Store produce correctly to prolong freshness.
One of the most important keys to enjoying your favorite fruits and vegetables is storing them properly. There's little worse than getting ready to eat or cook with produce only to find it has gone bad. If you just picked up apples and carrots from the store, knowing the best ways to store each allows the produce to retain their freshness for as long as possible. You can also combine your fresh apples and carrots into several tasty dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Storing Apples
1. Store apples in a basket on the counter or in the pantry for up to three days.
2. Store apples in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up three to four months. The temperature of the refrigerator should be between 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
3. Store sliced and peeled apples in a heavy duty, airtight containers. Toss the apples with 1 tsp. of ascorbic acid to prevent the apples from browning. Sliced apples will last 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
Storing Carrots
4. Wrap carrots tightly in paper towels, and then in a locking plastic bag. This will reduce the amount of moisture lost.
5. Store the wrapped carrots in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep carrots away from other produce, such as apples that produce ethylene gas, which causes carrots to taste bitter. Carrots stored in the refrigerator should last up to two weeks.
6. Freeze peeled and chopped carrots by plunging them in boiling water, then into ice water to cool. Place the carrots in a locking freezer bag before placing in the freezer. Frozen carrots will last 12 to 18 months in the freezer.
