How to Handle Organic Produce

Photo courtesy of NatalieMaynor at Flickr.com.

Any produce should be treated with care, in order to lengthen its shelf life until you’re ready to eat it. However, special care needs to be taken with organic fruits and vegetables, since no chemicals are used to preserve them. If you’re choosing organic produce in a store, look for items that are as blemish-free as possible, lacking any breaks in the rind or skin. Even small nicks and dings can allow in decay and markedly decrease the shelf life. If you’re growing your own, be as careful as you can not to damage it during handling, either during cultivation or harvest. You may not end up with perfect produce either way, but it’ll last much longer if you’re willing to take it easy.