Ditch Your Countertop Produce Basket

[@Birdhouselady]

You should move the potatoes and onions separately. You will shorten the shelf life of the other veg. Also dont store potatoes and onions together

[@PrayNow4all]

My first thought also😂

[@TheErador]

Going to elaborate on that?

[@Margo5050]

@@TheErador No need to. Look it up yourself. These items should not be stored together OR in a drawer.

[@TheErador]

Seems to be a lot of back and forth on this topic, some places incorrectly state that onions release ethylene gas which has a ripening effect, and some seem to argue that it's the moisture content. Not so cut and dry I would say

[@PrayNow4all]

@@TheErador time for some personal experimentation and recording of parameters, variables, and results. That could be a huge project!🙂

[@jameslake5743]

FYI, you can store avocados in the fridge. Buy them when hard, store till 24 hours before needed. Set out to finish ripening. My sister-in-law taught me this trick to always have fresh avocados.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Buy a ton that are ripe or ripen on counter Mash all n put some in fridge Rest go in freezer, in portions It’s delish when u take it out to fridge n thaw it overnight-great avo toast or guac

[@wienkecat]

Stoe in the refrigerator in water. They wont spoil.

[@SimpleLife365]

They can also be stored frozen! I cut in half, remove pit, but leave the skins on. Place each half in a small snack size ziplock, and then place in a gallon size freezer bag. Thaw as needed for guac, to spread on toast, or in smoothies. The texture will not be firm, so they will not work for slicing or cubing, but they retain their green color and are perfect for buying on sale, preserving, and using for those favorites.

[@gracehillgranny5445]

Good idea. I read somewhere that lemons and limes could be washed, dried, and kept in the freezer. I started doing both, this way about 6 months ago. I always have them on hand now.

[@metteriggs2151]

Thank you for that idea! I always buy both in bulk, but then they just rot on me. Next time I'll follow your idea.

[@chickenmama4384]

Oh great idea. Do you freeze them whole??

[@missbiggs9437]

These days to prevent having to toss, I wash, dry and zest them then juice all the fruit before freezing; I make a simple syrup so I can quickly whip up beverages and I always have lemon/lime juice & zest available for any recipe.

[@gracehillgranny5445]

@chickenmama4384 yes, I do freeze them whole. I allow them to come to room temperature when I need to use them.

[@chickenmama4384]

@@gracehillgranny5445 that is great information. I am going to do the same.

[@GmaMom]

Use a small container, put apple cider vinegar in it…cover with Saran Wrap…poke small holes in the Saran Wrap….it will get rid of your fruit flies

[@randimochamer6284]

I have a produce bowl on my counter. It was my grandmother’s. I love cooking with what is in the bowl. Since I was raised with this bowl, I’d be rather lost without it. I’d be afraid that I’d forget what was in the drawer if I didn’t see the produce in the bowl… lol. I think it might be a great idea for so,e people, but I still like my bowl… besides, I enjoy very much seeing the bounty of summer produce! Winter is a different story….

[@naomimartinez9385]

The Dollar Tree near us have food covers that are like an upside-down umbrella that is made of a very fine mesh cloth. They take up very little room when folded.

[@jvallas]

To. Eliminate the fruit flies? I like this, as I often use a covered cake plate for lemons, but it's too closed up an environment. The mesh would be much better.

[@naomimartinez9385]

@@jvallas It keeps the fruit flies off the food.

[@paularizzo5217]

The best tip I've ever found for refrigerated produce is to take condiments off the doors and put them in the produce drawers. Put produce on the door shelves so you know exactly what you have and need to use first. Works great for me. Still have bins for potatoes, onions, & garlic. Fruit in jars or baskets.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Yes, I did a video on this very strategy. It worked well for my old refrigerator, but my new one has a different configuration that makes the produce drawers much more visible.

[@michelleboyle6497]

My favorite recipe for summer squash is to sauté the slices with butter and lemon juice 😋

[@nickybookz222]

Onions and potatoes should never be mixed with other vegetables! And bananas provide fruit flies because everything ripens faster through the banana.

[@frsp3403]

When I learned that, my potatoes lasted much longer.

