Five Ways to Store Fresh Foods Through Winter

Crops that keep for more than just a few weeks are referred to as “storage crops.” Such fruits and veggies are often staples of those interested in sustainable, local eating, as they allow you to stock up when they’re in season (either via your own garden harvests or at the farmers market), and then slowly eat your stores into autumn and winter. Try the following storage methods for these five crops, and you can be on your way to enjoying fresh food year-round!

1. Potatoes. Place cured potatoes in a burlap bag, tuck the bag into a plastic storage bin left open a wee bit, and keep in an unheated basement.

2. Garlic. After harvesting, cure garlic by hanging or laying it in a warm, well-ventilated place for a few weeks. Next, trim back scapes and store the garlic in a cool place such as a basement, where it will last for months.

3. Beets. Wash beet roots, cut off stems and leaves, and store in a fridge in plastic bags with a few drops of water in each bag.