Hello friends! Back for round two of storing produce. This week our basket included some new things. Squash, fresh corn on the cob, cauliflower, cantaloupe, carrots and oranges. The rest in this picture was previously discussed in the original post, which you can view here. So, let's start, shall we?
Squash: There are many kinds of squash. The storage is slightly different. First we will focus on summer squash (zucchini, yellow, spaghetti). One key thing to mention is that summer squash has a thinner skin than winter squash and should be handled more delicately. Squash needs cool temps and high humidity. They can be stored in the refrigerator as is or in an open bag for air circulation. Be sure to gently clean the outside so that there isn't any dirt. Dirt promotes decay. It will hold up for about a week like this. If you prefer to cut up your squash before storing, place the pieces in a plastic bag in the fridge. It will last about 4-5 days. To freeze, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, steam for four minutes, drain and store in an airtight bag in the freezer. Will last up to 10 months. Now on to winter squash. It has a tougher skin and can be stored in a cool area, such as cellar or basement steps, for up to a month. Stored in the refrigerator as is or in an open bag will last about 2 weeks. If you would like to cut it up before storing, place into an airtight plastic bag in the fridge for 2-4 days. You should cook winter squash before freezing it. Pureed, mashed or chunked in an airtight freezer bag, it can last up to a year.
Fresh corn on the cob: Place corn, unwashed and still in husk, in a plastic bag that has been perforated, into the fridge as soon as possible. The corn needs the refrigeration, which will extend it's life, and air circulation to remain fresh. Use the corn within 3 days of storage this way. Takes the husks off just before cooking. If you would like to freeze the corn on the cob for later use, it takes a bit more time. You will need to take the husks off and removed as much of the silks as possible. Blanch the corn for approximately 10 minutes. Take directly from the boiling water and place into a bowl of ice water. This will prevent overcooking. Drain off the excess moisture and place into airtight freezer bags. They will keep up to 8 months this way.
Oranges: Oranges need air circulation. They are best kept in a fruit basket, away from direct sunlight. If your oranges are not bruised of damaged, they will last for about a week. To store longer, wrap each undamaged piece of fruit individually in paper. Place into a cardboard box in a cool, dry, dark area, such as a garage or shed, that will not reach above 60 degrees F. These will last for 2-3 weeks.
Cauliflower: Just like broccoli, mentioned in the first post, cauliflower can be store for up to a week in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator. You want to keep them separate, though. Broccoli accelerates the spoilage of the cauliflower.
Carrots: Carrots are awesome! Fun fact: carrots increase in vitamin A content over the first 4 months of storage, if they are stored properly. So let me get this information to you so you can reap the benefits! First things first - remove all of the greens from the carrot. They draw the moisture away from the root. Tightly seal the carrots, unwashed, in an airtight bag. Put them in the coolest part of the refrigerator. Wash them just before use. If you wash before storing, the moisture in the bag will cause them to spoil. Keep them away from any fruits or vegetables that expel ethylene gas (apples, potatoes, pears) as the gas will cause the carrots to become bitter.
Cantaloupe: Just like with all melons, you want to keep these on the counter or in the party until they are ripe. Once ripe, they will last 2-3 days on the counter or in the pantry. If you move them to the refrigerator after they are ripe, they will last an additional 7-10 days. Store them as is in there. To freeze, cut the cantaloupe open and remove all rinds and seeds. Slice/cube/ball the cantaloupe and put into airtight freezer bags/containers. The cantaloupe will last 10-12 months in the freezer.
That's all for this week, friends. Hope I've been able to help you out again! Until next time - Happy eating!