[@Beesknees923]

I believe it slows down the ripening time of bananas if you peel them apart from being attached to one another when you get home from store. I freeze them. I use baby food banana for baking recipes. Thanks for keeping us sensible! You two are great helping us to continue enjoying our homes and families during a challenging time.

[@lindanelson4526]

If you wrap the stem end of bananas it will keep them from ripening so fast.@@Beesknees923

[@Sandi1202]

@nickybookz222 that was my first thought as well.

[@looloo4029]

@@Beesknees923you are correct about separating the bananas from being in a bunch. I have also read that it slows down the ripening process of the bananas if you wrap the individual stems in aluminium foil. I don’t know if it works but it’s worth a try.

[@JJ4851C]

Potatoes and onions should never be kept together because of the gas ethylene. Love the information on every video. Today my area is under watch from hurricane Idalia. I have my supplies ready... Thank you

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks--I plan to take the onions out.

[@rebelm256]

Debbie Meyer green bags and/or boxes/bins work wonderfully to keep fruits & veggies free from fruit flies and perfectly rippened

[@poodlegirl55]

I save the bags that cereal comes in and use for many things. I do can and dry apples but it is nice to have fresh. I wash and dry the apples, put in the cereal bags in my garage refrigerator until I have filled one whole shelf. We have crispy fresh apples until January or February, they taste like they just came off the tree. While you don't need to refrigerate apples I have not noticed that it harmed them any.

[@marlene56-143]

What is it about the cereal liners that makes a difference than just any bag?

[@poodlegirl55]

@@marlene56-143 I guess a difference in air flow from plastic zip lock bags. I can put washed lettuce in one and it will stay super crispy for more than a week. In a zip lock it would be brown and wet looking.

[@karensheart]

For fruit flies I take a soup bowl and put apple cider vinegar(they are attracted to it) and 1/2 tsp of dawn dish soap. Mix. They go to the vinegar and get stuck because of the dish soap. ❤

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Great idea! Thanbks for sharing.

[@karensheart]

@@RoseRedHomestead of course. You are welcome!

[@poodlegirl55]

I use that mixture also but I use a soy sauce bottle as it takes up less space on my counter. They go down to get the vinegar and never come back up.

[@hollyu48]

It’s funny how each of use see things so differently. I think your counter looks beautiful and abundant

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you so much! Jim

[@kkdidwhatable]

Thank you! An organized home means less work for all!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I can see how this idea will work nicely for you! With my ADD, I would rarely remember they were in the drawer.

[@SILSpring]

I've had ADD since I was a kid, I keep paper and pen with me all the time as ideas, etc pop in my head. Works for me!

[@rhondaseitz2634]

cynthiafisher9907 You just gave me food for thought. My adult son has ADD. He has a terrible time remembering basic things. Yet he is a smart man with a good job. Thank you for making me think 🤔

[@Momofukudoodoowindu]

​@@rhondaseitz2634i was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and suffered with it until age 30 when I went Keto. I stopped consuming any refined starches as carbs. I was able to stop my medication 100% within 2 weeks.

[@IowaKim]

An easy fruit fly trap is to use a clear plastic bottle, such as a disposable water bottle, put a couple inches of wine or apple cider vinegar, or fruit juice & a drop of dish detergent. Then using a small knife, about halfway up, pierce the bottle and rock it back & forth to make a small hole. Place it on the counter near the produce. The flies will sniff out the hole, crawl in and can't figure out how to get out and drown. At the end of the season rinse out and recycle.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks for that idea.

[@an-alechianeathery770]

I try this idea, but I was haveing to fill my container more then I wanted to. Twice a day or even 3 times a day. Thank for recipe.

[@MsAmy-hy5ds]

That’s what we do here in central NC. Works for us!

[@kathleengill2214]

I do that in an open jar. They are attracted to the vinegar but stick to the liquid because of the soap. It works great.

[@pbear7814]

Yellow sticky traps work much better and faster.

[@donnashomeplacetn4089]

Oh how I love organization videos. Thank you for hopping down this bunny trail. Hope you're having a good week.

