There’s nothing quite like shopping at a local farm stand. The colorful displays of just-picked fruits and vegetables, the smell of fresh herbs, and the connection to your local community make it a truly special experience. But once you’ve brought your fresh haul home, the key to getting the most out of your farm stand finds lies in how you store them.

At Dutch Country Farm Market, we pride ourselves on offering the freshest produce directly from local growers and our own farm. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to store your fresh fruits and veggies so they stay delicious and nutritious for as long as possible.

Freshly washed vegetables

Why Storage Matters for Farm Stand Produce

Produce from a farm stand is often harvested within 24 hours of sale — much fresher than what you’d find in a big-box store. That freshness means more nutrients and better taste, but it also means a shorter shelf life if not stored properly. Understanding how each item should be handled can help you reduce waste, save money, and enjoy your farm-fresh produce longer.

General Tips for Storing Farm-Fresh Produce

  • Don’t wash until ready to use. Moisture can encourage mold, so wash fruits and veggies just before eating or cooking.
  • Use breathable storage. Keep items in mesh bags, paper towels, or loosely wrapped in cloth instead of plastic to allow air circulation.
  • Separate fruits and vegetables. Some fruits like apples and bananas emit ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening — and spoiling — in nearby veggies.

Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce, Kale):
Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a breathable container or bag in the crisper drawer. This helps maintain moisture without letting the leaves get soggy.

Root Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Radishes):
Remove the leafy tops (they draw moisture from the root) and store the roots in a sealed bag in the fridge. The tops can be used in soups or pestos!

Tomatoes:
Keep tomatoes at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration can make them mealy. If they become overly ripe, pop them in the fridge to slow further ripening — then use them soon.

Berries:
Store in the fridge in a breathable container. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb moisture. Don’t wash until right before eating.

Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Basil):
Treat like flowers! Place the stems in a glass of water and store in the fridge (except basil, which should be stored at room temperature). Cover loosely with a plastic bag for extra protection.

Zucchini & Summer Squash:
Best stored in a loosely closed plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer. Too much moisture can cause mold, so check regularly.

Making the Most of Your Farm Stand Visits

Shopping at a farm stand like Dutch Country Farm Market is a great way to eat seasonally, support your local economy, and reconnect with where your food comes from. And by learning how to store your produce properly, you can stretch your grocery dollars further and enjoy every bite of your harvest.

Whether you’re stocking up on summer tomatoes, crisp fall apples, or spring greens, a little storage know-how goes a long way. Stop by Dutch Country Farm Market to see what’s fresh this week — and take home not just the best in local produce, but the confidence to make it last.