The SLT Chef’s Guide to Washing, Prepping & Storing Your Farmer’s Market Produce

There’s nothing quite like coming home from the farmers’ market with bags full of fresh, local produce. Maybe you grabbed a bunch of fragrant herbs, a basket of just-picked berries or a rainbow of crisp summer veggies—all full of flavor and possibility.

To help you make the most of your haul, this guide covers everything you need to know about washing, prepping and storing your produce at home. With a few simple tips (and some handy tools), you can keep things fresh, tasty and ready to enjoy all week long—whether you’re planning to toss together a salad, whip up a quick snack or prep ahead for busy days.

Hungry for more? From citrus reamers to cherry pitters, our collection of Fruit & Veggie Tools will have you enjoying your summer produce all season long.

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Step 1: Wash It Right

Washing your produce isn’t just about making it look nice—it’s about removing dirt, bugs and potential bacteria, all without damaging the delicate surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The first thing to know: for most items, wait to wash until just before you use them. Washing too soon can add extra moisture that encourages mold and soft spots, especially for delicate produce like berries, herbs and salad greens.

When you do wash, stick to cold water—it works great for removing most surface dirt and residues. You don’t need soap or special fruit and vegetable washes, but if you like, you can soak produce in a mix of water and vinegar (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for a few minutes, or in a baking soda solution for about 15 minutes to help reduce pesticide residues. A gentle store-bought fruit and veggie wash is also an option if you prefer extra peace of mind.

For firm produce like carrots, potatoes or cucumbers, give them a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush. For more delicate items, a rinse in a colander works great.

Step 2: Prep for Longevity

Once your produce is washed, dry it thoroughly. This is especially important for leafy greens and herbs—any leftover moisture can cause wilting or sliminess. A salad spinner is perfect for this job, followed by a pat-down with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

You can also take a few extra prep steps to help certain items last longer and make meals easier during the week:

• Carrots and beets: Cut off the leafy tops to keep the roots from drying out.
• Herbs: Trim and store in small bundles wrapped in a damp paper towel, or chop and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray for easy use in cooking later.
• Large fruits (like melons or pineapples): Cut into ready-to-eat chunks and store in the fridge—you’ll be much more likely to reach for them when they’re already prepped and easy to grab.

Step 3: Store Smart

Different types of produce need different storage conditions—here’s a quick rundown to help you out.

• Leafy greens (like spinach, lettuce, kale): Wrap loosely in paper towels to absorb excess moisture and store in a container or perforated produce bag in the fridge.
• Herbs (like parsley, cilantro, basil): For tender herbs, place the stems in a small jar of water (like a bouquet), loosely cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate. For hardier herbs like rosemary or thyme, wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a resealable bag in the fridge.
• Berries: Keep unwashed in a container lined with paper towels in the fridge; wash just before eating to avoid excess moisture that leads to mold.
• Tomatoes and stone fruits (like peaches, plums, nectarines): Store on the counter until fully ripe; once ripe, you can refrigerate them to extend shelf life by a few days.
• Root vegetables (like carrots, beets, radishes): Store unwashed and dry in the fridge, ideally in the crisper drawer or a ventilated bag to maintain humidity without trapping moisture.
• Onions, garlic, potatoes: Keep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot (like a pantry), separate from each other when possible. Avoid refrigerating—the cold can change their texture and flavor, and in the case of potatoes, cause unwanted sprouting or sweetness.

Bonus tip: Keep ethylene-producing fruits (such as apples, bananas and avocados) away from ethylene-sensitive produce (like leafy greens, cucumbers and berries) to slow down ripening and prevent premature spoilage.

Helpful Products to Make It Easier

Having the right tools on hand can make a big difference in how easy it is to care for your produce. Here are some worth investing in:

• Produce saver containers: Specialized fridge storage containers help regulate airflow and humidity, extending the freshness of delicate items like berries and greens.
• Reusable storage bags: Silicone bags or beeswax wraps are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags and work well for storing prepped produce or leftovers.
• Vegetable brushes: A soft scrub brush makes it easy to clean dirt from root vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, without damaging their skin.
• Salad spinners: Essential for drying leafy greens, herbs and even some delicate fruits after rinsing, helping prevent sogginess and spoilage.
• Vegetable peelers, corers and paring knives: Handy tools for prepping produce quickly and efficiently — whether you’re peeling carrots, coring apples, or trimming soft fruits and veggies for storage or cooking.

Bonus Tips and Tricks

Even with the best washing, prepping and storing, a little extra attention can help you stay organized, reduce waste and get the most out of every bit of your farmer’s market haul. Here are a few extra tips to make things even easier.

Label your storage containers with the date you bought the produce so you know what to use first.

Freeze what you can, like berries, chopped herbs and sliced or grated zucchini, which can be used later use in smoothies, soups, sautés or baked goods (just remember zucchini softens when thawed, so it’s best for cooked dishes). Avoid freezing high-water-content items like lettuce, cucumbers or raw potatoes, as they don’t hold up well.

Check your fridge regularly for overlooked items so you can use them up and get creative with meals before anything goes bad.

Hungry for more? From citrus reamers to cherry pitters, our collection of Fruit & Veggie Tools will have you enjoying your summer produce all season long.

Shop our Fruit & Veggie Tools Collection