[@virginiadaneke2362]

I ALWAYS refrigerate summer squash like you have there. The ones that don't need refrigeration are the hard ones like butternut and acorn.

[@jwll970]

That is a great organizational idea. However, the vegetables in the plastic containers will not last long. I have plastic bins but I put paper towels under everything to give some air flow underneath. 🙂❤️

[@ceciliafuentes3299]

Bananas attract fruit fly as well as tomatoes. I hope it works.

[@shelleylee8774]

I was also raised by a mom who highly valued organization around the home. I even say to myself today (at 62) "a place for everything and everything in its place" which was Mom's mantra! Thanks, Pam and Jim, for sharing these wonderful "experiments" with us.

[@shelleylee8774]

@@dezs7564 - even our junk drawer was organized lol

[@trkstatrksta8410]

My favourite saying too👍👍👍👍

[@gcook9221]

Such a good idea! I'm going to copy you - LOL! One thing that works for me; I buy avocados that are fairly firm and store in the vegetable crisper in the fridge. When I get ready to use one I remove it from the fridge and place on the counter, usually overnight, and it will ripen on the counter. That way we preserve the rest of them in the fridge. They last a long time there.

[@jennaandparkerstaggs1113]

This is a great idea! To build on this idea, I’d recommend getting drawer dividers. The dividers will be perpendicular instead of rounded which should allow for more produce to be stored. You can also adjust them to fit your needs 😃

[@lindas.8036]

i have also seen people use paper bags of all sizes, cut down or folded down. They are free, and have adjustability. Also,, small cardboard boxes.

[@mscatnipper2359]

One benefit of your idea is that, if/when a piece of produce becomes overripe or moldy, you can replace the paper or cardboard, saving cleanup effort.

[@sherip1270]

Great idea. I was thinking how I liked the separation from the drawer that the containers create, that wayif any food rots, releases liquid, etc, it will be easy to take out and wash. Also you can take out the whole container to your food prep area. I prefer keeping my tomatoes, citrus, avocadoes, and squash in the fridge until close to the time I use them. It delays the ripening process.

[@paularizzo5217]

Lovely drawer for produce. You can freeze some of those tomatoes, if you need more space...

[@magenta4443]

I have two sets of metal mesh baskets that hang from the ceiling. We have a small kitchen so all our drawers are used for kitchen tools. I love your channel. Have learned so much from you and your science. 😊

[@praiseandpromises]

Hanging mesh baskets will also work for keeping tall toddlers from sneaking a snack. Thanks for the tip.

[@baronepam]

It's just me here, and forgotten produce is a problem for me. I have some turntables, a cool dark cabinet, and unused small bins. I will be setting this idea into motion.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Doesn’t tit seem like produce in a drawer would be forgotten much more?

[@LittleBitOfSunshine4u]

I love this idea! I think maybe having two drawers set up this way might help you to group friendly veggies together whilst keeping unfriendly gassy veggies separated.

[@jvallas]

Wish I could spare some drawers!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Adjacent drawers don't allow enough air circulation. I quit using an onion and potato wooden bin for that reason. It had a section for each, but then enclosure did not allow good air circulation. Ended up keeping only potatoes in it. Rotten potatoes and onions stink! Each keeps longer if there's suitable distance between the two.

[@KCMNgardner]

I always keep my avocado's in bottom of fridge so they do not get to ripe too fast on me. Store tomatoes in a covered cake display. I cover the bottom plate with a paper towel, after rinsing off tomatoes and dried then I place them under the dome. Works great til I can freeze them. Potatoes and onions go separately in a dark dry cool place. Same with squash. Fruit goes separate. Also add a small apple to the potatoes keeps them from forming eyes too quickly.

[@furbabies3momma]

Great suggestions! ❤

[@missbiggs9437]

Thanks for the tip re storing an apple with potatoes to slow them down; I didn’t know that one. 👍

[@veronica-dn9ro]

Your idea reminds me of our ancestors who did use some drawers for keeping flour in, not just extra produce from the garden. Then again, my mom always remembered her mother kept her flour in a barrel.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

In a previous house I had a flour drawer as well! Very handy!

