*Basil- Trim the ends and place basil in a glass containing about 1 inch of water; then cover with a loose-fitting plastic bag and leave at room temp. Replace the water whenever it gets cloudy. Should keep for about a week.
Eggplant- Does fine left out in a cool room. Don't wash it, eggplant doesn't like any extra moisture around its leaves. For longer storage - place loose, in the crisper. Keeps 5-7 days.
*Onions- Store in a cool dry place out of the light. Lasts 2-3 months.
*Potatoes- Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Should keep for a week or more easily. If you want to store them for longer, say 2 or 3 months, keep them between 45-55 degrees, again in a dry place out of the light.
*Summer Squash- Does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut. Wrap in a cloth and refrigerate for longer storage. Do not wash until ready to eat. Lasts 4-5 days.
Shallots- Store in a dark, cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Lasts up to one month. If placed in the refrigerator, shallots have a shorter storage life, up to two weeks.
*Cherry Tomatoes- Do not refrigerate until they are fully ripe. Allow them to ripen at room temperature. This will result in more flavorful, juicy tomatoes. Once fully ripe, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Will keep several days once ripe.
*Heirloom Tomatoes- If you are not going to use them immediately, leave the husks intact, wrapped around the fruit like little paper bags. Either store on the counter or in the refrigerator. They should never be stored in air-tight containers. They will keep well for several weeks to a month. They may also be frozen whole or sliced.
Cayenne Peppers *HOT*- Refrigerate sliced peppers in covered container for use within 1 to 2 days. To freeze, place in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can slice the peppers and remove the seeds and white membranes to make them less spicy. Chop up the peppers and freeze for later use. Peppers frozen at 0 degrees fahrenheit will last up to a year.
Lunchbox Peppers- Only wash them right before you plan on eating them as moisture decreases storage time. Store in a cool room to use in a couple of days, place in the crisper if longer storage is needed. Lasts up to one week.
Rosemary- To keep green: wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the fridge. Lasts one week or more. To dry, leave bound around the stems and hang - last 2 weeks to a month.
*Plums/Nectarine- Plums should be stored at room temperature until ripe. After ripe, refrigerate as necessary to prevent spoiling. Will last up to 5 days.
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