It's a good thing Shaun and Rebecca are still here to help at the farm because in addition to preparing the fields and equipment for winter we also still have fall veggies to bring in! If you have some vegetables left from the regular season or are a Late Fall CSA member wondering how to best keep some of your weekly pick-up for later use here are some tips for storage:
Many items such as greens (lettuce, spinach, kale) and roots (carrots, beets, radishes) keep great in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cabbage and leeks are also best in a refrigerator or similarly cool space such as an unheated basement or root cellar. Don't worry - not all fall crops should be stored in the fridge, so you don't need to fill all that precious space with your Barrett's Mill Farm storage crops! Below are some items that should instead be stored in a space that is dry and slightly cooler than the rest of your house, like a pantry, closet or insulated garage:
- Butternut squash - Best kept in a dry, dark place around 55 degrees. Will keep for up to 6 months.
- Garlic - Store in a cool (32-40 F), dry and dark place. Garlic needs air circulation so do not keep in plastic, a basket or mesh bag works well. It will keep 3 -6 months.
- Onions and shallots - Similar storage as garlic for 1-2 months.
- Potatoes - Ideal temperatures for storage is 35-40F. Leave dirt on and store in a dark place in a paper bag or box. 4-6 months.
- Sweet Potatoes - Ideal storage temperature is 55-60F with plenty of ventilation. 1-2 months.
For more storage tips as well as preparation ideas download our 2017 Storage Tips PDF.
Reminder: Place orders for cranberries (Fresh Meadows Farm), eggs (Pete & Jen's), and mushrooms (Fat Moon Farm) by Friday November 10th for pick-up on Thursday November 16th. Carrots, leeks, butternut squash and more are also available for pick-up November 16th - to order email us or email or mail a Fall Order form.