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The variety of fresh vegetables and fruit available at most grocery stores and farmer's markets can be overwhelming. If you're uncertain how to pick fresh produce, this guide will provide you with tips on how to do so.
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The variety of fresh vegetables and fruit available at most grocery stores and farmer's markets can be overwhelming. If you're uncertain how to pick fresh produce, this guide will provide you with tips on how to do so.
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Introduction
- Fresh fruit and vegetables are among the healthiest foods you can eat. Many are high in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Research has shown that eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is not only good for general health and nutrition, but can also help reduce the chances of stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
- Since many fruits and vegetables only remain fresh for a few days, use the strategies listed below to pick the freshest produce possible. Doing so will help you save money by reducing the chance that your produce will spoil before you get to to eat it.
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Step 1: Have a Look
- The criteria for selecting fresh produce varies by specific type, but you can eliminate fruit and veggies that are beyond their prime with a brief visual inspection.
- Reject any produce that displays any of the following characteristics:
- Visible bruising
- Brown edges, stems or leaves
- Any bugs or larvae
- Mold
- Any holes, scratches or other surface imperfections
- Any mushy areas
Step 2: Take a Sniff
- Some types of fresh produce have a stronger scent than others. However, as a general rule, any produce should have a generally fresh aroma and smell just as you would expect it to. If a fruit or vegetable smells like mold, decomposition or in any other way slightly "off," put it back.
Step 3: Feel it Out
- Again, different types of produce will have a different "feel" depending on their species. Some, such as avocados, kiwis and peaches will yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe. Others, including melons and apples should be firm and not have any soft spots.
- All produce, however, should not feel overly soft or mushy. The best place to test for freshness is near the top of the fruit or vegetable, where it was once attached to its parent plant. Any areas where the fruit or vegetable appears to have separated from the skin is a sign of bruising beneath.
- Produce should have a good "weighty" feel to it in accordance with its size. Melons and squash that feel lighter than you would expect have begun to lose their moisture, meaning that they may taste dry and less than fresh.
Conclusion
- If, after using all the above strategies, are still unsure whether your selected produce is fresh or not, ask one of the employees in the produce department. He or she should be able to let you know the criteria for picking the freshest fruit or vegetable from the selection available. When handling, bagging and placing your produce in the refrigerator, be sure to do so carefully to avoid bruising or damaging it.
