Most gardeners in Washington County seem to have a bumper crop of fruits and vegetables this summer. The question then becomes what can be done to store these products into the winter to enjoy them through out the year.
Proper storage means controlling both the temperature and relative humidity of the storage area.
All fruits and vegetables do not have the same requirements which need to be taken into account. Not all produce should be washed upon harvest. Berries, for example, are very delicate and fragile. Rinse them in cold water just before consuming, as prior washing will cause them to break down and turn mushy. Potatoes store better if they have a fine layer of soil left on the skin to reduce moisture loss and prevent the infestation of water-borne bacteria or fungi.