Food Storage Tips

Carrots

Remove tops, leaving about an inch of stems. Refrigerate dry, unwashed in a plastic bag for two weeks or more.

Canned Goods

Keep canned goods in a cool dark cabinet or cellar. Natural light will rob the product of its natural color and quality. Once opened keep refrigerated.

Always check the lid of your canned goods. In the rare event that the seal is broken, do not open it. Bring it back to Grasshoppers to make an exchange.

Pesto

When ready to eat, let thaw in your refrigerator. The top layer will look brown. That’s OK. It still tastes good. Mix well and toss with pasta, or smeared on a piece of bread, or add olive oil and use as a dressing. Cover and keep in your refrigerator.

Butternut Squash

Store in a cool, dark, dry place with good ventilation, but not cold enough to freeze. They should keep for several months depending on variety-butternuts are excellent keepers. Once cut keep wrapped in plastic and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Brussels Sprouts

Keep longer still attached to the stalk, but if you lack refrigerator room store them off the stalk unwashed in a closed plastic bag. If left on the stalk they should still be wrapped in plastic. Flavor best right after harvest, so use them within a week.

Popcorn

Store in an airtight glass or plastic container in a cool place. Do not place in refrigerator; kernels will likely dry out. Putting the pop back in the popcorn: it’s all about moisture. If the popcorn is too dry, remove from the cob and fill a mason jar 3/4th full. Add a TBSP of water and shake. Let sit a few days, then pop a test batch. If kernels still aren’t popping fully, repeat with water and try again.

Spinach

Keep dry and unwashed sealed in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Tender greens, like spinach, should be eaten within one week.

Tomatoes

If your tomatoes smell fragrant and yield slightly when squeezed they are ready. If not, store them at room temperature for a few days until ripe. This can be in a paper bag or a shady spot on the kitchen counter. Avoid putting them in the refrigerator, cold temperatures will deplete the taste and texture.

Cauliflower

Wrap dry, unwashed heads loosely in plastic and store in refrigerator. Will keep for up to week, but best if used within a few days.

Head Lettuce

Keep unwashed in a plastic bag.