Produce 101 - Pears



Produce 101 - Pears

Picking the best

Pears are packed and shipped green, because the best flavor and texture develop when pears are ripened off the tree (the sugar content increases, due to conversion of starch to sugar). Pears are picked unripe but mature. A pear characteristically has minor surface blemishes on the skin and is known as russeting. These blemishes are natural and do not affect the pears flavor. In general selecting a pear, big plump pears are the most desirable.

Storing

Pears are picked mature but not ripe. They generally require additional ripening at home at room temperature. Pears ripen from the inside out and should not be kept unti soft on the outside. A ripe pear is firm yet yields slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end. Once ripe they are ready to eat, or can be refrigerated for later consumption.

Produce 101 - Onions

Produce 101 - Onions

Picking the best

Select onions that are completely dry and smooth. Dry onions can be divided into two categories, storage onions and sweet onions. Dry onion should be well shaped and dry enough to crackle. Thin necks and bright, hard bulbs are two other indications of quality. Onions that are extremely soft or sprouting should be avoided.

Storing

Select onions that are completely dry and smooth. Dry onions can be divided into two categories, storage onions and sweet onions. Dry onion should be well shaped and dry enough to crackle. Thin necks and bright, hard bulbs are two other indications of quality. Onions that are extremely soft or sprouting should be avoided.

Produce 101 - Blueberries



Produce 101 - Blueberries

How to pick the best
When selecting blueberries look for deep – purple to dark blue, firm and plump. Unlike other berries blueberries should have a chalky appearance instead of a shiny appearance like the strawberry, blackberry or even raspberries. Check blueberry containers for mold, overripe berries, and or leaky berries, which is a sign of distressed fruit.

Storing

When storing blueberries, open container and sort through berries discarding moldy or overripe berries. Berries that are ripe ready to eat should be eaten in 24 hours. In refrigeration blueberries should last up to a week continuing to inspect for overripe or moldy berries. Blueberries freeze very well but their taste and texture will be slightly different. When freezing blueberries make sure berries are not washed and completely dry.

Produce 101 - Blackberries

Produce 101 - Blackberries

Picking the best

When selecting blackberries look for plump, deep color, clean and fresh in appearance. Blackberries do not ship very well because they are highly perishable berry, so local grown blackberries are your best bet. Check blackberry containers for mold, overripe berries, and or leaky berries which is a sign of distressed fruit.

Storing

Blackberries should be consumed shortly after purchase and will only last a few days refrigerated after purchase. Best when stored on a shallow tray single layer with paper towels placed over the top. Always remove moldy berries and consume the soft, overripe berries immediately and return the rest of the berries in to refrigeration. Like all berries blackberries freeze very well. 

Produce 101 - Avacados



Produce 101 - Avacados

Picking the best

Avocados vary widely in weight, texture, shape, and thickness of skin. When choosing an avocado avoid those that have dark, soft spots on their surface. As for quality or flavor size, shape and color have no impact. To pick out a ripe avocado, put light pressure from your fingertips on the outer rind. If it yields, it's ripe

Storing

Unripe avocados should be placed in a paper bag at room temperature and will ripen in 2 to 5 days. To speed up the ripening process place in the paper bag a apple, pear, or banana, the ethylene gas produced from the fruit helps the avocado ripen. To maintain the color off a cut or sliced avocado brush the surface with lime or lemon juice. After an avocado is ripe you can place into refrigeration for a few days to keep it from becoming over ripe.

Produce 101 - Summer Squash



Produce 101 - Summer Squash

Picking the best

When selecting summer squash, look for characteristic color and should be fairly heavy for their size. Rind should be soft and easily punctured with the fingernail.

Storing

Store summer squash unwashed in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep squash away from moisture, which promotes decay.

Produce 101 - Apples



Produce 101 - Apples

Picking the best

With many different varieties of apples grown around the world, Washington State grows the majority of apples consumed by Americans. Whatever the color or variety you choose, look for bruise-free fruit with firm, shiny skin. Since apples are a hardy fruit they are available year-around, new crop apples are available from summer's end through late fall.

Storing

Ideal storage for apples, are under refrigeration between 34-38 F, where they can last up to 90 days. At room temperature apples ripen within a day or two, so if you consume them in a few days they are fine on the counter. Apples will absorb odors produced by potatoes, bulb onions, or any strong flavored item. When apples ripen, they emit a lot of ethylene gas, which causes other fruit and vegetables to ripen faster so it is recommended to keep them in their own crisper.

Produce 101 - How to pick and how to store produce



This month I am going to do a series of posts on picking and storing fresh produce.

We love having fresh produce in the house. I always worry that I am not storing it in the best manner and losing days of use. I am going to pick a new fruit or vegetable every day to highlight.