[@trish237]

I use hanging wire baskets, both in the kitchen and in the basement. Basement for the potatoes and onions, but not together. The kitchen has 3 hanging baskets on one hook, Vertical. I have a wall of those (5) over near a breakfast nook area. I take them off the hooks when not in use. Add hanging plants or flowering plants for color.

[@maryellenyork2819]

I downaized into a small house with a tiny kitchen and little drawer space. I am learning to garden but still not getting much. You offer a great idea which will not work for me, but stimulates creative thinking to find a better solution than what I currently do. Thank you.

[@ElaineWilkerson-o4k]

Great idea! I love how you analytically approach any concern or problem. You are an inspiration!! Thank you so much!

[@californiadreamer2580]

Great organizational tip for those of us that don't need tons of space (single person or couple). Also, the Dollar store usually has some smallish wire baskets that would likely fit in a drawer if one is worried about air circulation.

[@kathymickle6915]

Thank you great idea. Thanks for suggesting how to alter for a bigger family.

[@brendadouglas9833]

Love your idea, and if you can see everything, you will use it, thus, the fruit flies will maybe not be a problem. I look forward to hearing how this works for you.

[@cactuscottage2167]

Love this idea.

[@heatheringram2976]

Potatoes turn green on the counter, so your dark drawer is perfect Great idea Pam thanks

[@ChieftuckabuckawaysWife]

❤️ Bravo 👏 Pam and Jim. Thank you 😊 💓

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Our pleasure! Jim

[@KatrinaM1234]

I have thought about hanging mesh bags from mug hooks.

[@marlene56-143]

Interesting

[@tranquillityranch]

I've always had to keep my fruit and veggies in the fridge to keep away the fruit flies and other little bugs. I purchased the Safer Home plug in fly trap that kills fruit flies and other little critters. I was shocked at home many fruit flies I actually had in my kitchen! I'm going to try putting items in a drawer. It's a great idea.

[@jvallas]

I'm really thinking a drawer wouldn't deter fruit flies. I'd be interested to hear if it does.

[@pamt3915]

Onions emit ethylene gas & should be stored separately. Potatoes & the yellow squash are ethylene sensitive. All grocery produce departments arrange fruits & vegetables according to ethylene producer’s & ethylene sensitive.

[@furbabies3momma]

Great comments! ❤

[@mscatnipper2359]

I started storing onions and shallots in a bottom drawer of my kitchen cabinets years ago, and it has worked very well. The only difference in my setup is that I use a large, rectangular, wire bin to allow air circulation, which may or may not be an issue. Like Pam, I chose a container on impulse quickly after coming up with the idea.

[@iluvmysix]

Before she opened the drawer I thought she was going to say she placed a wire rack to keep the produce off the bottom. I'm thinking about combining a wire wrack with the idea above to use paper sacks. Some experimentation coming up.

[@sandynull7576]

Love your idea. It's so ironic. I am planning on trying to clear my counter top, to have more room while canning.

[@karengeorge2468]

Love this, always on the search for putting produce off my counter. Lemonesand limes can be put in jars in water in fridge for up to 1 month and be fresh as new! ( fun fact)

[@karenkarocrueltyfreebuty5620]

Interesting idea. I look forward to your update. I have not had luck with plastic and produce. If you have a problem you might want to place a paper towel in each container to absorb any excess moisture.

[@brendamillican8166]

Thanks for another great video that will get us all to thinking about how we can better utilize our space. My kitchen is small and has narrow drawers (and not many of them), so this won’t work for me…but I love the concept!

[@dawninthemountains]

I like your apple arrangement. The greenery is a nice touch.

[@roseannagross5094]

You are so lucky you got the space. That really looks nice. I wish I had the space.😉

[@marthakjolsrud2660]

Excellent idea! I'm going to try something similar in my crisper drawers. Thank you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

A crisper drawer would be an excellent place!

[@wendywli4589]

Great idea! I put potatoes and onions in a basket inside a cabinet. All potatoes sprouted after two weeks. They were out of sights so I forgot about them. We just compost everything if we can’t eat fast enough. All nutrients will be back to my garden. For avocados, wrap them in newspaper after ripen and put them in the refrigerator drawer They will last weeks! Love your channel!

