Now that many of us are focused on making the most of every piece of food on hand, it’s more crucial than ever to know the right way to store it. With the right tools and guidance, you can keep your organic fruits and veggies fresher, longer between each Misfits Market box.
Wondering whether food you’ve had for a while is still good? Do a quick sight, squeeze, and smell test. If something looks weird (e.g., odd spots or beginning to mold), feels mushier than normal, or just smells off, go ahead and compost it.
Learn which fruits and veggies should be enjoyed first and which others have more mileage with proper storage.
Download a printable PDF here.
Sign up to get your fresh produce delivered with Misfits Market!
Curious how to store produce all year round?
The best of winter produce
We’ve updated our produce guide to celebrate the best of winter. The arrival of winter means a new batch of fresh, organic fruits and veggies to add to your next Misfits Market order. From hardy squash and root veggies to the juiciest citrus of the year, we’ve put together a handy guide that tells you how long you’ve got to enjoy all of your cold-weather favorites in their prime. Learn which items should find their way onto your plate first, and which ones can hang around longer. Swipe:
Seasonal Thanksgiving produce
We put together a special seasonal version just for Thanksgiving, full of our favorite fruits and veggies for The Big Meal. This way, none of your fresh produce will go to waste and you won’t need to stock up on fruits and veggies too early or too late. Swipe:
The best of spring produce
And here’s our spring edition! We’re celebrating a whole new season of fresh veggies—the delicate kinds that need a little extra TLC to stay fresh, like lettuces, peas, fresh herbs and berries. Swipe:
The best of summer produce
Here’s our produce guide for how long produce lasts in the summer. Think: delicious tomatoes, stone fruit, juicy melons, and more. Swipe:
The best of fall produce
And we can’t forget about our delicious fall produce. Think: hardy squash, root veggies, and crisp fruits like pears and apples. Swipe:
Have something in your box and don’t see it on this list? Add a comment below and we’ll let you know the best place to store it and how long it keeps.
What goes in the humidity-control drawer of your refrigerator?
| With a little humidity intel, using your refrigerator drawers strategically can help you avoid food waste. In most refrigerators, you can control the amount of humidity by changing the dial above the drawers. In high humidity, the window in the drawer is closed, allowing no air to escape. This is great for your leafy greens and ethylene-sensitive foods like strawberries or broccoli. Produce that wilts will greatly benefit from the high humidity setting. The low humidity setting allows the window to open partially or all the way, giving breathing room to ethylene-producing produce such as melons, peaches, pears, and apples. This ensures that your produce will stay fresh for as long as possible. |
Comments (84)
How about celery?P
Hi Patricia! Great question. Celery is listed here, but simply wrap celery stalks in a damp paper towel. Then, tightly wrap that with aluminum foil. Store it in the crisper drawer and it should keep for 1-2 weeks. Enjoy!
What about cucumbers & brussel sprouts?
Great question! Brussels sprouts and cucumbers are both on this list. Brussels sprouts should be stored in a plastic bag and placed in the crisper drawer for up to a week. Cucumbers can last 1-2 weeks if you wrap them in a dry paper towel and put them in a resealable plastic bag. Just keep them anywhere on the fridge shelf.
How do I store Endive?
Hi Kathy! Endive can fall into the mixed lettuces category, so it should be stored in a reusable container or plastic bag with a dry paper towel to absorb any moisture. It should last 1-2 weeks. Thanks for your question!
I am interested in finding out more about the Misfits Market. Could you please send information on what it is, how it works, and pricing. Thank you.
Hi Marian,
We’re glad to hear you’re interested! We are a subscription box of sometimes funny-looking, always delicious produce, designed to break the cycle of food waste. Think of us like an online grocery store, except one that specializes in rescuing food that is unnecessarily thrown away. We source high-quality organic produce that has a few quirks—onions that are too small, potatoes that are shaped like your favorite celebrity, and carrots that fell in love and got twisted together. It may sound like a joke, but billions of pounds of this fresh and delicious food is tossed each year because grocery stores only want “perfect” foods on their shelves. We step in and buy this food from hundreds of farms across the country and bring them to your doorstep, saving you money and helping you save the world.
We currently offer two sizes: The Mischief for $22 per box, which packs around 10-13 lbs of fresh and organic mixed fruits and vegetables for your household. The second is the Madness for $35 per box, which packs around 18-22 lbs of fresh and organic mixed fruits and vegetables for your household.
