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We've written before about how food waste contributes to climate change, and that serving reasonable portions, planning before you shop, and storing food properly can go a long way toward reducing that impact.
Correct food storage can dramatically increase the shelf life of your foods. But while things like breads and dairy have simple, straightforward rules (keep bread in an airtight container, refrigerate dairy below 40°F, etc.), fruits and vegetables can be a bit more tricky. Some produce likes to be stored at very cold temperatures (carrots, for example), while others benefit from a slightly more temperate environment (e.g., bell peppers and eggplant). Luckily, the folks at Organics to You have put together a page of tips about the proper handling and storage of your edibles. Their page includes information about how produce items should be stored, and even what foods can be stored together (ethylene-emitting fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas can alter the taste of certain vegetables). Check out their page for full information, or consult the graph below for a partial summary.
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Temperature
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Humidity
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Types of Produce
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Cold
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Cool (refrigerated)
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Cool (non-refrigerated)
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High
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Low
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Store In:
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Artichokes
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X |
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Asparagus
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X |
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Crisper + wet paper towels + plastic bag
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Bell Peppers
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X |
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Broccoli
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X |
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Crisper
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Cabbage
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X |
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Carrots
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X |
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Cauliflower
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Celery
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X |
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Corn
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X |
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Crisper
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Cucumbers
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Eggplant
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Green Onions
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Green Beans
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Crisper + perforated plastic bag
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Garlic
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X |
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X |
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Mushrooms
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X |
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Paper bag
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Onions
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X |
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X |
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Potatoes
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X |
X |
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Burlap, paper, or perforated plastic bag
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Radishes
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Crisper + plastic bag
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Salad Greens
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X |
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Crisper + wet paper towels + plastic bag
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Spinach
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X |
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Summer Squash
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X |
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X |
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Plastic bag
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Sweet Potatoes
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X |
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X |
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Tomatoes
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X |
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Paper bag
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Winter Squash
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X |
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X |
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