Washing certain vegetables in cold running water immediately after harvesting removes soil, dust or other contaminants and helps lower the temperature. To store any vegetable successfully, the following requirements need careful consideration. The conversion of sugar to starch is critical in products such as sweet corn and peas. It is necessary to cool these products immediately to minimize this change. If possible, harvest vegetables early in the morning or right before you intend to use them.
Proper humidity varies with commodities.
Wilting and tissue breakdown are minimized by proper air circulation. A discussion on harvesting, handling and storing the more common homegrown vegetables follows. Stalks should be fresh and firm with compact, closed tips. Angular or flat stalks are apt to be woody. Store in refrigerator without washing.