[@marygallagher3428]

Clever idea!

[@prayeropensdoor1050]

Just leave a nice wine glass, crystal decanter on your cupboard as decor and fill part way with wine. Place clear Saran on top secured by an elastic. Fruit flies will think they’re in heaven. ❤️🌟🇨🇦

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

I use apple cider vinegar to catch the fruit flies. And I cover a small plastic cup with cling foil - my cats would knock off the glass 😆

[@melissaculpepper7663]

Do you pierce the Saran Wrap with a needle?

[@prayeropensdoor1050]

@@melissaculpepper7663 lol, forgot that detail. 👍🏻 yes you do..♥️🇨🇦

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@melissaculpepper7663 yes, in several places

[@rebeccalarrabee2342]

Recommend: natural cork repels fruit flies... try putting the natural cork stoppers from wine in there with the produce Also.... onions should not be stored with the rest of it

[@ellieguillette9589]

What a great idea for produce! I don’t have any drawers in my kitchen, no cabinets either. But, thinking about it, I have metal carts with shelves. I could arrange containers on the shelves for the produce. I’d have to rearrange things so I could see things better and it’s fairly dark in there. I’m going to try it. Thanks so much! Now I have to subscribe to find more tips.

[@whiteshadowfare]

I love this idea, unfortunately my kitchen is too small to give up any space. My countertops are not cleared, but they are neat. Thanks for an organizational tip.

[@americaneden3090]

Perfect timing! I have boxes of produce from apples to tomatoes, pumpkins and winter squash are coming in as well.

[@lfg4300]

Excellent Excellent Excellent IDEA I cant wait to organize mine and get the counter space back and also not waste thank you

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful! Jim

[@patriciatinkey2677]

I enjoyed your snappy intro music! As an organizational challenged person, I really appreciate this video! Also, I bought that little Mason jar vacuum sealer, & I LOVE IT! Thanks

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks for watching our videos let us know how your Mason jar vacuum sealer is working. We have not had to replace he battery yet. Jim

[@JeanneKinland]

Congratulations! Well that may work for your small amount of produce. I'm harvesting 100 onions, and about 50x's the amount you have there. I have a huge rack in the basement that is 48" wide and 5 fit tall and 3 ft deep. That rack was full of onions curing at one time. Canned 77 quarts of tomatoes. Those tomatoes consumed every spare space in my house until they were processed.

[@annagarza6225]

Love the idea Pam.👍

[@skee6706]

Great idea. Now I need to clean out some space ! ! LOL

[@cbass2755]

I have a netted four tier stand. I place everything their. It’s out in open, no sunlight hits it & I see it & use it.

[@ClaireForsberg-rl6tc]

For fruit flies, I put a small section of banana peel into a custard cup. Cover it with saran wrap, then poke several small holes with a tooth pick. Leave it near the produce, or not. Within a day or two the flies are gone.

[@melissav1416]

Great idea. To keep avocados perfect put 2 in a qt mason jar, cover w H2O. Date w Sharpie on glass (comes right off) & keep in fridge for over a week.

[@tinamck7505]

Yes I know this works. I store mine in a ziplock bag in the fridge and they keep two weeks sometimes.

[@lynsmith2698]

Pam….that is brilliant. I wish I had enough room to do that. But I have a tiny kitchen with little counter space. But thankfully I have a cold room down stairs. But I do love it. 🇨🇦🌷

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I envy your cold room! Thanks for your comments.

[@susanwoodcarver]

Oh….I like that! Looking very forward to the answer to the fruit fly question! Love how quickly you can see and access your produce! You are one smart lady! 💜

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Might I suggest hanging baskets in your pantry? Once the avocado is ripe, store them in the fridge. Apples also after about 5 days out go into fridge. I hate losing avocados, I'm sorry that happened. They are high priced. Oh, we are planning a trip out your way in Oct. It's such beautiful country and so different from the TX Gulf Coast.

[@dacooksbro]

You should look up storing lemon and limes in water in mason jars in the frig. They don’t dry out and last much longer.

[@marlene56-143]

Interesting, although RoseRed said that she had no more room in the fridge.

