Part Three of a three-part series about the joyful place known as your local farmers’ market.
Going to a farmers’ market is usually a delightful outing. It’s enjoyable to stroll around, smell the fruits and flowers, and see the gorgeous colors that abound. And when you return home with your goods, it’s only natural to want to keep your purchases market fresh and ready for enjoying. Perhaps one, some, or all of the following tips will help you bring that fresh farmers’ market vibe to a kitchen near you:
1. As a rule, items that are green can be stored in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Think: spinach, scallions, lettuces, broccoli.
2. Foods to keep at room temperature include: avocados, bananas, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, summer fruits (peaches, nectarines, apricots)
3. Fresh flowers should have fresh water. Daily.
4. Consider canning. If you buy a flat of fruit and you simply cannot eat all of them before they spoil, consider freezing them for a welcome peach pie come January. Or learn how to make berry or peach preserves. Bonus: These make excellent gifts. Who knew that going to the farmers’ market in July could help you finish your December holiday shopping?!
5. Listen to the experts. If the seller told you to prepare their produce in a certain way – or to store it just so – take heed. Their advice is likely based on years of experience, and will help you capture that farmers’ market fresh feeling in your kitchen.
* photo by Dragan Licina