Taking the time to store produce properly will help you to make the most of this season’s wonderful fruits and vegetables. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables is a great way to improve your health. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Most vegetables should be stored unwashed in the refrigerator in a plastic bag until ready to use. Most will keep four to seven days.
2. Berries of all types should not be washed until just before eating or using them in a recipe. Prepare by rinsing gently in water. You can freeze unwashed berries for later use by placing them in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, divide them into servings and store in small plastic bags or containers. Thaw and rinse gently with water when you are ready to enjoy them.
3. Nectarines, pears, plums, peaches, and apricots can be ripened in a paper bag on the kitchen counter. Once ripe, these fruits can be stored in an open plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It is important to keep fruits separate from vegetables as both produce natural gases that can affect the taste of one another.