If you’re a rural, urban, or suburban homesteader, you’ve probably dabbled in vegetable gardening and even preserving food from your harvest. But there’s something about eating fresh produce that’s so delicious, isn’t there? Since your freshly grown tomatoes and peppers probably won’t last through the winter, you need to know which fruits and vegetables are considered long lasting produce and might even last throughout the cold months.
Ready to learn which produce can go the distance? Let’s discuss 12 fruits and vegetables that stay fresh for a ridiculously long time — some of them for months!
Benefits of Choosing Long Lasting Produce
Making frequent trips to the grocery store can be quite the hassle. Aside from the inconvenience, there are times of year — like in the winter — when fresh produce is scarce and, therefore, pricey. That’s why identifying long lasting produce is so crucial for suburban homesteaders.
Not only does stocking up on these hearty fruits and vegetables save you time and money, but it also ensures your family has access to fresh produce all year round.
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1. Apples
Apples are a perennial favorite, and for a good reason: They’re sweet, versatile, and super healthy. To top it off, they have a remarkable shelf life so you can make delicious apple recipes all winter long.
When stored in a cool, dark place, such as your root cellar or even the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, apples can stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. Ensure you check for any bruised or damaged apples and remove them to prevent the spread of spoilage throughout your bushel.
2. Pears
Like apples, pears can be stored in the fridge’s crisper drawer to extend their freshness, and they can stay crisp and delicious for 1-2 months. Make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors easily.
3. Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes have a fantastic shelf life. Stored at room temperature, they can last for up to 2-4 weeks. If you have a surplus, consider refrigerating them or storing them in a basement root cellar to prolong their freshness for several months.
4. Cabbage
A hardy and versatile leafy green, cabbage can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. To keep it fresh, wrap the head tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the crisper.
5. Beets
Beets are well known for their long shelf life. When stored in a cool, dark place, they can stay fresh for up to 2-4 months. Trim the greens, leaving about two inches of the stem attached to the root, to prevent moisture loss.
6. Winter Radishes
Winter radishes, such as daikon or black radishes, are much hardier than their red cousins, and they can last up to a month in the refrigerator. Remove the greens, store them separately, and keep the roots in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel.
7. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes have been stored in root cellars for centuries due to their amazing ability to last throughout the winter. In fact, they can stay fresh for a whopping 2-5 months when stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Remember to keep them away from onions to prevent premature sprouting.
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8. Carrots
With their impressive shelf life of 2-4 months when stored properly, carrots are a hardy fall harvest vegetable. It’s recommended to store them in the refrigerator crisper drawer with a paper towel in their container to absorb water. This ensures they are dry and free from any moisture to prevent rot.
9. Celery
If you’ve ever bought celery and simply placed it in the fridge, you may be raising your eyebrows right now remembering how quickly it spoiled. However, there’s a trick to storing celery so that it lasts for weeks: Wrap it in aluminum foil!
10. Onions
A flavorful addition to so many meals, onions can last for up to 2-3 months when stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep them away from potatoes to prevent both from sprouting prematurely.
11. Garlic
Garlic has an astounding shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to moisture or direct sunlight and it will stay fresh for 3-5 months!
12. Winter Squash
The true autum and winter hero, winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn squash can last 1-6 months in a cool, dry place. Ensure they have good air circulation to prevent mold.
How to Pick Produce That Lasts
When shopping for produce with the intent of keeping it fresh for a long time, examine each item carefully. Look for bruised areas, mold, or signs of rot. Choose produce that isn’t overly ripe — slightly underripe fruits and vegetables tend to last longer since they’ll continue to ripen in your home.
Want To Extend the Life of Your Produce Even Longer?
If you want to further extend the lifespan of your fruits and vegetables, consider various food preservation methods such as canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and freezing. For example, you can use a pressure canner to preserve many of the items on this list.
Here are some other ways to preserve these long lasting produce items:
- Use a water bath canner to preserve apples and pears.
- Dehydrate citrus fruits to use in trail mixes and even homemade bakery items.
- Dehydrate mashed potatoes to make instant potatoes that will last for years if stored properly.
- Ferment cabbage to make Sauerkraut or Kimchi.
These preservation techniques can help you enjoy your long lasting produce for up to a year or even longer.
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You Can Have Fresh Produce Throughout the Winter!
Knowing which fruits and vegetables have a prolonged shelf life can save you time and money throughout the winter while giving you access to fresh produce all season long. By following the storage tips provided, you can ensure that your kitchen remains stocked with fresh, healthy options for an extended period.
FAQs: Long Lasting Produce
Can I store these fruits and vegetables together in the same drawer?
It’s best to store fruits and vegetables separately. Fruits like apples and citrus release ethylene gas, which can cause vegetables to ripen and spoil faster.
What’s the ideal temperature for storing these produce items?
For most fruits and vegetables, a cool and slightly humid environment, typically around 32-40°F (0-4°C), is ideal.
How can I prevent my potatoes from sprouting?
Store potatoes in a cool, dark place away from onions, which can accelerate sprouting. You can also keep them in a paper bag with an apple to slow down sprouting.
Can I freeze these fruits and vegetables for long-term storage?
Yes, many of these items can be frozen for extended storage. Be sure to blanch them before freezing to preserve their quality.
What’s the best way to store garlic to ensure it lasts the longest?
Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Hanging them in a mesh bag is an excellent way to ensure proper air circulation.