We're getting ready for winter and we thought you might like to, too!
Early Canadian farmers sure had to learn quickly how to survive the harsh winters and make their bountiful summer and fall harvests last. One way they kept food on the table was to learn to store their root vegetables 'just so' to prolong their goodness and flavor. That's exactly what we're doing at Ottawa Farm Fresh (on a bigger scale, of course!) and we thought you might like to know how to do it, too.
How to Store Your Root Vegetables
Beets: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Don't wash them. Don't refrigerate. Store your beets in a plastic bag. This keeps them at 90% humidity.
Carrots: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Store them in a cool place (the fridge crisper drawer) in a plastic bag. Wrap in a damp towel to keep them moist so they stay crisp.
Garlic: Remove the leaves and let the garlic cure by sitting out in a dry spot for a few days. Brush off any soil and store in a dry, dark place.
Onions: Remove the leaves and let the garlic cure by sitting out in a dry spot for a few days. Brush off any soil and store in a dry, dark place. Onions need good air circulation so storing them in old socks or mesh produce bag works well. Hang if possible.
Daikon: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Store them in a cool place (the fridge crisper drawer) in a plastic bag. Wrap in a damp towel to keep them moist so they stay crisp.
Parsnips: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Best stored in a plastic bag, wrapped in a damp towel in the fridge.
Potatoes: Harvest, brush off any soil. Dry out a bit by letting them sit out before storing. Store potatoes in a dry, cool, dark place. They can be stored in bags or baskets. Storing potatoes next to onions can make them go bad more quickly.
Radishes: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Radishes can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a damp towel or in a bowl of water.
Turnips: Brush off any soil and cut off the green tops. Store turnips in a plastic bag with a damp towel in the fridge.