Which edible plants are least suited for root cellar storage?

Plants with High Moisture Requirements

Root cellars maintain a relatively high humidity level, which can be detrimental to plants that require very high moisture levels. A good example is celery, which needs to be kept at 95% relative humidity to prevent wilting. To store celery, use a separate sealed container or bag filled with moist paper towels and store it in a cool, dark place.

Delicate Tissues and Strong Ethylene Production

Plants like lettuce and spinach have delicate tissues that are easily damaged by cold temperatures, dry air, or ethylene production. To store these plants, maintain a consistent temperature between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C) and use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent ethylene release. For longer storage, consider using a sealed container filled with nitrogen gas to slow down ethylene production.

Managing Ethylene Production and Moisture

To reduce ethylene production and maintain optimal moisture levels for sensitive plants, use airtight containers or bags and store them in the coldest part of the root cellar. For example, store broccoli at 32°F (0°C) and 95% relative humidity to slow down ethylene production and prevent moisture loss.