You are able to sign up for weekly or bi-weekly service and can pause your account any time. You can learn more about misfits Market on our website here: https://www.misfitsmarket.com/pages/about-us
And if you have more questions feel free to shoot us an email at contact@misfitsmarket.com. Thank you!
Best place for bok choy? Thanks ????
Hi Karrie, great question. You can store Bok choy in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Should this be a ziplock bag or just an open grocery store type bag?
Hi Jill, great question! If the icon does not say it should be a resealable plastic bag then yes, it should be an open plastic bag. You can also use biodegradable bags if you don’t have plastic. Thanks!
What about parsnips? We use them a lot and usually buy several pounds at a time because we use them as potato replacements for my diabetic husband. How should we store them and how long will they keep?
Hi Sarah,
Great question! Like other root veggies, parsnips can last for 4 weeks or longer when stored in a cool, dark, and moist place like a cellar or garage. Just be sure to remove the leafy greens first. You can also wrap parsnips with damp paper towels, place in perforated bags, and keep in the crisper section of the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Avoid storing near apples or pears, as the gases from either will make parsnips bitter. Enjoy!
Thank you for this!
I totally messed up my parsnips storing them unwrapped in the crisper.
Isn’t there any way to print out this guide? That would be helpful.
Hi Marni, great suggestion! Here’s a link to download this guide: https://blog.misfitsmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Misfits_produce-storage-tips.pdf
Enjoy!
I LOVE THIS. THANK YOU.
Radishes? I seem to get then in every box.
Hi Marissa, great question! For radishes, first remove the leaves. Then, place the bulbs in a reusable container or resealable plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Store in the crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks, but be sure to eat before they get too soft. Enjoy!
could you make this storage guide printable?? would be so helpful!!
Hi Barb, great suggestion! Above the images in this post, we just included a link to download a printable PDF. Just click that link and print! Additionally, we are including a printed version of this Produce Storage Guide in all boxes throughout the next 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Thanks for the handy guide!
We like to meal plan so the produce that will loose freshness first, gets used first.
Keep the veggies coming! You’re stretching my culinary possibilites.
Our goodie box did not arrive today. Can we expect it tomorrow ?Can’t wait to see the surprisess.
When I tried to get the % off that I hoped I could use [ we had our daughters #] it didn’t seem to work. What did I do wrong?
Hi Patricia, we’re sorry to hear that your box didn’t arrive today! We have seen an increase in demand over these past few weeks so some of our boxes have been experiencing a 1-2 day delay. As soon as your box is shipped, you will receive an email from us with tracking information. If you’re still waiting on that email, please send us a note at contact@misfitsmarket.com with your account and order information and we’ll like into your delviery.
My box ALWAYS says Wednesday but never makes it until Thursday. I have just learned to expect that. I am grateful and love that I can choose what I want.
It would have been great if this chart were published in a downloadable file
so we could post it in the kitchen.
Hi Lois, great suggestion! We just included a link to download a printable PDF, which you can find here: https://blog.misfitsmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Misfits_produce-storage-tips.pdf
Just click that link and print! Additionally, we are including a printed version of this Produce Storage Guide in all boxes throughout the next 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Thanks for including it in the boxes! I was going to ask for if it was possible to get this consolidated to a simple one page black and white to hang in the kitchen.. But since you’re already sending this version, I’m happy.
New customer. Looking forward to getting my first box this coming week. Thanks for all you’re doing at a difficult time.
Hello! Just a question about peas in their pod. I see they last a week in fridge, but should I shell them before storing or right before it ready to cook them?
Hi Symyra, great question! English peas can be stored in the fridge in their pods but should be shelled just before cooking or eating. Green beans, sugar snap, and snow peas are all edible with their shells. Thanks!
Very helpful info.
What is the difference between using the crisper and refrigerator shelf?
Hi Christina, with the crisper drawer, it’s all about controlled air flow and humidity, which can keep your precious produce crisp and fresh longer than just randomly storing them on a shelf. What’s more, certain fruits and veg release ethylene gas, which causes more delicate foods to ripen faster, so safely storing them in the crisper is the best way to keep them fresher for a prolonged period. Let us know if you have any other questions!
