Nectarines- Store at room temperature until ripe — this usually takes 2 to 3 days. A ripe fruit will yield a bit when pressed gently. To speed up the ripening process, place in a paper bag and store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Storing ripe stone fruit in the crisper drawer will prolong its eating life — it should keep for up to a week when refrigerated.
Grapes- Store, unwashed, in your refrigerator's fruit drawer. They last up to a week.
Zucchini- Does fine for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut. Wrap in a cloth and refrigerate for longer storage. Do not wash until ready to eat. Lasts 4-5 days.
Cucumber- Cucumbers can be wrapped in a moist towel in the fridge. If you’re planning on eating them within a day or two after buying them they should be fine left out in a cool room. Lasts up to a week in the fridge.
Red Tomatoes- Depending on ripeness, tomatoes can stay for up to two weeks on the counter. To hasten ripeness, place in a paper bag with an apple.
Peppers- Keep in the crisper for best results and wash before use. We do not wash them so that they keep their natural protective bloom. Even some organic peppers are washed and waxed for the stores. You can also dry the hot peppers: string thread through the top of each pepper and hang to dry.
Potatoes- Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Should keep for a week or more easily. If you want to store them for longer, say 2 or 3 months, keep them between 45-55 degrees, again in a dry place out of the light.
Melons- Leave at room temperature until they have reached desired ripeness - eat 'em! Last 1-4 days depending on ripeness to start.
Plums- Plums should be stored at room temperature until ripe. After ripe, refrigerate as necessary to prevent spoiling. Will last up to 5 days.
Cabbage- Wrap cabbage in plastic wrap and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. An alternative to plastic would be placing it in a tightly-locking container that limits air flow. Properly stored, cabbage should last about a week.