[@marykopydlowski4654]

Cool

[@elysenapoli6395]

I have a wonderful tip for you for the avocado! Once an avocado is ripe place it in water in the fridge. I've found that as long as the stem and blossom end are in the water it will stay fresh for 2+ weeks!! I've been doing it this way for about two months and I no longer have to throw away avocados.

[@Margo5050]

😮. I’m going to try this.

[@onceuponawandering149]

Quick question: Being in such close quarters, would the off-gassing of some of those vegetables cause some of the others to ripen much faster? I don’t know much about that process, but just wondering.

[@justpassinthru]

For sure there are some that will.

[@pamt3915]

Absolutely. Onions will cause potatoes & the yellow squash to ripen faster & lead to rotting.

[@cbagot]

Apples ripen a lot of other fruits.

[@looloo4029]

Yes, you’re right. Bananas in a fruit bowl will have everything ripening and going off much faster.

[@mom2LandM]

I discovered if I want my green tomatoes to ripen faster, I put them in with my Bananas. They ripen in 1/3 of the time compared to if they just sit in a basket alone.

[@carolann4175]

Love this😊. Will clean out a drawer for same. Thank You !!!

[@marcellamunoz1602]

Wow, thank you for sharing this new organization method. I learned a new skill on organizing my kitchen.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Wonderful! Jim

[@robinhart1390]

I will absolutely love your produce drawer idea❣️❣️❣️

[@SIC647]

I do that with bread, rather than having a bread box on the counter. I keep the breads in the bags they come in. It works very well.

[@minihomesteadcooking]

I got a 2 tired shelf that I put my fruits and veggies on. I love looking at them. Lol. Your idea is awesome too.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks for telling us about the change in your storage for fruits and veggies. Jim

[@joeyhardin1288]

Thank you, great idea. Although, we have 4 half-bushel baskets of garden produce sitting on the kitchen floor, waiting to get preserved. God Bless and stay safe.

[@KCMNgardner]

You can dehydrate tomatoes as well. Garlic I keep in a dark place in a ceramic garlic keeper that has vent holes in it.

[@karigould3303]

Great idea!! Your channel has taught me SO much and I'm very grateful.

[@sylviah1234]

Great to see you are eating plenty of fruits and veggies. Yams are very nutrient dense and potatoes are very healthy to eat and your liver loves them. I'm 77 med free healthy and normal weight and so is my husband. We love potatoes. They can be used for fillers instead of bread crumbs etc.

[@urbangalfarmroots]

I love potatoes too and created a 3 row 50' bed this year for russet, red norland, kennabeck (sp?) and sweet potatoes! They are very nutritious and so versatile. I leave the skins on as much as possible for the fiber too.

[@lucilleyonce317]

Great idea. Just what I needed. Thanks for the tip.

[@lectrickitty6571]

I put fresh produce in mason jars & use plastic 1 piece lids. It eliminates fruit flies & keeps the produce fresh longer.

[@fierylatina1]

We love your videos and you guys are awesome, a lot of my canning is from watching you

[@RoseRedHomestead]

That is awesome! Thanks! Jim

[@marileepoorman4361]

Surprisingly avocados keep really well in the fridge! I like the idea...if I only had more drawer space!

[@julieschossow9315]

Great tip!

[@robinwinslow1867]

I like the idea very much. My drawers are too shallow for this purpose, but I think it is a good idea. For me, if it isn't where I can see it, I forget that I have it. I'd have to put a note on the fridge to check it every day. Lol. I did have a ton of fruit flies earlier this summer. I put out a cup with vinegar, dawn dish soap and water. That did the trick. Like others have commented, I think I did read something about gases being produced that caused other things to go bad faster. I usually keep my onions/garlic separate from other produce. It is always such a pleasure to view your videos. I always learn so much.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

When you say you keep onions, garlic and potatoes separate - how far is separate? Can they be in the same pantry? Do the gasses sink or rise - onions on the top shelf potatoes below if the gases rise?

