If you’ve ever wondered what the best produce storage trays are, then you definitely want to read this post in its entirety because I have found the perfect solution!
Finding the best way to store fresh produce so it doesn’t easily bruise is challenging – especially if you store your fresh fruits and vegetables in a root cellar.
You want easy access to the produce, you don’t want it stacked on top of one another and you don’t want it damaged in any way.
This is why I use the reusable bakery trays to store my fresh fruits and vegetables – even if I am only storing them long enough to cure or preserve.
Garden Produce Storage Problems
The less bruising the produce endures the longer it will last.
I can most of my fruits and vegetables but sometimes it takes me a while to work my way through all the produce that comes in at one time.
I’m sure some of you know exactly what I mean.
When I first started preserving food, I just keep whatever I harvested in bushel baskets.
I quickly found the fruits and vegetables on the bottom of the basket got bruised and sometimes crushed.
I fed this damaged produce to my chickens but frankly my intent was to keep it for us.
I knew I had to find a better way.
Fresh Produce Storage Solutions
I tried using old pop bottle crates.
You know the wooden ones.
That worked ok but the crates were small.
So – I asked my grandfather what he used in his root cellar.
He replied he would show me.
Out came the reusable bakery trays.
I knew he was onto something – and I wanted some.
He sold me a few right there on the spot.
Why The Produce Storage Trays Are Superior
The first thing I used them for was to cure potatoes before I put them into the potato bin for the winter.
While it is true all the dirt from the potatoes ended up on my floor under the reusable bakery trays, none of the potatoes got pitched.
They all cured perfectly not to mention the produce storage trays stacked on top of one another easily letting me make the most of the small amount of space available in my basement.
I had never had that much success curing potatoes, so naturally I was impressed.
The next thing I tried to do with my reusable bakery racks was to dry black walnuts.
Now I assumed the black walnuts would stain the reusable bakery racks – and they did.
This was ok though.
I knew what had happened and didn’t mind one bit.
I just washed and rinsed them when I was done – and of course before the next use.
Again, my walnuts dried just like they were supposed to, no problems at all.
Storage Of Produce Is An Important Task
Since then I have used these reusable bakery racks for a number of items – pears including the Asian Pears in the photo above, peaches, apples, tomatoes, corn and any other edible item that was large enough not to fall through the holes.
I love using these reusable bakery trays – and I have had a lot less wasted food.
My chickens may not be real happy as their scraps are a lot less, but then again, I am growing the food for us, not them.
Food Storage Ideas
Building Root Cellars That Work
From in ground root cellars to ones in closets, under stairwells or even in a basement, there are many options for building root cellars that work.
Four Factors That Affect Food Storage
Understanding the four factors that affect food storage is essential for keeping your food safe, especially if you intend to store it long term.
Home Food Storage Solutions
Learn about home food storage solutions that are psossible even if you have limited space as well as how to stock up on food is essential for everyone.
Home Food Storage Guidelines
Long term food storage is a great way to be prepared for an emergency. Check out these home food storage guidelines and be sure to print the handy chart!
Learn More About Your Home Food Preservation Options
Learn more about your home food preservation options incluing canning, freezing, dehydrating and a few others that are a little less known.
10 Home Food Storage Solutions That Will Inspire You
These 10 home food storage ideas make family food storage possible even in small apartments. Now you can stock up on essentials and hide them in plain site.
Best Foods For A Survival Pantry
Learn what the best foods for a survival pantry are and how you can build your own effective emergency food supply.
Long Term Survival Food Supply Options
When it comes to long term survival food options, there are numerous reputable companies out there but you need to choose food you like.
Preserving Herbs For Winter Use eCourse
Do you love fresh herbs but wonder if there is an easy way to preserve them for the winter?
Do you seek other ways to use herbs other than just as a seasoning on food?
There are so many ways to preserve herbs for winter use – from various methods of drying them to freezing them, but it doesn’t end there.
Some of the best ways to preserve herbs in right in the foods you would normally incorporate herbs into – pre-made seasonings, teas, butter or oil.
Then this is the course for you!
What You Will Learn In This Course:
Hang herbs to dry
Use a hanging herb dryer
Dry herbs on a window screen dryer
Dry herbs in a dehydrator
Dry herbs in an oven
Dry herbs in a microwave
Freeze herbs whole
Make herb ice cubes
Add fresh herbs to freezer meals
Add herbs to canned sauces
Preserve herbs in vinegar
Preserve herbs in oil
Preserve herbs in butter
Preserve herbs in salt or sugar
Make pre-made seasonings
Make herbal tea
Make herb jelly (plus tips on how to use these)