How to Choose and Store Apples, Pears and Fall Vegetables

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Apples

Choose firm, shiny and smooth-skinned apples with intact stems and fresh smell, not musty. Refrigerate in a plastic bag away from foods with strong odors. Use within three weeks.

Picking apples

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What’s the best snacking apple? Just about any variety – Braeburn, Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Jazz, Jonagold, McIntosh, Cripps Pink and Red Delicious.

Pears

Store firm, unripened pears in a paper bag at room temperature. Refrigerate ripe pears.

What is an Asian Pear? Like a cross between apples and pears with smooth skin and yellow-brownish color, they’re crisp, juicy and slightly sweet. Select fragrant and unbruised fruit with little or no brown spots. Store one week at room temperature or up to three months refrigerated.

Related recipes: Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip with Apples and Pears, Fresh Apple Cake, Oven-Baked Apple Walnut Pancakes

Fall Vegetables

Choose odorless broccoli heads with tight, blue-green florets. Refrigerate and use within three to five days. Choose firm, compact bright green Brussels sprout heads. Refrigerate in plastic bag up to one week. Choose cauliflower with compact, white florets and minimal brown spots. Refrigerate in plastic bag up to five days.

Related recipes: Oven Roasted Fall Vegetables

About the Author: Registered dietitian Kim Galeaz is an Indianapolis-based writer and culinary-nutrition consultant to the food, beverage and agriculture industry. She also blogs at The Dietitian Does dessert … Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Too.

2 Comments

  1. Laura Swartz

    September 23, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Today, I went to Minnetrista Orchard Shop in Muncie to purchase a half-peck of Cortland apples (because a peck is just too many apples for one person to consume before they spoil). I was told that Indiana state law forbids retailers from selling half-pecks of apples. I have been trying to find this law online because I want to know the rationale behind it, but I have been unsuccessful. Does anyone know if this is in fact a state law or perhaps a county or city regulation?

    • Jessy Yancey

      September 29, 2011 at 9:56 am

      Hi Laura,

      I’m looking into this for you, but I was unaware of this law – at least from a statewide standpoint. Will let you know what we find out!

      Thanks,
      Jessy Yancey
      editor, My Indiana Home

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