How to Store Fresh Vegetables (With Chart)

By Erin Coleman, R.D., L.D.

Knowing how to maximize the shelf life of fresh veggies will save you time and money in the long run by helping you avoid excessive trips to the grocery store. Storing fresh vegetables properly also helps preserve the flavor, texture, and color of these nutrient-packed foods. Having a food storage chart for veggies handy makes it simple to determine how long you can safely store specific vegetables and where to keep them.

Vegetable Storage Chart

Use the chart below, which contains information provided by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Georgia, as a guideline to determine how long you can safely store fresh veggies.

Vegetable	Where to Store It	Shelf Life	Storage Method
Artichokes	Refrigerator	1 week	Crisper drawer
Asparagus	Refrigerator	2 to 3 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Carrots	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Beets	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Corn	Refrigerator	1 day	Crisper drawer
Lettuce and salad greens	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer
White potatoes	Room temperature	1 to 2 weeks	Cool dry cupboard or pantry
Sweet potatoes	Room temperature	1 to 2 weeks	Cool dry cupboard or pantry
Winter squash	Room temperature	1 week	Cool dry cupboard or pantry
Dry onions	Room temperature	1 week	Cool dry cupboard or pantry
Rutabagas	Room temperature	1 week	Cool dry cupboard or pantry
Beets	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Parsnips	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Turnips	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Radishes	Refrigerator	2 weeks	Crisper drawer
Broccoli	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Brussels Sprouts	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Green peas	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Green onions	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Lima beans	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Rhubarb	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Summer squash	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Crisper drawer
Mushrooms	Refrigerator	3 to 5 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Cauliflower	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Cabbage	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Celery	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Cucumbers	Refrigerator	1 week	Crisper drawer
Green beans	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Peppers	Refrigerator	1 week	Crisper drawer
Tomatoes	Refrigerator	1 week	Crisper drawer
Eggplant	Refrigerator	3 to 4 days	Crisper drawer
Garlic	Refrigerator	1 week	Crisper drawer
Spinach	Refrigerator	1 to 2 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Okra	Refrigerator	2 to 3 days	Sealed container in crisper drawer
Parsley	Refrigerator	1 week	Sealed container in crisper drawer

How to Refrigerate Veggies

Knowing how to refrigerate your veggies properly helps maximize freshness for longer time periods. Vegetable with the peel still attached can be stored without a container. However, once you peel or cut your veggies, store them in an airtight bag (such as a zip lock bag) or other type of airtight container. Use the chart above as a guideline for safe storage times, but when it doubt throw veggies out to avoid potential food borne illness.

How to Freeze Fresh Vegetables

You can freeze fresh vegetables if you won't be eating them within the allotted expiration-date time period. Use frozen food storage tips to get you headed in the right direction. Be sure to pack veggies in freezer safe containers prior to freezing (such as vacuum-sealed bags, covered baking dishes, zipped air-tight bags, or aluminum foil) to lower the chance of freezer burn and spoilage. Most veggies can safely be frozen (when sealed properly) for time periods of 8 to 12 months, according to the University of Georgia.

What About Organic Vegetables?

If you're buying organic vegetables, you may notice they spoil more quickly than non-organic produce, suggests the University of Minnesota Extension. This could be due to the lack of wax or preservatives found in some regular fresh produce. So when using the chart above to determine how long it's safe to store fresh veggies, you may want to subtract a day or two from the suggested produce shelf life if your fresh veggies are organic.

When to Throw Veggies Out

Knowing when it's time to toss vegetables (even if they haven't reached their max shelf life) will help prevent you and your family from getting sick. It's time to throw out veggies if they turn brown, have a foul odor, begin to wilt, look or feel slimy, the skin begins to wrinkle, or veggies taste or smell a little "off."