Chard- Remove any bands, twist ties, etc. Most greens must be kept in an air‐tight container with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out. Kale, collard greens, and chard do well in a cup of water on the counter or fridge. Keeps 2-3 days.
*Serrano 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.
*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.
*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.
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.
*Grapes- Store, unwashed, in your refrigerator's fruit drawer. They last up to a week.
*Plums- Plums should be stored at room temperature until ripe. After ripe, refrigerate as necessary to prevent spoiling. Will last up to 5 days.
*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.
Garlic- Store whole in a cool dry place around 55-60 degrees. Can last 3-5 months.
*Parsley- Place in a glass with an inch of water in the fridge. Change water often. Can also be stored in a closed container in the fridge. Lasts up to one week.
Sage- Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the fridge. Keeps about 1 week. Can also be hung to dry and will last several months.