When that bountiful bag of God's gifts arrives in your kitchen, the first step is to empty it onto your table. While it may seem obvious, confronting a full CSA bag can sometimes be overwhelming. Spreading everything out allows for a clearer view, making it easier to categorize and plan your approach.
Prioritize the perishables
Consume the delicate items first, reserving the heartier ones for later. For instance, spinach should be used promptly, while cabbage, cauliflower, beets, and carrots have more staying power. If unsure, consult resources like StillTasty.com or learn through experience.
2. Keep dip handy
On delivery day, prep snackable veggies like carrots, snow peas, and celery for dipping. Store them prominently in the fridge alongside dip for convenient, healthy snacking.
3. Preserve with pantry staples
Extend shelf life using salt, vinegar, citrus juice, sugar, spices, or cooking methods. These traditional techniques inhibit spoilage; for example, cucumbers can transform into refrigerator pickles, and tomatoes into Pico de Gallo. Cooking unused produce like eggplant can buy extra time until you decide on a recipe.
4. Monitor fridge and freezer temps
Maintain refrigerator temperatures between 33 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit to deter bacterial growth. Freezers should hover around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermometers help ensure optimal storage conditions, preventing premature spoilage.
5. Separate leafy greens from roots
Remove greens attached to carrots, beets, and similar veggies to prevent them from drawing nutrients away, preserving the root's freshness.
6. Organize vegetable drawers
If equipped with two drawers, regulate humidity settings accordingly. Crisp produce belongs in high humidity drawers, while items prone to mold should be stored in low humidity drawers.
7. Utilize the freezer
Extend the lifespan of surplus produce by freezing for future use in soups, stocks, or smoothies. Properly package items in freezer bags to maximize space and facilitate thawing.
8. Prep lettuce for storage
Divide, wash, and dry lettuce leaves before storing in Ziplock freezer bags. Removing excess moisture and air ensures prolonged freshness.
9. Minimize washing
Unlike store-bought produce, CSA goods are unwashed, which can deter spoilage. Avoid washing items like eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes until ready to use, as water can promote bacterial growth.
10. Adapt to your needs
Experiment with different strategies to find what suits your household best. Whether washing eggplant immediately or opting for takeout on delivery day, prioritize what maintains your sanity and fits your lifestyle. In the realm of CSA, flexibility is key to finding solutions that work for you.
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