How soon to use produce

Buying produce is always a fun adventure but have you ever considered how soon you should be using your produce before it goes bad? Things to remember when storing to make it last; light, temperature, humidity, and even proximity to other fruits and vegetables can speed up or slow down the ripening and rotting process.

The ASAP Produce (2-5 Days)

Some fruits and vegetables you want to eat right away.

Fruits

• Apricots
• Berries
• Mangoes
• Peaches
• Plums
• Ripe Bananas

Vegetables

• Bok Choy
• Chard
• Kale
• Spinach
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Basil
• Chives

The Soon-ish Produce (5-7 Days)

Other fruits and vegetables that have a slightly longer consumption window.

Fruits

• Cherries
• Oranges
• Grapes
• Pears

Vegetables

• Bell Peppers
• Eggplant
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Green Beans
• Sweet Corn
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Summer Squash
• Baby Potatoes

The No Hurry Produce (1-2+ Weeks)

Some fruits and vegetables are patient and will wait weeks and sometimes even months before going bad.

Fruit

• Apples
• Lemons
• Limes

Vegetables

• Beets
• Carrots
• Ginger
• Onions
• Large Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips
• Butternut Squash

How to Store Produce: A Guide to Fruit and Vegetable Storage (foodrevolution.org)