We are getting close to that time of year again…an abundance of fresh local produce!
Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to look for to guarantee freshness and also ways to prevent spoilage before you get to enjoy it! I have put together some of my top tips for choosing, storing, and freezing local produce so you can enjoy it while in season and all year round.
Blueberries
What to look for: plump, firm, even colour with a light dusty coating - this is called bloom.
How to store: remove any spoiled berries, keep refrigerated - do not wash until just before eating! Hot water & vinegar bath will help to delay spoilage. To freeze - wash and lay flat to dry completely. Store in an airtight/freezer-safe container (or bag) for up to 3 months.
Cherries
What to look for: Deep dark red color, firm, stems intact and bright green
How to store: Refrigerate in air-tight container or bag, do not wash until just before eating. Remove pits, wash and dry completely before freezing up to 3 months.
Corn
What to look for: Stored away from heat or direct sunlight at time of purchase, fresh green husks (not dried out), husks snug around the ear, plump and tightly packed kernels
How to store: Eat the same day of purchase or refrigerate in an air-tight container up to 3 days. Keep the husk on until ready to eat.
Peaches
What to look for: Medium to large in size, sweet smell, orange-gold glow near the stem, plump with some yield when gently squeezed (no bruising, brown spots or wrinkled skin)
How to store: If already ripe, refrigerate unwashed. To further ripen, place upside down at room temperature. To freeze - wash and let dry completely, remove pits and store in an air-tight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
Raspberries
What to look for: Plump, slightly soft (not mushy), rich colour, dry and clean container (no signs of moisture or mold)
How to store: Raspberries spoil very quickly, so it's best to eat them as soon as possible. Remove any spoiled or moldy berries ASAP! Keep refrigerated in a partially closed container lined with paper towel. Don't wash until just before eating. Delay spoilage further with a hot water bath or vinegar solution.
Strawberries
What to look for: Deep red colour, firmness (no bruising), sweet smell. Strawberries from local farmer's markets or u-pick tend to be sweeter.
How to store: remove any spoiled/moldy berries. Keep stems in and refrigerate in a partially closed container lined with paper towel. Don't wash until just before eating. Delay spoilage further with hot water & vinegar bath (mentioned above).
Tomatoes
What to look for: Plump, bright red colour, smooth even skin, bright green stems, sweet woody smell.
How to store: Keep at room temperature for 2-3 days. To ripen, place in a paper bag with an apple. To freeze, store as chunks, slices or puree in an air-tight container for up to 8 months.
Zucchini
What to look for: vibrant colour, smooth, no blemishes or wrinkles, glossy skin.
How to store: refrigerate, unwashed in paper bag or crisper for up to 1 week. To freeze, cut into half inch slices, blanch and let dry completely. Store in an air-tight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
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