KEEPING IT FRESH: BEST PRACTICES FOR PRODUCE STORAGE Brussels Sprouts: Refrigerate for up to 10 days. Whether you grow your own produce or buy it locally, keeping it fresh can be a challenge. Here are some guidelines for storage that will help you determine what to eat when for optimal taste and nutritional value. FRUIT AND VEGGIE TIMELINE Apples: Store up to 6 weeks in refrigerator. Avocados: Once ripe, keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bananas: Store on the counter at room temperature and away from other fruit, which will speed up ripening. Store in the refrigerator once ripe. The skins will brown, but the fruit will remain fresh. Berries: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Blueberries have the most longevity. All berries can be frozen for future use. Citrus Fruits: Store on counter for 4 to 5 days; refrigerate for 3 to 8 weeks. Grapes: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Melons: Refrigerate after ripe. Store for up to 5 days. Mushrooms: Refrigerate for up to a week. Tropical Fruits: Store for up to a week in refrigerator or freeze for future use. Peppers: Refrigerate for up to a week. Asparagus: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Wrap cut ends in moist paper towel and store in a breathable bag in crisper. Broccoli: Refrigerate for up to a week. Potatoes: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 weeks. Tomatoes: Store on countertop until ripe; refrigerate for up to 3 days thereafter. Corn on the Cob: Store in husks, if possible. Consume within a few days, as sugars turn to starch quickly. Cucumber: Refrigerate for up to a week. Avoid storing near apples, tomatoes or bananas. Green Beans and Snap Peas: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Green Onion: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To revive limp stalks, soak the root ends in cold water before chopping. Salad Greens: Refrigerate for up to a week. Head lettuce keeps longer than the leafy variety. Herbs: Refrigerate for up to a week. Carrots: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Cauliflower: Refrigerate for up to a week. Celery: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks while submerged in water or in an open plastic bag. MAGAZINE 29 OLEKSANDR PEREPELYTSIA/iStock/Getty Images OLEKSANDR PEREPELYTSIA/iStock/Getty Images DevidDO/iStock/Getty Images Hyrma/iStock/Getty Images photomaru/iStock/Getty Images chefbenjamin/iStock/Getty Images vikif/iStock/Getty Images Azure-Dragon/iStock/Getty Images