Top Tips for Storing Organic Veggies and Fruits to Keep Them Fresh in Kenya

To get the very best out of your box of organic goodness, it’s crucial to store your produce as soon as possible. Proper storage preserves the freshness and nutritional value of your organic fruits and vegetables and also minimises food waste (saving you money too!). 

Here are some practical tips for storing various types of organic produce, along with why it's important that you store your veg properly.

One of our amazing mamas packing up some rocket.

General Storage Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Most vegetables should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container or reusable plastic or cloth bags. Dampen the cloth bags with water to help keep produce crisp.

Paper Bags for Mushrooms: Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge to prevent them from becoming slimy.

Leafy Greens: Wash, spin dry, and store leafy greens in a container. If you don’t have time to wash them immediately, ensure they are well covered to avoid wilting and store them in the fridge.

Cool, Dark Cupboard: Onions, garlic, pumpkin, potatoes and sweet potatoes should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard.

Our delicious carrots being packed!

Specific Storage Recommendations for Our Veggies in Stock for the Next Few Weeks:

Lemongrass

Storage: Keep lemongrass in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a our compostable bags.

Shelf Life: Lemongrass can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored properly.

Baby Red Cabbage

Storage: Store in the refrigerator, preferably in our compostable bags, to maintain moisture.

Shelf Life: Baby red cabbage can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge.

Giant Fordhook Spinach

Storage: Wash and dry thoroughly, then store in a sealed container or compostable bag in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Giant Fordhook spinach can stay fresh for up to 7-10 days when properly stored.

Mixed Lettuce

Storage: Wash, spin dry, and store in a container lined with a paper towel in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Mixed lettuce typically lasts about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

Oregano

Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in our compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Fresh oregano can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored correctly.

Cow Peas Greens

Storage: Store in the refrigerator in our compostable bags or container.

Shelf Life: Cow peas greens can stay fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge.

Mint

Storage: Keep in a glass of water at room temperature, or wrap in a damp paper towel and store in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Mint can last up to 7-10 days when stored properly.

Purple Kale

Storage: Wash and dry thoroughly, then store in a sealed container or compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Purple kale can stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Rhubarb

Storage: Wrap in foil and store in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Rhubarb can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored correctly.

Iceberg Lettuce

Storage: Store in our compostable bags or container in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Iceberg lettuce can last up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Mixed Cherry Tomatoes

Storage: Keep at room temperature until ripe, then transfer to the fridge.

Shelf Life: Mixed cherry tomatoes can last up to 1 week in the fridge after ripening.

Sage

Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in our compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Fresh sage can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored properly.

Thyme

Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in our compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Fresh thyme can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored correctly.

Flat Parsley

Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in our compostable bag in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Flat parsley can stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

Big 5 Salad Mix

Storage: Store in a sealed container or in our compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: The Big 5 salad mix can last up to 5-7 days when stored properly.

Lemon Leaves

Storage: Store in the fridge, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in our compostable bag.

Shelf Life: Lemon leaves can stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Chives

Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in our compostable bags in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Chives can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored correctly.

Bird's Eye Chilli Green

Storage: Store in our compostable bag in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Bird's eye chillies can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Amaranth

Storage: Store in our compostable bag in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Amaranth can last up to 1 week when stored properly.

Mustard Leaf Lettuce

Storage: Store in our compostable bags or container in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Mustard leaf lettuce can stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Spring Onions

Storage: Store in our compostable bags or container in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Spring onions can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored correctly.

Beetroot

Storage: Store in the fridge, preferably in a plastic bag.

Shelf Life: Beetroot can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Green Bell Pepper

Storage: Store in a plastic bag in the fridge.

Shelf Life: Green bell peppers can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored properly.

If you want buy any of these veggies or fruits please visit our online store here.

Lacking inspiration and need some menu ideas? Have a look here.

Why is it important to store your fresh veggies and fruit?

Storing fruits and vegetables properly ensures that they retain their maximum nutritional value. There are a couple other reasons why you should spend that little extra effort in storing your fresh fruits and vegetables:

Preservation of Nutrients: Proper storage methods help maintain the vitamins and minerals in your produce, ensuring you get the most health benefits.

Extended Freshness: By keeping your produce fresh for longer, you reduce food waste and make the most of your organic purchases.

Improved Taste: Fresh produce tastes better, making it more enjoyable to eat and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Reduction of Foodborne Illnesses: Proper storage reduces the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, keeping your food safe to eat.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy our organic produce at its best and reap the health benefits of fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Happy storing!