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.
Cayenne Peppers- 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.
*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.
Garlic Chives- Store in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic. Should last 3-5 days.
*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.
*Onions- Store in a cool dry place out of the light. Lasts 2-3 months.
*Plums or Nectarines- Plums should be stored at room temperature until ripe. After ripe, refrigerate as necessary to prevent spoiling. Will last up to 5 days.
Store nectarines at room temperature until ripe — this usually takes 2 to 3 days. A ripe fruit will yield a bit when pressed gently. To speed up the ripening process, place in a paper bag and store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Storing ripe stone fruit in the crisper drawer will prolong its eating life — it should keep for up to a week when refrigerated.
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.
Tomatillos- 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.
*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.
*Red Slicer Tomatoes- Depending on ripeness, tomatoes can stay for up to two weeks on the counter. To hasten ripeness, place in a paper bag with an apple.
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