When you say a container with a paper towel, is that a dry paper towel or damp? Thanks
Hi Chiarina, great question! Unless noted in the document, the paper towel should be a dry paper towel. So, for most of your berries and leafy greens, they should be in containers with a dry paper towel. Thanks!
Hi there! How do you store fennel and oregano? Thanks!!
Hi Katie, great question! Fresh oregano can be stored like many other fresh herbs. Place it in a resealable plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel and it should last about a week in the fridge.
For fennel, cut the stalks about an inch from the bulb. Store the fronds/stalks separately from bulb by placing both in separate resealable plastic bags in the coldest part of your fridge. Use within a week. Or, store fennel bulbs and stalks separately in the freezer for up to 8 months.
I got some Jerusalem artichokes
Hi Cathy,
For Jerusalem artichokes (also called sunchokes), you can store them in the crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks. Just wrap them in a dry paper towel first to keep them covered. They can bruise easily, so handle with care! Enjoy ????
Avocados — ripe versus unripe and best way to ripen, store whole and if you use 1/2 of one (leave the pit in; but how to wrap/cover)
Hi Julie, great question! Avocados are tricky. Ripen avocados first by putting them in a brown paper bag for 2-4 days, or 4-7 days on counter top. Once ripe, you can refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you use half an avocado and have another half left, store the avocado half, face down, in a cup or bowl of water. Place that back in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days. Enjoy!
Awesome, clear, concise guide!! Printed it and put it on my fridge.
Love getting my Misfits; keep ’em coming!
Please make a printable version so i can put it on my fridge!
Hi Steph, on it! Above the images, we just included a link to download a printable PDF. Just click that link and print! Additionally, we are including a printed version of this Produce Storage Guide in all boxes throughout the next 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Would love a printable version of this (esp. without the color background) to be able to post on my fridge!! Great info on keeping my misfits in prime condition.
Hi Pam, great suggestion! Above the images, we included a link to download a printable PDF. Just click that link and print! Additionally, we are including a printed version of this Produce Storage Guide in all boxes throughout the next 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Is there a way to print this information so I can leave it on my fridge?
Great suggestion! We’re glad you liked this. You can right click the images on this post directly and download them, but we’ll also include a printable PDF link now! This Produce Storage Guide has been printed and will arrive in your box next week or the week after.
What about Ginger Root?
Thanks!
Hi Randi, we LOVE ginger! It’s best to store ginger in the refrigerator with the peel still on. Place your ginger in a resealable plastic bag, press out most of the air, and place it in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator. It should last for about a month, but toss it once it starts to get too mushy. You can also freeze ginger whole (the same way you store it in the fridge) and it’ll keep for up to 6 months.
Can you please turn this into a refrigerator magnet? ????
Hi Anne — Love this idea! I’ll pass it along to the team and hopefully we can get these made into magnets one day 🙂
Could you create a printer friendly version of these graphics?
Great suggestion! We’re glad you liked this. This Produce Storage Guide has indeed been printed and will arrive in your box next week or the week after. Enjoy!
Will the guide be included in everyone’s box? I would LOVE a copy too!!
Hi Denise, yes! This guide will be printed and sent to every customer over the next few weeks. We’re glad you are enjoying this storage guide!
I really look forward to your additional guide/recipe cards that you include in the boxes and I’ve been looking for the storage guide, hoping each week I will receive it. I’m sure things are crazy-busy there, but I was wondering if you are still sending them out? Thanks in advance for all you do 🙂
Hi Jill, yes! These guides will still be put into all boxes. If you’d like it sooner, you can print this handy printable version! https://blog.misfitsmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Misfits_produce-storage-tips.pdf
We’re glad you enjoyed this!
What is the best way to store white daikon radishes and sunchokes? I’ve never had them before and I’m looking forward to using them!
Hi Shannon, great question!
For radishes, first remove the leaves. Then, place the bulbs in a reusable container or resealable plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Store in the crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks, but be sure to eat before they get too soft. Enjoy!
For sunchokes, you can store them in the crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks. Just wrap them in a dry paper towel first to keep them covered. They can bruise easily, so handle with care!
Enjoy 🙂
How about mangos?
