What goes in the fridge and what stays on the counter, keeping herbs and greens fresh, and washing produce.
Fridge or counter
Fridge (crisper drawer)
- What:
- Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, mushrooms (in a paper bag), berries, grapes, apples, citrus
Counter
- What:
- Tomatoes, bananas, avocados, stone fruit and pears until ripe (then the fridge), whole melons
Cool, dark place (not the fridge)
- What:
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, winter squash. Keep potatoes and onions apart: onions make potatoes sprout.
| Where | What |
|---|---|
| Fridge (crisper drawer) | Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, mushrooms (in a paper bag), berries, grapes, apples, citrus |
| Counter | Tomatoes, bananas, avocados, stone fruit and pears until ripe (then the fridge), whole melons |
| Cool, dark place (not the fridge) | Potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, winter squash. Keep potatoes and onions apart: onions make potatoes sprout. |
Herbs and greens
- Soft herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint, dill): trim the stems and stand them in a glass of water in the fridge, loosely covered with a bag. Basil stays on the counter in water; the fridge blackens it.
- Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage): wrap in a barely damp paper towel in a bag or container in the fridge.
- Salad greens: wash, dry very well (a salad spinner helps), and store in a container lined with paper towels.
Washing
Rinse produce under running water just before you use it, not before storing (moisture speeds spoiling). Rub firm produce with your hands or a brush. Soap and produce washes aren't needed. Wash even things you'll peel, like melons and avocados, since the knife carries dirt from the skin into the flesh. Bagged greens labeled "pre-washed" don't need washing again.