Fresh produce's flavors and aromas enhance every dish a restaurant serves. As a result, many owners invest in restaurant equipment like refrigerators and commercial freezers to keep perishable goods crisp and free of soft patches. To make better dishes, consider the following tips for storing fresh ingredients.

How to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh

1. Use Damp Paper Towels

Leafy vegetables can last up to seven days below 40 degrees. As a result, it is advisable to use them right away. However, many restaurants buy bulk ingredients that result in an excess. If you can't use vegetables within their shelf life, transfer them into a container with damp paper towels to keep them fresh and bright green. Next, store them in the fridge to extend their shelf life. In addition, avoid storing this produce with fruits because they release ethylene glycol, which quickens spoilage. 

2. Ensure Proper Freezing

Freezing fruits can keep them fresh for future use without losing their nutritional value. However, each fruit has a different storage technique. For example, storing citrus fruits for juicing requires cutting them in half to maintain their freshness. If your restaurant serves banana bread, try freezing whole ripe bananas in a commercial freezer to preserve them for two to three months. Alternatively, you can freeze bananas in small portions and place them on parchment paper to keep them fresh for up to 6 months.

3. Avoid Washing

Washing fresh vegetables before storage encourages bacterial growth because of the moisture. Remind your staff to avoid washing fresh greens like baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce before storage. Instead, place them in the crisper drawer in a plastic bag. Then, wash them before tossing them into any salad recipe. In addition, unwashed mushrooms can last longer if you transfer them to a paper bag and store them in a refrigerator. However, it's essential to brush off as much soil as possible before storing them.

If you're looking for reliable storage solutions like commercial freezers and refrigerators to preserve your fresh produce, contact Commercial Refrigeration of KY Inc. For over 41 years, this appliance store has provided restaurants throughout central Kentucky with high-quality commercial freezers, ice makers, and fryers. Aside from storage solutions, they also provide a wide range of kitchen equipment for your restaurant needs. Call (270) 465-2910 in Campbellsville or visit them online to learn more about their products.