[@robinwinslow1867]

I keep the potatoes near the floor in one area of my kitchen, and the onions and garlic in baskets on my counter. The onions and garlic are beside each other. The potatoes are about four feet away. I imagine the gases rise as heat rises, but I am not a scientist, so I do not actually know. I haven't had any problems doing it this way. All other veggies and fruits are kept either in the fridge or in another section of the kitchen if not meant to be refrigerated. We haven't kept much out for long as we've been preserving as much as we can through canning, freezing, or dehydrating. @@SpeakTruthBeKind

[@reesewhitt5495]

I thought you couldn’t mix many of those in a tight area due to the gassing. I’ll be interested to see how this works.

[@Margo5050]

I can’t imagine this is a good idea. I love her channel but this is a non starter.

[@pkmcnett5649]

Apples for sure give off a gas that ripens fruits and vegetables faster. We keep them in a separate fridge drawer by themselves.

[@slc1161]

You can’t. She did.

[@Margo5050]

@@slc1161 ? Yet to see if this works.

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Thank you for all the experiments you try out- so I dont have to. Love your channel. I might keep quicker ripening foods on the counter in separate baskets. Then I dont forget to add tbose slightly ovet ripe items into meals.

[@kendrafullofjoy]

Very nice storage idea. 😊

[@TanteEmmasKitchen]

What a great idea. Now I wish I had a drawer I could spare for this.

[@fishinghole333]

Excellent idea!

[@darleneschreiber9415]

I actually think your bowl of assorted garden produce is very lovely. 🥰

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I agree, but mine got to tall and was hiding pieces that were going bad.

[@jvallas]

I was thinking that if I didn't have so darned many things already out (very small condo, not much space), I'd love leaving those baskets on it.

[@susandorry6149]

I've been organizing my space with plastic containers too, I love it.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Great! Jim

[@jeas4980]

Oh I love your scroll work basket! That's stunning! I do the large scale version of this organization method. I have several clear plastic containers that are roasting pan sized (I produce huge yields daily) and I stack them and process out of them every day. Tomatoes, for instance, will go from green to almost ready, to ripe... and every day I handle them picking out the bad and grouping them according to their ripeness. I cover them with a kitchen towel to keep the fruit flies off of them. Once they're ripe, I put them in freezer bags and freeze them until sauce weekend or salsa day. But I stack them like Jenga blocks, on a shelf in the pantry, at eye level; that way I can always see their condition and they're well organized. Now that I have the "InstaCanner" I process small harvests every single day. Hand full of green beans, few dozen carrots, applesauce, peaches... I've always got something in some phase of processing. Then, once the harvest is over... the pasta making begins!

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

I’ve never heard of an InstaCanner. Will have to ‘search’ for that.

[@jeas4980]

@@SpeakTruthBeKind Instapot MAX... not theDuo or the Pro... must be the Instapot Max. I love it. I'm canning 4 pints of something just about every evening. What ever is on sale at the store or in season in the garden is hitting the pantry shelf. I'm quickly running out of space to put it all.

[@marypat7196]

Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@sailorgirl2017]

I live on a sailboat and storage is key. I use baskets all the time, apples in one, all citrus in another, one for onions & garlic, one for potatoes, one for winter squashes, and another for tomatoes. I move a cushion aside in the forepeak and keep them on the platform where it's cool and dark. To keep fruit flies controlled I place a glass with apple cider vinegar/water with a drop of dish soap. They all go to the glass and I have no problems.

[@Coco-zu9ob]

I put onions and potatoes in a plastic basket (so i can wash it) in my pantry where they are dark and cool. Squash and carrots things like this i keep in the fridge, they last longer. Garden tomatoes have to stay out of the fridge, but put them in a pretty bowl and eat them. Apples do like you're doing in a basket or bowl..people do this for decoration all the time.

[@beatrice9567]

This is such a great idea Pam thank you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome! Jim

[@josephineglover7635]

Fabulous idea! Thank you ❤

[@grandmaofthree897]

I have a deep drawer that is over an air vent! In the summer it would be a perfect solution for my veggies. I can switch drawers during the winter months very easily! I love this idea! Thank you!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Sounds great! Lets us know how it works for you. Jim

[@unleashnow226]

AWESOME idea!