Fresh Is Best: A Guide to Storing and Ordering Fruits and Vegetables for Your Restaurant

Quality fruits and veggies are essential to a successful menu. They take your dishes to the next level, providing both flavour and nutrition. But equipping your restaurant with fresh produce can be a challenge, especially when dealing with perishable items. If you’re struggling to keep your produce fresh and your inventory under control, don’t worry – you’re not alone. 
In this guide, I’ll provide you with tips and best practices for storing and ordering fruits and vegetables for your restaurant. From choosing the right suppliers to implementing proper storage techniques, I’ve got you covered. With these tips, you can ensure that your dishes are always bursting with flavour and nutrition, and your customers keep coming back for more! 

Shop from a Reputable Supplier

Ordering from a trusted supplier gives you the confidence that the products you’re receiving is of high quality and have been handled and stored properly. These businesses have strict quality control measures in place to ensure that the fruits and vegetables they provide are fresh, ripe, and free from any defects. 

One great option for your restaurant is Sciclunas Wholesale Fruit and Veg. This is a family-owned and operated business that’s been serving the food industry in Australia for over 60 years. The company has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality produce and excellent customer service. It’s committed to sourcing the freshest fruits and vegetables available. It works closely with local farmers and importers to ensure that their produce is always fresh and in season. 
In addition to its commitment to quality, Scicluna’s Wholesale also offers a variety of products to choose from. Whether looking for classic staples like tomatoes and lettuce or more exotic options, this supplier has got you covered. You get access to various pantry and specialty lines available for delivery simply at a click of a button! 
And if you’re not sure exactly what you need, Scicluna’s knowledgeable staff can help you make informed decisions about which products will work best for your menu and budget. This supplier offers convenient ordering and delivery options. You can place your order online or over the phone, and get flexible delivery options to ensure that you get your produce when you need it. 
But it’s not just their products and services that make Sciclunas Wholesale an excellent choice for ordering fruits and veggies for your establishment. The company is also firmly committed to social responsibility and sustainability. It works with local farmers to promote sustainable growing practices and prioritises reducing waste and conserving resources throughout its operations. 
From its commitment to sourcing the freshest produce to its convenient ordering and delivery options, there are plenty of reasons to choose this company as your go-to supplier. Whether you’re running a restaurant, catering business, or any other type of food operation, Scicluna’s online has the products, services, and expertise you need to succeed! 

Store Your Produce Properly 

Storing your fruits and veggies properly makes a big difference in how long they stay fresh. And when you’re running a restaurant, that means the difference between serving up delicious, high-quality produce or having to throw out spoiled food. 

• Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach should be stored in a cool, damp place like the crisper drawer of your fridge. This will help prevent them from wilting or turning yellow; 
• Keep root vegetables like potatoes and carrots in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Too much light and warmth cause them to sprout or turn green, which can make them taste bitter; 
• Berries and delicate fruits like strawberries and peaches should be stored in the fridge, ideally in a single layer to prevent crushing. And don’t wash them until they’re ready to be served, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. 

 Should Fruits and Vegetables be Stored Together?

Did you know that some fruits and vegetables should be stored separately because they can affect each other’s ripening process? Ethylene gas is a natural hormone some produce gives off as it ripens. If you store high-ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes with low-ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, it can speed up the ripening process and cause them to go bad faster. Instead, store these items in a separate area or container. 

Know When to Wash Them

Washing your fruits and veggies is an important step in keeping them clean and safe to eat. It’s a good idea to wash your produce just before you use it. This helps remove any dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants that accumulate on the surface of the fruit or vegetable. 

However, some items have a protective coating on their skin that helps keep them fresh. If you wash these items too far in advance, it can remove the protective coating and cause them to spoil more quickly. If you leave them sitting around for several days after washing, that moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. Examples of these types of produce include berries, grapes, and tomatoes. So, it’s a good idea to wash them as close to the time of use as possible. This will help ensure that your fruits and veggies are as clean and fresh as possible when you serve them to your customers. 
And don’t forget to use clean water and a vegetable brush to scrub your produce thoroughly. This can help remove any dirt, pesticides, or other residues that may be lurking on the surface!