Post-Harvest Care – Extending Shelf Life

How you handle vegetables after harvest determines how long they’ll last. Post-harvest care is essential for reducing waste and making your harvest shareable or marketable.

 

  • Cool Quickly: Store greens and herbs immediately in cool, damp conditions.

  • Cure Roots & Squash: Allow crops like onions, garlic, and winter squash to cure in a warm, dry space before storage.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep freshly picked produce shaded to prevent wilting.

  • Gentle Handling: Bruises and cuts reduce shelf life. Treat vegetables carefully.

 

  • Storage Matching:

    • Refrigerate: leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, peas

    • Room temperature: tomatoes, garlic, onions

    • Cool, dark place: potatoes, winter squash

 

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