Nourish

Make blueberries last longer! Freeze & vacuum seal at home:

Freeze blueberries on a cookie sheet yourself. Make sure to keep the cookie sheet level in the freezer.

Fill a resealable bag with blueberries. 

 Submerge the bag in a bowl filled with water to push air out of the bag.

Seal the bag under the water without letting water into the bag.

 Label and date. The bag Store in freezer until ready to use. 

Control humidity levels to preserve mushrooms:

Cut several holes in a reasealable bag.

 Place mushrooms inside bag and seal. 

 Label and store in vegetable drawer of refrigerator.

Keep lettuce crisp! 

Cut head of lettuce in half.

Remove the core.

Wet a paper towel and form a ball. 

Replace the core with towel that is formed into a ball. 

Put the two halves back together.

Place in a resealable bag or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

10 Simple Ideas to Make Food Last Longer:

• Pick a favorite fruit or vegetable. Begin a local diet by buying that one item from the farmer's market each week. Taste the difference and see how much longer quality lasts.
• Try pickling your own cucumbers. Makes for a yummy sandwich side!
• Freeze fresh strawberries in the summer to use for smoothies throughout the year.
• Clean out the pantry! Make sure pests and mold are nowhere to be found.
• Need to fix humidity levels in the refrigerator? Poke holes in bags for beans and mushrooms.
• Store dried spices and herbs in cool, dark and dry places. If spices are left whole they can stay fresh for three to five years.
• Don't forget about the vegetable crisper! It's the best best place for lettuce and other leafy vegetables.
• Make your own pesto. Have tons of basil from the garden? Follow this five ingredient recipe. Store in fridge and use with pasta!
  2 cups of packed fresh basil leaves. 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 cup olive oil. Combine in the food processor and turn on until well mixed.
• Shop seasonally. Here is a list of what is in season now:
  Beets, pears, apples and sweet potatoes are  at their peak.
• Look around. Get to know farmers at the market and see what everyone has to offer. Make sure to note the prices!

Information and pictures by Emily Robinson