Home Care for Produce

One important aspect of spring produce is buying it in prime condition and then storing it in the appropriate manner. Although strawberries, asparagus and rhubarb vary tremendously, each should be purchased firm and unblemished. Once you get them home, this is what to do with them:

Strawberries: Spread them (without removing their hulls) single-layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Refrigerate them up to a day. Wash them just a few hours before using, letting them air-dry on the counter, again spread on paper towels. Then remove the hulls if desired.

Asparagus: Stand them in a container in one inch of water and refrigerate unwrapped. Be sure to use within a day or two. (See the Back to Basics column on H28 for more information.)

Rhubarb: Wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent shriveling in the refrigerator. It’s best used within five days.