Produce LOVE

Tips for Picking and Keeping Produce Fresh 

For The Produce Lover  

In All Of Us

At our last RS meeting we were lucky enough to hear from the Master of Produce Philip W. from our Shirlington Harris Teeter.  He shared with us all the tricks of the trade.  For those of you who missed it, here are some of the great tips he shared with us.


Avocados: Speed up ripening by placing in a paper bag. Color does not indicate ripeness. Feel for one that is firm-- not too hard but not mushy.


Basil:  Store stem in a cup of water. If you grow fresh basil, pinch off flowers when they begin to grow.


Cantaloupe: When ripe it has an all-over golden color and will give a little on the ends. Will continue to ripen at home.

Cilantro: Remove from plastic bag and roll up in a damp napkin and store in fridge. 

Ginger: Fresh ginger freezes well

Herbs (fresh): Store rolled up in damp paper towel (except basil) Grow them yourself!

Honeydew melon: Color doesn't indicate ripeness. Push on the ends, which will give a little when ripe. If it gives all over it is probably over ripe.

Jalapenos: The smaller they are, the hotter they are.

Kiwis: If you buy hard kiwis and stick them  in the fridge they will keep for months! When ready to eat take out to ripen.

Lettuce: Store in fridge rolled up in a damp paper towel


Mangoes: Select by feel. Should give to pressure but peel should not wrinkle when you push on it.

Mushrooms: Do not rinse. Brush off dirt with a paper towel


Onions: Do not refrigerate.

Papayas: Should give to pressure but peel should not wrinkle when you push on it.

Parsley: Remove from plastic bag and roll up in a damp napkin and store in fridge.

Peaches: White peaches are usually firmer than yellow peaches and are great for grilling! Peaches will ripen in a paper bag.

Pineapples: Will not mature after picked. Signs of a good one: firm, with a golden and dry bottom, nice green leaves. Smell base for nice, non-sour pineapple smell. If it has no smell it is probably under ripe. (FYI, pineapples are grown for about 18-22 months!)

Potatoes: Do not refrigerate. Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

Tomatillos: Buy with leaves still on. Should be firm, more so than regular tomatoes.

Watermelons: Will not mature after picked. Hit with your palm and listen for resonance and a hollow sound.