What’s New
We are doing the Friday Box program again this year! Friday boxes will be available for pick up on Friday's at the farm on Blair Street starting in November. Friday boxes are similar to the CSA Full Shares (there is not a "Half Share" Friday box available.) and are only available for pick up at the farm. The cost for a Friday Box is $21.00. To reserve a box email lindsey@visserfamilyfarms.com or call Mitch at (616) 218-5760.
We now have a blog! Go to http://visserfarms.wordpress.com to check it out. Recipes and what is going on at the farm are updated on there. You can also subscribe to the blog and have new posts sent right to your email.
Tips on how to store your produce: Do not wash your produce before storage. If a vegetable is still wet when it is put into storage, it is more susceptible to bacterial growth. Wash vegetables just before you are ready to use them.
Fresh Lettuce and Greens: Put leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, in plastic storage bags. The bag creates just enough of a moist environment to help retain natural moisture. Store in the coldest part of the fridge and they will last a week to 10 days.
Root Vegetables: Root vegetables such as carrots, beets and turnips do well in perforated plastic bags in the fridge. Cut off the leafy tops because they will draw moisture out of the root. Place in plastic bags with a few holes. The holes will allow air to flow without letting too much moisture escape. Most root vegetables will last up to two weeks.
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Cauliflower: Cauliflower, Broccoli and Brussels sprouts keep well in plastic storage bags in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days. Cabbage unwashed, uncut and wrapped in plastic will last up to 10 days.
Peppers, beans, cucumbers and radishes: Most other vegetables such as beans, cucumber also do well in plastic in the fridge. Peppers should be stored in a paper bag in the bottom crisper drawer.
Non-refrigerated Vegetables
Onions: Onions do well in cool spots where air can circulate without much moisture.
Potatoes: Potatoes do best at cooler room temperatures and darker locations. If potatoes are stored in a refrigerator, the starch converts to sugar. Keep potatoes in a cool dark place in a paper bag to give them a life of several weeks to a month. Sweet Potatoes can also be kept this way but their shelf life will only be about a week, depending on the coolness of the location. **Note: fresh dug potatoes with tender skins need to be kept in a brown bag in the fridge.
Fresh tomatoes: Tomatoes should be kept at room temperature out of direct sunlight and will keep for three to four days. A sliced tomato can be kept wrapped in plastic in the fridge for one to two days.
Info from: www.ehow.com. Another helpful website is www.produceoasis.com.
