Storing Farmer's Market Veggies So They Last

[Jacey]

I'm going out of town for a week and a half, so I know I shouldn't have bought fresh produce. However, I walked by a farmer's market this morning and couldn't resisit. I will be gone for the next ten days and would like to keep these veggies so they're at least usable on my return. I bought a heirloom tomato, three peppers, summer squash (green and yellow) and a cucumber. Is there a trick in storing them (ziplock baggie with papertowel?) to preserve the veggies a little longer?

[MobyRichard]

You could try those 'green' bags that are supposed to retard the rate of decay, although I've heard varying reports of their efficacy.

[drgreg]

I've had great luck with those green bags - they soak up the ethylene released by the veg. Will work great for your peppers and cucumber (and prob the summer squash - no experience there), but I don't think it'll help the tomato.

[sgwood415]

After 10 days they will not be fresh no matter what you do with them. The only way to preserve the food is to turn them into something else. Make sauces, soups, etc and freeze it.

Also, do not keep the tomatoes in the refrigerator. It kills the flavor enzyme and it never comes back.