrigerator. Consult the food storage chart and use vegetables within recommended refrigerator storage time. Vegetables stored longer than recommended will also turn brown and lose their crispness.
*Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.
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