Tag: Produce storage

According to produce experts, moisture is the number one culprit for making spinach turn slimy and wilt quickly. So, what is the best container for storing spinach to combat this? The key lies in creating a moisture-controlled, airtight environment, often using a standard storage container paired with a simple paper towel trick.

According to food safety experts, the visible mold on produce is only the tip of the iceberg, with microscopic, thread-like roots growing deep inside. This makes the seemingly simple question—can you eat plantains with moldy skin?—a critical consideration for your health and kitchen safety.

According to the CDC, leafy greens are a leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks, making many people wary of old produce. This often leads to a common question: **can you still use spinach after the expiration date**? The short answer is: often, yes, but only if you check for clear signs of spoilage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illness outbreaks have been linked to stone fruits like nectarines. It's crucial to understand when not to eat nectarines due to spoilage, internal defects, or specific health conditions to ensure safety.

According to produce experts and growers, a 5 lb box of fresh blueberries contains approximately 6 to 7 dry pints. The key to this calculation lies in understanding the difference between volume-based dry pints and weight-based pounds, as well as the inherent variability of fresh produce.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a half-cup serving of raw red bell peppers provides over 100% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C for adults. These nutritional powerhouses, known by several names, including red baby bells, offer a sweet, crunchy addition to many dishes, but their specific characteristics can be a mystery to many home cooks.

Most bananas found in supermarkets are not ripened naturally on the plant; they are harvested green and later exposed to a ripening agent. The question, 'Do they spray bananas with a ripening agent?' is common and centers on the various methods used to prepare the fruit for sale. While a natural, harmless gas is used in many countries, a dangerous chemical is employed elsewhere.

The whitish, dusty film you see on the surface of fresh organic blueberries is not a sign of mold or pesticide residue, but rather a naturally occurring protective layer known as “bloom”. This waxy coating is a hallmark of high-quality, freshly picked fruit and is completely safe to consume. Its presence indicates that the berries have been handled minimally, preserving their natural defenses and freshness.

Broccoli has a very high respiration rate post-harvest, which is why it spoils quickly if left at room temperature. Therefore, the simple answer to 'do broccoli heads need to be refrigerated?' is a resounding yes, if you want them to remain fresh and crisp for more than a couple of days.

Statistics show that a large percentage of food waste consists of fresh produce, but learning how to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer can dramatically reduce this figure in your own home and save you money.