A term referring to the storage property of a fruit or vegetable. Long keepers refer to items that can be stored for long periods of time, while short keepers refer to items that have a short shelf life.
One of the best examples of these is the difference between summer and winter squash. Summer squash varieties are short keepers, where winter squash varieties are long keepers. (Winter squash varieties have hard exteriors, so they can be stored and enjoyed throughout the winter…).