Vegetables Shelf Life
Most vegetables want the cold, humid crisper drawer; a handful want the opposite. Potatoes, onions, garlic and winter squash keep for weeks to months in a cool, dark, dry cupboard and suffer in the fridge. Moisture is the usual enemy: store greens dry, and wash just before use.
34 foods · times shown are for the most common state of each food; tap a food for every state, storage tips and spoilage signs.
Alliums
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Whole |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 3–5 months |
| Green Onions Whole |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
| Leeks Whole |
1–2 weeks | 3–6 months | Not recommended |
| Onions Whole |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 1–2 months |
Brassicas
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli Fresh |
3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Brussels Sprouts Fresh |
3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Cabbage Whole |
1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Cauliflower Whole |
3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
Fruiting vegetables
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Peppers Whole |
1–2 weeks | 6–8 months | Not recommended |
| Cucumbers Whole |
4–6 days | Not recommended | 1–3 days |
| Eggplant Whole |
3–5 days | Not recommended | 1–2 days |
| Jalapeños Whole |
1–2 weeks | 6–8 months | 2–3 days |
| Tomatoes Ripe |
5–7 days | 2 months | 3–5 days |
| Zucchini Whole |
4–5 days | 8–12 months | 1–2 days |
Leafy greens
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagged Salad Opened |
3–5 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Kale Fresh |
5–7 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Lettuce Whole, iceberg or romaine |
1–2 weeks | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Spinach Fresh |
3–7 days | 8–12 months | Not safe |
Mushrooms
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushrooms Fresh |
4–7 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
Pods & kernels
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn on the Cob Raw |
1–3 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Green Beans Fresh |
3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Peas Fresh |
3–5 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
Roots & tubers
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beets Raw |
2 weeks | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Carrots Whole |
3–4 weeks | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Ginger Whole |
3–4 weeks | 6 months | 1 week |
| Potatoes Raw |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 1–2 months |
| Radishes Whole |
1–2 weeks | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Sweet Potatoes Raw |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 2–3 weeks |
Stalks & shoots
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artichokes Whole |
5–7 days | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Asparagus Fresh |
3–4 days | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
| Bean Sprouts Raw |
2–3 days | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Celery Whole |
1–2 weeks | 8–12 months | Not recommended |
Winter squash
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash Whole |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 1–2 months |
| Pumpkin Whole |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 1–2 months |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers. Freezer times are best-quality windows at 0°F (−18°C).