Smart Storage
INSIDE THE FRIDGE:
- Apples, berries and cherries
- Grapes, kiwi and all citrus fruit
- Almost all fruit, vegetables and herbs
ON THE COUNTER OR TABLE:
- Bananas
- Basil
- Winter squash
- Once cut, store produce in the fridge
ONCE RIPE, STORE IN THE FRIDGE:
- Melons, nectarines, apricots, peaches, pears and plums
- Avocados and tomatoes
IN A COOL, DARK PLACE, LIKE A CUPBOARD
- Mangoes, papayas and pineapples
- Potatoes, onions and garlic
More tips to prevent food waste at www.EatSmartWasteLess.com
Fruit and Vegetable Storage Guide - PDF
Tips to practice SMART Storage
- Store onions, garlic, potatoes, mangoes, papayas and pineapples in a cool, dark place. Fruit and vegetable storage tips.
- Freeze food you won't be able to eat soon.
- Use clear storage bags or containers to help extend the life of your produce and easily identify the contents.
- Separate very ripe fruit and apples and bananas as they will spoil other produce.
- Store fruits in the low-humidity drawer and leafy greens in the high-humidity drawer.
- Wash berries just before eating to prevent mold.
- Make produce that's past its prime into soups, sauces, pies or smoothies.
- If you like your fruit at room temperature, take what you’ll eat for the day out of the fridge in the morning.
Other Resources
- Save The Food
- Preserve and store food with Oregon State University (OSU) Extension
- How to use your refrigerator better
- Why food waste matters
- SMART strategies - Prevent wasted food at home
- More resources
Contact Us
Phone 503-526-2665 or email Recyclingmail@BeavertonOregon.gov