Produce Storage Time and Temperature Guidance
There are many ways we can keep our produce fresh. One of them looks at the chart for produce storage temperature and humidity, storing them based on the ethylene production and sensitivity tables.
If you need more information, please visit https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fruits-vegetables-storage-conditions-d_710.html to check the details for your favourite produce.
Let’s look at an apple. The optimal storage temperature of apples is -1 to -4C, with optimal humidity at 90-95%, producing a high amount of ethylene and being sensitive towards ethylene. They can be stored for any period between 1 to 12 months.
| Vegetables | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beans green or waxed | 5 days (Refrigerator) | 8 months (Freezer) |
| Carrots | 2 weeks (Refrigerator) | 10-12 months (Freezer) |
| Celery | 2 weeks (Refrigerator) | 10-12 months (Freezer) |
| Leaf lettuce | 3-7 days (Refrigerator) | Don’t freeze |
| Iceberg lettuce | 1-2 weeks (Refrigerator) | Don’t freeze |
| Spinach | 2-4 weeks (Refrigerator) | 10-12 months (Freezer) |
| Summer squash | 1 week (Refrigerator) | 10-12 months (Freezer) |
| Winter squash | 2 weeks (Refrigerator) | 10-12 months (Freezer) |
| Tomatoes | Don’t refrigerate | 2 months (Freezer) |
Click here to download
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/files/230191.pdf
For more detailed Produce Storage Time and Temperature Guidance, see these excellent resources from UC Davis Post Harvest.
References:
Government of Canada. (2021, July 5). Safe Food Storage. Safe Food Storage. Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/general-food-safety-tips/safe-food-storage.html.