Shelf-life: The length of time a harvested product, like fruits or vegetables, remains usable or edible.
Think of shelf-life as the expiration date for your garden goodies. It’s how long your tomatoes will stay juicy or your lettuce will stay crisp before they turn into a science experiment in your fridge. Knowing the shelf-life of your produce can help you plan your meals and avoid wasting food.
Factors like temperature, humidity, and how the produce was handled after harvesting all play a big role in shelf-life. For example, storing your apples in a cool, dry place will keep them fresh longer than leaving them on the counter. And bruised or damaged produce tends to spoil faster, so handle your harvest with care.
Maximizing shelf-life is about being a savvy gardener and a smart shopper. It’s about understanding how to store your produce correctly and eating it before it goes bad. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have a garden-to-table feast and enjoy your labor’s fruits (and vegetables) while they’re at their peak.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
« Back to Glossary Index