Fall Produce: Storage Tips & Recipes, Articles, Food & Home

Fall is drawing to a close but there’s still time to enjoy the fresh produce of the season. Here are tips on how to properly store five popular fall fruits and vegetables for maximum freshness. Plus, get suggestions on how to enjoy these autumn harvest favourites!

Apples
Storage tip: Keep apples in the refrigerator and they will last for up to two weeks. If you prefer to leave them out at room temperature, keep in mind that they’ll generally only last for two to three days.

What to do with apples: Use them for baking pies, muffins and apple crisps. You can also make homemade applesauce or caramelize apples and use them as a topping on waffles, crêpes or ice cream

Cauliflower

Storage tip: Use plastic wrap to cover the head of the cauliflower and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What to do with cauliflower: Steam cauliflower and serve as a side dish, eat it raw with vegetable dip or use it to make an entrée dish such as Cauliflower Curry.

Cabbage

Storage tip: Use plastic wrap to cover the entire head of the cabbage and keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What to do with cabbage: Use shredded cabbage to make coleslaw to be served as a side dish for fast weeknight meals. Cabbage rolls or Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish) are also hearty and satisfying meals for any night of the week.

Cranberries
Storage tip: Place fresh cranberries in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator and they should keep for up to two months. Be sure to separate and toss out individual cranberries which are soft and decaying as they will quickly spread to the rest of the batch.

What to do with cranberries: Cranberries are a wonderful addition to salads. Put them in a salad of mixed greens and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. They’re also excellent for baked goods such as Cranberry Scones.

Pumpkin
Storage tip: Keep whole, mature pumpkins in a cool, dry place for up to one month. If refrigerated, pumpkins will keep for up to three months.

What to do with pumpkin: Use pumpkin as the main ingredient in an appetizer such as Curried Pumpkin Soup or in a dessert such as Butterscotch Pumpkin Bars. And not only is it edible, there are a variety of ways to use pumpkins as décor for the home.

Be sure to check out our Recipe Finder for more recipes using fall fruits and vegetables!