How to Select and Store Grapes

Select

Select plump, smooth grapes with stems that are green and well connected to the fruit. Red grapes should be a rich red; white grapes should have a frosty green tone. Avoid bright green grapes unless you like a tart taste.

Store

Store in a resealable plastic bag in the back of the refrigerator. If you wash grapes before storing, they will spoil in about a week.
Life Span: 2 to 3 weeks.

Good to Know: Frozen grapes make flavorful, festive ice cubes in summer drinks. Freeze washed and dried grapes in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months.

How to Select and Store Tomatoes

Select

Look for a rich red skin that is smooth, firm, and blemish-free.

Store

Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature on a counter-top, stem-side up. Make sure they're out of direct sunlight, and never put them in the refrigerator, which will ruin the flavor and texture.
Life Span: 2 to 5 days.

Good to Know: In-season yellow tomatoes taste and feel like red ones but are less acidic.

How to Select and Store Lettuce

Select

Heads should be crisp and free of brown spots and slime.

Store

Wrap lettuce in damp paper towels and seal in a plastic bag. (The exception is mesclun, which should be stored in an unsealed plastic bag.) Put bagged lettuce in the crisper, which will keep it moist and cold.
Life Span: 7 to 10 days.

Good to Know: Among commonly available lettuces, Romaine and red and green leaf lettuces have the highest levels of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron.