Keep It Fresh: 6 Tips from Kelowna Appliance Experts

Genier's Appliances
2019-06-20T12:00:00-04:00

Now that summer is here, you may find yourself looking for ways to keep all that local Okanagan produce cool and fresh.
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Protect your fresh, local fruits and vegetables with these storage and preservation tips.

Now that summer is here, you may find yourself looking for ways to keep all that local Okanagan produce cool and fresh. Thankfully some of the local appliance stores in Kelowna have compiled some of the best tips for keeping your fruit and veggies crisp all summer long.

Tip #1: Shop Local

As if you needed another reason to shop local, but if you do, here it is: Local produce will last longer than store-bought produce. When you purchase products from a different country, it’s made a long journey to arrive on the shelves of the grocery store. That means it’s less fresh than local produce and will go bad quicker than the freshly picked produce offered at the Farmers Market or fruit stand.

Tip #2: Line Your Produce Drawers with Paper Towel

When putting away some of those fresh Okanagan greens in your crisper, line it with a paper towel first. It’ll absorb the condensation that the veggies generate as they chill. And it’ll keep your fridge cleaner longer. It’s a win-win situation.

Tip #3: Separate the Apples

The Okanagan is ripe with apples come fall. However, apples produce ethylene gas, and that gas will ripen fruit fast. Instead of placing them in the fruit bowl with the others, keep them in a plastic bag in the fridge instead.

Bonus Apple Tip: Apples are great for potatoes! You can extend the life of your potatoes by storing an apple alongside them.

Tip #4: Save the Berries with Vinegar

Yes, vinegar. Because berries are quick to go bad, give them a bath with one part vinegar and three parts water. This will extend their shelf life by killing mould spores and bacteria that cause them to turn fuzzy. Once they’ve had a chance to soak, rinse and dry thoroughly before storing.

Tip #5: Water the Wilt-y Stuff

If your lettuce, kale, celery, asparagus, green onion, or other leafy green is starting to wilt, set it in a glass full of water. Besides having a pretty veggie bouquet on the counter, your lifeless produce will suddenly return to its pre-wilted glory. It won’t take long either.

Tip #6: Ask Yourself: Fridge or Counter?

Most times, produce is shoved in the fridge even if it shouldn’t be. Some fruit and vegetables do much better on the counter while some thrive in a colder environment like the fridge.

Here’s where some of the most popular produce should be stored:

Fridge

Leafy greens

Asparagus

Beans

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Mushrooms

Grapes

Peppers

Zucchini

Corn on the cob

Countertop

Tomatoes

Bananas

Stone fruit

Berries

Apples

Kiwis

Herbs

Citrus fruit

Avocados

In the market for new kitchen appliances? Make the Drive to Genier’s in Vernon. We have a live showroom featuring some of the best brands in Canadian appliances, like KitchenAid and Whirlpool appliances. Our commission-free sales team will help you find the perfect appliance for your needs.