STORAGE OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND FLORISTS' STOCKS 39 



Radishes (Winter) 



(Temperature, 32° F. ; relative humidity, 95 to 98 percent) 



Winter radishes require the same storage conditions as carrots and 

 should keep in good condition for 2 to 4 months. 



Rhubarb 



(Temperature, 32° F. ; relative humidity, 90 to 95 percent) 



Rhubarb stalks, if fresh and in good condition, may be stored for 

 2 to 3 weeks. The bunches should be packed in crates, which are 

 stacked to allow ample air circulation on all sides; otherwise there 

 is danger of heating and mold growth. 



Rutabagas 



(Temperature, 32° F. ; relative humidity, 95 to 98 percent) 



Rutabagas require the same storage conditions as carrots and should 

 keep satisfactorily under such conditions for 2 to 4 months. Probably 

 most of the rutabagas that now appear on the market have been waxed. 

 This treatment improves the appearance and is reported to prevent 

 wilting and loss of weight. 



Salsify 



(Temperature, 32° F. ; relative humidity, 95 to 98 percent) 



Salsify has the same storage requirements as carrots. The roots 

 are not injured by slight freezing but should be carefully handled 

 while frozen. Under the conditions specified, they should keep for 

 2 to 4 months. 



Spinach 



(Temperature, 32° F. ; relative humidity, 90 to 95 percent) 



Spinach is usually stored for only short periods. It should keep 

 fairly well for a week or two after being cut. If crushed ice is used 

 in the packages, this period can be extended somewhat. 



Squashes 



See Pumpkins and Squashes. 



SWEETPOTATOES 



(Temperature, 55° to 60° F. ; relative humidity, 75 to 80 percent) 



The requirements for the successful storage of sweetpotatoes differ 

 from those recommended for most other vegetable crops. When 

 freshly dug sweetpotatoes are to be stored for any length of time 

 they should be given a preliminary curing treatment to permit the 

 healing of all wounds or abrasions incident to harvesting and han- 

 dling, in order to prevent the entrance of decay organisms. 



The curing and storing are done in the same house so that the 



