Storing veg in fridge

[Alison]

The programme was 'Jimmy's Global Harvest' I think it can still be seen on i player, as the goggle results came up with BBC2 and video links, well worth a watch.

The one this week was something about what we put in our basket on C4. Can't remember the exact title although it's probably mentioned further up the thread

I'm amazed you've not tried keeping big patty pans. They 'skin up' like winter squash but don't store as long.

But they're much nicer picked and eaten small so I never let them grow that big as they become tasteless(already have enough accidental big courgettes As a result they get eaten and wouldn't keep.

[Two_Sheds]

What would you put in the fridge otherwise?

We have (I'm just looking..)

cheese, hidden from Mr TS in a bag of salad
milk
eggs
open jars of pickles, jam etc
beer
beer
Pepsi
and beer

[womble]

There was a programme on last night which tested the rotting rate of different fruits and veg, and concluded that the only thing which needs a fridge is lettuce

I didn't see it, I may when I have time.

But I'm suprised, if you keep tomatoes in a fridge they last longer, I'm certain and tomatillos, carrots, beans and I'm sure others. Maybe the program explains other ways of keeping them, but a direct contrast between these kept on a worktop and in the fridge, seems quite marked to me.

I'd like to know other peoples experiences.

[Alison]

I didn't see it, I may when I have time.

But I'm suprised, if you keep tomatoes in a fridge they last longer, I'm certain and tomatillos, carrots, beans and I'm sure others. Maybe the program explains other ways of keeping them, but a direct contrast between these kept on a worktop and in the fridge, seems quite marked to me.

I'd like to know other peoples experiences.

They specifically mentioned that tomatoes taste better if not kept in the fridge (something to do with the sugars I think but not 100% sure on that one). I however do keep mine in the fridge but bring them up to room temp before eating if possible. I vary a bit with tomatillos, beans usually get eaten / frozen as soon as picked so not stored and I think carrots are better out the fridge in paper bags. Didn't see all the programme but don't think they did a direct comparison. Suppose it's best to just do what works for you

[smallblueplanet]

But they're much nicer picked and eaten small so I never let them grow that big as they become tasteless...

... because they are utterly tasteless

Oh? Ours aren't tasteless, must be the variety you're growing! Try the yellow crooknecks too, they're very good in chilli'd dishes.

[womble]

If I'm going to eat tomatoes within a day or so, I'll keep them out of the fridge, but to store any longer, I'll do the same as you, in the fridge then take them out to hopefully get to room temp before eating.
I think alot of it depends on the temp of your kitchen, or your veg storage area.

[jpdw]

Looks like I've got a contrary view to everyone else - maybe our fridge is broken?

But we find that almost any fresh veg, whether from the garden or shop bought - from the green grocers, so none of the pre-washed/packed stuff - keeps longer in ambient conditions than the fridge. Tomatoes mentioned above - our fresh picked last up to a week on the countertop compared to half that in the fridge. Handy as I batch up & process 2-3kg at a time (last lot for '10 canning behind me right now). Similar with our courgettes, which is lucky as if we put all our 'glut' in the fridge, we'd be leaving the milk on the countertop.

I thought this was down to the cold temp of the fridge dehydrating stuff. Bagging stuff up may help retain the moisture so long as it doesn't pool and rot the item sat in the damp.

We've had a butternut squash sat on the side for almost a month now too.

All that said, our kitchen doesn't get much direct sunlight as it has a polycarb roofed conservatory outside it - maybe that makes a useful difference.

[Two_Sheds]

tomatoes ... I'll keep them ... in the fridge ...
I think alot of it depends on the temp of your kitchen

I've been keeping my toms from the gh in a bowl in the kitchen (south facing, very light) for weeks. Split ones will rot, but whole ones don't.
Spuds, carrots, courgettes all rot really quickly in the little fridge, or go limp and soft, bagged or not.

The salad drawer in the big fridge is a little better: it seems less "wet" than the little fridge. I keep my seed potatoes in their for 6 months OK

[haza1981]

Howay man Haza. What do you reckon I cover them with enviromesh for?
Pay attention my friend!

I'm not so sure about the height thing myself, it works for some but not for others. Enviromesh or fleece is the only sure fire way to get a clean crop!

Oh yeah, Forgot you used that. Reckon i'll be getting myself some for next year.