How to Keep your Summer Produce Fresh

Does your summer fruit and veggie haul sometimes feel like it’s racing the clock? One moment, it’s bright, crisp, and ready for your plate, and the next, it’s wilting faster than an unwatered basil plant. Fear not, Wonkers! We’ve got summer produce storage tips to keep your eggplants ecstatic, your avocados creamy, and your summer herbs happy. Make the most of your seasonal Wonky Box with our easy tips for maximum freshness!

_{Wonky’s savvy storage hacks for summer fruit & vegetables}

The fridge is your friend for...

_Sweetcorn:

• Store sweetcorn in its husk in the fridge to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. If husked, wrap the ears in damp paper towels before refrigerating.
• Freezing: With such a short season, you might like to save some of your curious kernels for when winter rolls around. Blanch corn kernels in boiling water for a few minutes, cool them quickly in ice water, and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags for long-term storage

_Avocados:

• Unripe avocados belong on the countertop. For a faster ripening process, toss them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. The natural ethylene gas will get you salad-ready avo's in no time!
• Once ripened to your liking, store avocados in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a week.
• Only got through half your avocado? Prevent browning by brushing the exposed flesh with lemon or lime juice, leaving the pit in, and then wrapping tightly in a beeswax wrap before placing back in the fridge.

_Lettuce:

• Give your lettuce a little spa treatment. Wash, dry (a salad spinner works wonders here), and wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel or clean cloth. Tuck it into an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate. Your lettuce will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• If you catch your lettuce going limp, give it a new lease on life! Soak wilting leaves in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes just before using to perk them right up.

_Watermelon:

• Store at room temperature until cut. To check ripeness, tap the melon—it should sound hollow and feel heavy for its size.
• Once you’ve dug in, refrigerate sliced watermelon in airtight containers or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Use within 3-5 days for the best flavour.

_{Soft Herbs:}

• Our Wonky herbs might arrive in a protective sleeve, but once they’re home, treat them like a bouquet of flowers. Trim the stems and stand them upright in a jar or glass with a few centimeters of water (just enough to cover the ends of the herbs). Cover the leaves with a plastic bag or, if your container has a lid, gently fold the leaves down before popping on the lid. Refrigerate.
• But basil! Basil is the rebel. It doesn’t like the cold. Follow the same bouquet method but keep it on the counter, out of direct sunlight.
• Freeze for Future Flavour: Still got too many herbs? Chop them finely and portion them into ice cube trays, cover with olive oil and freeze. Pop these cubes into soups, sauces, or stews for a flavour boost down the line! Pesto and chimichurri fans, you’re welcome.

If coriander’s the culprit, make a batch of our zingy Coriander Pesto - recipe here‍

Or for a creamier creation, try our Herby Avocado dressing - recipe here

Basil isn’t the only out-of-fridge-bandit. Did you know these summer favourites are also best stored on your counter?

_Eggplant:

• Eggplants thrive outside the fridge. Keep them in a cool, dry spot, away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration can make the skin wrinkle and the flesh go funky, so it’s a no-no.
• If you want to refrigerate, use a perforated bag in the crisper drawer and avoid washing the eggplant first. It’ll last a few days this way.

_Tomatoes:

• The ultimate summer beauties, it’s no surprise tomatoes hate the cold! Refrigeration dulls their flavour and changes their texture. Keep them on the counter, stem-side down, to retain their farm fresh flavour.
• Got tomatoes turning a bit soft? Turn them into a sauce or roast them for a burst of concentrated flavour. Waste not! You’ll love our super simple roasted tomato sauce - recipe here

With these easy storage tips, you’ll be a produce protector! Saving your summer fruits, veggies, and herbs from an untimely demise. Plus, you’ll stretch your Wonky Box goodies even further and reduce the waste in your kitchen.

Got a tip we missed? Share it with us! We’re always on the hunt for new ways to keep the wonky magic alive.