Great Ways Store Your Veggies

Great Ways Store Your Veggies for Maximum Freshness

Eating farm-fresh vegetables is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but keeping them fresh can be a challenge if they’re not stored properly. To make the most of your locally grown produce, here are some best practices for storing vegetables to preserve their flavor, texture, and nutrients.

Refrigerator Storage

Many vegetables thrive in the cool, humid environment of the refrigerator. However, some require specific storage techniques:

• Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, etc.): Wash, dry thoroughly, and store in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

• Carrots, Radishes, and Beets: Remove the tops to prevent them from drawing moisture from the root. Store in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer.

• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Keep in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer but avoid sealing them too tightly to allow for air circulation.

• Celery: Wrap in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for maximum crispness.

• Mushrooms: Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator to prevent excess moisture and sliminess.

Room Temperature Storage

Some vegetables fare better when kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight:

• Tomatoes: Store on the counter until fully ripe, then refrigerate if necessary.

• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: Keep in a cool, dark place like a pantry, but avoid refrigerating, as cold temperatures can alter their texture and flavor.

• Onions and Garlic: Store in a well-ventilated, dry, dark place to prevent sprouting.

• Winter Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti Squash, etc.): Best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Counter and Refrigerator Combo

Some vegetables start off at room temperature but need refrigeration once ripened:

• Avocados: Keep on the counter until ripe, then refrigerate to extend freshness.

• Peppers: Store at room temperature if consuming soon, but refrigerate for longer storage.

• Cucumbers: Best stored in the refrigerator but away from high-humidity drawers to prevent softening.

Extra Tips for Freshness

• Use breathable storage: Avoid sealing most vegetables in airtight containers unless necessary to prevent mold and moisture buildup.

• Keep ethylene-sensitive produce away: Certain fruits like apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Store vegetables separately to prevent premature spoilage.

• Don’t wash before storage: Washing vegetables before storing them can introduce moisture that promotes spoilage. Instead, wash just before use.

By following these simple storage tips, you can extend the life of your fresh, locally sourced vegetables and enjoy their peak flavor for longer. Happy cooking and happy eating!

Spring Recipes from Piedmont Fresh

Spring-Inspired Recipes from Piedmont Fresh

Spring is here, and with it comes a bounty of fresh, local ingredients that are perfect for cooking! At Piedmont Fresh, we’re bringing you the best of what our local farms have to offer. Check out these spring-inspired recipes using ingredients available through our online farmers market!

Mushroom and Spinach Quiche

Looking for a fresh and delicious brunch option? A spinach and mushroom quiche is the perfect dish to highlight the flavors of spring. Here’s how to make it:

• Eggs: Choose fresh local eggs from Crossings or Sunflower Hill Farm for the best flavor.

• Mushrooms: Use shiitakes from Heritage Harvest or SandyCreek Farm or oyster mushrooms from Heritage Harvest to give your quiche that earthy, robust flavor.

• Cheese: Add richness with Goat Lady Lindale gouda—a creamy, nutty touch that complements the mushrooms perfectly.

Serve your quiche with a sweet treat, like fig sweet bread from SandyCreek Farm or Kahlua sour cream coffee cake from Rabble and Rise. This pairing is the perfect way to enjoy a garden brunch in the spring!

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Red Cabbage and Sweet Potatoes

There’s nothing like a hearty sheet-pan dinner to bring the flavors of the season to your table. Crossings chicken thighs combined with red cabbage and sweet potatoes make for a comforting, yet fresh spring meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Chicken Thighs: Use Crossings chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful chicken.

• Veggies: Add red cabbage and sweet potatoes—both are available now to make your dish colorful and nutritious.

• Garnish: Top it off with broccoli microgreens from Nourish Family Farm for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

If you prefer a more vibrant, flavorful dish, try making orange-ginger chicken bowls using Crossings chicken thighs and garnishing with radish microgreens.

Honey-Habanero Pork Chops with Carrots

Looking for a bold, flavorful dish to enjoy? Honey-habanero pork chops are the perfect choice. Combine boneless pork chops from Klymer Ridge Farm with the sweet-spicy flavors of Sunflower Hill Farm’s honey for an unforgettable taste. For another variation, try skillet-roasted pork chops with spring vegetables and a tangy mustard sauce, using Crossings bone-in chops.

Spring flavors are here, and we’ve got the ingredients to bring them straight to your kitchen.

Piedmont Fresh Reminder: Bring Back Your Blue Totes!

At Piedmont Fresh, we’re committed to sustainability, and we need your help! Your orders are delivered in insulated blue totes to keep your food fresh, and we encourage you to bring them back when you pick up your next order. Return the totes to any of our five pick-up locations during their business hours.

These blue totes help us reduce waste and support a greener, more sustainable community. Thank you for being part of the effort to practice sustainability while keeping your food fresh!

Grass-Fed vs. Grass-Finished

Grass-Fed vs. Grass-Finished: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever shopped for beef at a farmers market or grocery store, you’ve probably seen labels like “grass-fed” and “grass-finished.” While they might sound similar, these terms have key differences that impact the nutritional value, taste, and quality of the meat.

What Does Grass-Fed Mean?

"Grass-fed" sounds straightforward, but it simply means the animal was fed grass at some point in its life. Since all cows start out eating grass, this label doesn't necessarily mean they were grass-fed their entire lives. Many cattle labeled as "grass-fed" are still grain-finished, meaning they were fed grain (usually soy and corn) in their final months to increase marbling and fat content.

What is Grass-Finished?

"Grass-finished," also known as "pasture-raised," means the animal was fed only grass and forage for its entire life after weaning. It never received grain-based feed. This results in meat that is:
✔ Leaner than grain-fed beef
✔ Higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial nutrients
✔ Lower in inflammatory compounds found in grain-fed meat

For those avoiding corn and soy due to dietary preferences or inflammation concerns, grass-finished meat is the better choice.

Why Does This Matter?

The way an animal is raised affects the nutritional quality of the meat. Grain-fed cattle are fattened up quickly in the last 4–6 months of their lives, leading to higher overall fat content. Grass-finished beef, while leaner, is often richer in vitamins and has a distinct, earthy flavor that many people prefer.

Shop Smart, Eat Local

Next time you’re buying beef, check the label carefully! If you're looking for truly grass-fed and grass-finished meat, ask your local farmer directly.