Hi Jennifer, great question! We LOVE mangoes and want them to last as long as possible. Fresh mangoes can be kept on your countertop away from direct sunlight, which will help them ripen faster so you can enjoy them within 2-3 days. Once ripened, place mangoes in your fridge on a shelf near the door (the warmest part of your fridge) where they will last an additional week. Enjoy!
This is a great resource! I just received my first box and was trying to figure out what the heck to do with all the produce. I will say that it was a bit hectic to get my first box being that we are in the middle of a pandemic BUT that being said, it was definitely worth the wait. There are a ton of items in the box that we use regularly and are very comfortable with preparing, and just enough “new to us options” to make it fun to explore new flavors, dishes, and tastes as a family! Can’t wait for our next box to arrive to explore some more!
Great info! Thanks!!!
Awesome resource misfits!
Would it be alright if we reposted these images on our own blog? We will link to this write up of course 🙂
Best,
-Dagan @ Produce Mate
Hi Dagan, we’re glad you liked this content! We are fine if you repurpose with proper credit and a link back to this post and Misfits Market. Please include a disclaimer that the content is repurposed from the official blog of Misfits Market, LLC. The use of this content does not imply or establish any partnership or affiliation between Misfits Market, LLC and Produce Mate.
Thank you!
Here is a tip for leeks:
We love leeks but do not use them on a regular basis. Since we only eat them cooked, I trim the root and most of the green, cut them lengthwise and then across making small 1/2 rings. I soak in cold water to get the dirt out and then rinse and drain. Once dry, I place them in the freezer to use when ready. They stay loose and are great in soups, stir fry, roasted potatoes, etc. Simply use what you need.
How about fennel?
Hi Jessica, great question! For fennel, cut the stalks about an inch from the bulb. Store the fronds/stalks separately from bulb by placing both in separate resealable plastic bags in the coldest part of your fridge. Use within a week. Or, store fennel bulbs and stalks separately in the freezer for up to 8 months.
love this!
artichoke?
scallions?
Hi Kamilah, we’re so glad you loved this! To answer your questions…
Artichokes: Slice off the tip of the stem, about a quarter of an inch. Sprinkle the stem with water and wrap the entire artichoke in a reusable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in the fridge.
Scallions: Place scallions (also called green onions) in a jar or cup of cold water, white bulbs in the water and the green stems out. Cover the exposed green steams with a reusable plastic bag and swap the water every few days. They should last 1-2 weeks but are better used sooner rather than later.
Thanks!
What about collards? Thanks!! This is great info!
Hi Sarah! Collard greens can fall into the leafy greens category so they should be stored in a reusable container or plastic bag with a dry paper towel to collect any moisture. Thanks for the questions and happy cooking!
This all sounds great! Unfortunately, I still haven’t gotten the box that I was supposed to get last Saturday. I have emailed twice and still haven’t heard back! I can’t find a phone number to call or anything!
Love this!! Great ideas for storing veggies! Unfortunately, I still haven’t gotten the box that I was supposed to get last Saturday. I have emailed twice and still haven’t heard back!
How about chard or collard greens?
Hi Alexis! Swiss chard and collard greens can fall into the leafy greens category, so they should be stored in a reusable container or plastic bag with a dry paper towel to collect any moisture. Thanks for the question and happy cooking!
Don’t forget that potatoes and sweet potatoes should be stored in the dark!
Thanks for putting this together. Question: to avoid disposables, would a dry cloth or damp cloth be just as useful as a dry or damp paper towel?
Hi Amanda, great suggestion! A damp or dry cloth will be just as effective. Just be sure that the cloth isn’t too wet or it can make your produce soggy. Happy cooking!
I just want to say I love Misfits. We look forward to getting our box and seeing the fresh produce. We do have a question about the actual box and ice packs. Other than putting them in a recycling container, what can be done with them? Seems like such a waste. My neighbors don’t need anymore ice packs or bubble wrap!
I want to join
We’d love for you to join us, Sandra! You can learn more as well as go through the sign-up process by heading here: https://www.misfitsmarket.com/sign-up. From there, you’ll be asked to provide all your personal information, including your shipping address. We hope to see you joining our Misfits Market family soon! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. ????
How about storing grapes?
Great question, KyLee! Grapes last about 1-2 weeks in the crisper drawer. They should be stored in a well-ventilated bag or container to avoid too much moisture. We hope this helps!