1. Selecting and Storing Fruits and Vegetables
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2. Selecting Fruits and Vegetables

3. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Look for undented, non-bulging, rust-free cans
Check for sell-by or expiration dates

4. Boxed/Packaged Food May be dehydrated
Look for uncrushed, unopened containers
Check for sell by or expiration dates

5. Frozen Food
Look for loose content, no ice crystals on outside of container, and no torn packaging
Check for sell by or expiration dates

6. Fresh Fruits
Choose slightly firm, heavy fruits that are in season for best value
Look for good color and no bruising
Some fruits can be bought before being completely ripe-examples are avocadoes, bananas, mangoes, papayas, peaches, and pears

7. Fresh Vegetables Look for good color, non-wilted vegetables
Buy in season for best value
Buy medium sized, heavy vegetables
Avoid sprouts on root vegetables

8. Storing Fruits and Vegetables

9. Types of Storage Options
Dry storage
Refrigerated storage
Frozen storage

10. Storing Dry Fruits and Vegetables
Pantry or Cupboard
Any cook, dry place that will not be moist and is away from:
Pet food
Cleaning supplies
Other hazards
Boxed/bagged foods not found in the refrigerated or frozen departments are safe to store in cupboards or pantries.

11. Storing Dry Fruits and Vegetables
Are boxed foods dry foods?
Are canned foods dry foods?
What other items need dry storage?

12. Storing Dry Fruits and Vegetables
How do I store dry foods after they have been opened, prepared, or cooked?
Non-Opened, Canned
Fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, pineapple
Pickles, relishes, and chutneys
Jams and jellies
Canned beans, tomato products, and other veggies
Dried (i.e.- raisins, apricots, dates)
Dehydrated (i.e.- instant potatoes)

13. Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Some fresh foods are not actually refrigerated in the store.
What are examples of these types of fresh foods?
How should they be stored at home?

14. Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Bananas may be stored on the countertop. They will continue to ripen here.
Potatoes, onions, garlic should be stored in a cool, dry place away from the light. A pantry or cupboard works well.

15. Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Some fresh fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated for storage, for example:
Leaf vegetables
Stem vegetables
Berries
Citrus
Drupes

16. Storing Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Examples
Frozen cut vegetables
Frozen vegetable blends
Frozen cut fruits
Frozen fruit sauces/toppings
Frozen fruit pops
Frozen fruit juices

17. Storing Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Shop for frozen foods last
Ensure they are solidly frozen without ice crystals on the outside
Loose-type foods like peas should still be loose

18. Storing Frozen Foods
Properly thawed foods may be refrozen in the packaging from the store.
Foods need to have been kept a 40°F or below to be food safe.
Partially thawed, very cold foods may be cooked and then frozen for later use.
If in doubt, throw it out!