A No Nonsense Guide To Storing Your Produce

By Director – Josh Ball · Last updated Tuesday, 6 June 2023 · 8 min read

Every year a whopping 2.5 million tonnes of food goes to waste in our households in Australia alone. This costs us a bomb! Food waste is estimated to cost households around $2,500 every year. 

Managing a household can be a relentless task, but we have a few quick tips to help you get more out of your produce.

First, we need to understand where produce can be stored and set up suitably sized storage compartments.

The Fridge: 

The primary purpose of a fridge, when it comes to fruits and vegetables, is to slow down the ripening process and prolong the shelf-life of food. The main compartment of the fridge has lower relative humidity compared to the crisper draw and is ideal for storing an array of produce and general food goods.

The Fridge Crisper Drawer: 

The crisper is a revolution for storage of fresh produce, but it can be a place where fresh produce goes to wilt and rot. So keep an eye on what is in there and ‘use it up’ with easy end of week meals, like these.  It has a higher relative humidity and is great at keeping produce at the right moisture level for items from leafy greens and cauliflower, to corn and grapes.

Ambient Dark Spaces: 

These are cool, dry, and dark areas like pantries or cupboards. The dark and dry conditions are ideal for things like onions and potatoes (never store these together!).

The Fruit Bowl: 

A fruit bowl placed at room temperature, preferably away from direct sunlight, is great for fruits that ripen after they’re picked, known as climacteric fruits. Examples include bananas, avocados, peaches, plums, tomatoes, and mangoes. Once these fruits are ripe, they should be consumed quickly or moved to the fridge to prolong their freshness.

Second, we have a simple to use table to help divvy up your shop into the right space in your house. Note the tips and which fruit and veggies aren’t friends.

When we started Farmers Pick, you could say we were pretty green in the fruit and vegetable space. An insanely technical and specific space. It was barely a consideration when we started, but apparently some fruits and vegetables have a problem with others.

So here it is. Multiple years of knowledge, gained primarily from learning from our mistakes:

*Tip: Save this table to your phone for future reference*

Autumn Recipes To Keep You Warm All Season

By  – Amelia Baines · Last updated Wednesday, 3 May 2023 · 3 min read

One of the best things about cooking in Autumn is the opportunity to use hearty, seasonal ingredients. Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and parsnips are at their best in the colder months, and they make the perfect base for soups and stews. Roasting these vegetables in the oven with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper is a simple but delicious way to enjoy them.

Another great autumn ingredient is pumpkin, which can be roasted, pureed into soups, or used in casseroles. There are many varieties available, and they all have a slightly sweet, nutty flavour that pairs well with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Speaking of spices, autumn is the perfect time to experiment with bold, warming flavours. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves are all popular choices, and they can be used in everything from baked goods to savoury dishes. A pinch of cinnamon in your morning porridge or a sprinkle of nutmeg on your roasted vegetables can make all the difference in creating a cosy, comforting meal.

If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that will keep you warm and full all autumn long, look no further than a hearty stew. Start with a base of onions, garlic, and carrots, and then add in your choice of protein (beef, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option), potatoes, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Top it off with a flavourful stock and some hard herbs and let it simmer on the stove, filling your home with the most delicious aromas.

Finally, don’t forget about dessert! Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in rich, decadent treats like apple pie or warm fruit crumbles. Apples and pears are in season during the cooler months, and they make the perfect base for a cosy, comforting dessert. Add in some warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and you have the ultimate autumn treat.

Autumn is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with seasonal ingredients and spices. Check out our recipe page for inspiration. So grab your apron, turn on some music, and get cooking!

Let’s get chilly! – How to freeze vegetables

By  – Amelia Baines · Last updated Thursday, 24 April 2023 · 3 min read

Whoever invented the freezer was a smart cookie! We probably all freeze things like leftovers, bread and ice cream but have you ever thought about freezing your surplus vegetables?

There are many vegetables that freeze well and can be enjoyed later without losing their flavour, texture, and nutritional value. Here are some examples of vegetables that freeze well:

• Green beans – blanch before freezing
• Peas – blanch before freezing
• Carrots – blanch before freezing
• Broccoli – blanch before freezing
• Cauliflower – blanch before freezing
• Brussels sprouts – blanch before freezing
• Corn – blanch before freezing or freeze raw
• Spinach – blanch before freezing or freeze raw
• Kale – blanch before freezing or freeze raw
• Capsicum – freeze raw
• Onions – freeze raw or blanched
• Garlic – freeze raw or blanched
• Tomatoes – freeze raw or blanched, remove skins before freezing
• Pumpkin – cook and puree before freezing

When freezing some vegetables, it is important to blanch them first to help preserve their texture, colour, and flavour. Blanching involves briefly boiling the vegetables in water and then immediately cooling them in ice water to stop the cooking process. After blanching, drain the vegetables well and pat them dry before packing them for freezing.

It is also essential to store frozen vegetables in airtight containers or freezer bags and to label them with the date so that you can keep track of how long they have been frozen. Vegetables can be stored in the freezer for 8-12 months. When you are ready to use them, simply thaw the vegetables in the refrigerator or by placing them in a bowl of cold water before cooking.

Next time you have veggies to spare, pop them in the freezer and preserve them for your future self and future wealth!