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Swampturtle
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This article is great Paddling.net article on fruits & veggies
Fresh food for the long haul...
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billconner
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I posted a link some time ago with a narrative of someone "testing" this - a whole bunch of fruits and vegetables and a record of how long each lasted. While I'm fine with freeze dried for many vegetables, I did note cabbage lasted a long time. I think is is more useful for a base camping trip or a no or minimal portage trip, but interesting - just for a week of car camping.
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babaoriley7
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Thanks for the suggestion of avocados. I didn't pack them well enough that they weren't a bit damaged, but the fresh guac on fish tacos was awesome. Rick Bayless's ready made guac mix was a good addition as well.
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butthead
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I've found North Bay Trading to be a good source.
butthead
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1964James
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The issues are how far in advance you want to pack before tripping, how much extra weight you are willing to carry and can you keep items from being smashed. Other than that I can't think of ANY fruits or veggies that couldn't be brought?
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OldFingers57
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Well let's see:
avocado would probably Ok for a few days if you get a hard unripe one to start with.
cauliflower would probably do OK
Green, Yellow, Orange and Red Peppers would be fine
Jalapeno peppers would be ok
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mirth
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I've brought fresh green beans from the garden on a trip. Honestly, look at how veggies are presented in the grocery store. The ones out in the middle of the produce section, not in the coolers, give you a hint at how they can be kept. They just need extra protection from bumps, bruises, and crushing.
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babaoriley7
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What kind of vegetables can be successfully stored for a day or two (or more?) when highs are in the 60's and 70's? Any tips at stretching fresh veggies?
The root veggies are clearly the best, carrots, potatoes, onions all seem doable.
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OBX2Kayak
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Dehydrate your veggies. They'll last for months.
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nojobro
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Zucchini and cucumber should be fine a couple days out of the fridge.
Tomatoes, obviously, since those really shouldn't be in the fridge, anyway.
Whole peppers.
A broccoli head.
Really probably most veg, but not fine stuff like lettuce. Most ight get slightly limp but not inedible.
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inspector13
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If you really want to bring fresh vegetables, cucumbers should last for a couple of days. If protected, so will green peppers. Do not let fresh vegetables come into direct contact with any type of ice. As for stretching out shelf life, yes dehydration works wonderfully. I have dehydrated fresh green beans, zucchini, green peppers, and peas so far. Next is carrots, but I am going to parboil them first to reduce the time needed for reconstitution.
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Farmgirl
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We soak peppers and Roma tomatoes in a sink full of cold water mixed with one cap of bleach. Rinse well and air dry. Wrap in paper towels and store in a Pringles can with holes drilled in it. You could do this with other vegetables as well. The tomatoes lasted a whole week and tasted so good!
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eagle93
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Bleach will kill any bacteria that could grow and spoil the veggies. I believe this is one of Cliffie's tricks.
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h20
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quote Farmgirl: "We soak peppers and Roma tomatoes in a sink full of cold water mixed with one cap of bleach. Rinse well and air dry. Wrap in paper towels and store in a Pringles can with holes drilled in it. You could do this with other vegetables as well. The tomatoes lasted a whole week and tasted so good!" Why the bleach?
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OldFingers57
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quote babaoriley7: "Thanks for the suggestion of avocados. I didn't pack them well enough that they weren't a bit damaged, but the fresh guac on fish tacos was awesome. Rick Bayless's ready made guac mix was a good addition as well. "
I pack mine inside of my cook kit with a pack towel around them for padding.
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Swampturtle
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Avocado and/or prepared guacamole that come in individual 100 calorie cups or plastic packs might be just enough for a trip. They are a keep refrigerated food. "Wholly guacamole" brand makes both types and is available at Walmart and other big box stores. I have used these on picnics or when I need just a small amount at home. You can freeze them and defrost with no ill effects. I know my crew is split on avocado- some yea and some nay. Nothing can be as good as "fresh", but I thought these cups were delicious.
 
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