Can you store turnips and radishes together? Learn the best practices for storing root vegetables to maintain their individual freshness and crispness.
1 Answer
No, it's generally not recommended to store turnips and radishes in the same container. Radishes produce ethylene gas, which can cause turnips to become bitter and spoil faster.
Detailed Explanation:
Turnips and radishes, while both root vegetables, have different storage needs due to their individual characteristics. Radishes are known to produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that affects ripening and spoilage. When turnips are exposed to ethylene gas, it can trigger undesirable changes in their flavor and texture, leading to a bitter taste and accelerated decay.
To properly store turnips, remove the leafy greens, leaving about an inch of stem. Store them in a cool, humid environment, ideally between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C) with high humidity. A refrigerator's crisper drawer is a good option. You can also store them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Radishes should also have their greens removed before storage. Store them similarly to turnips, in a cool, humid environment. However, keep them separate to prevent the ethylene gas from affecting the turnips.
Pro Tip:
If you must store them in close proximity within the refrigerator, ensure the turnips are in a tightly sealed container or bag to minimize exposure to ethylene gas produced by the radishes. However, separate storage is always the best practice.