How to Pick and Purchase your Produce

June 25, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

I have always found this a perplexing task - picking out produce that will be the freshest, the sweetest, the best. I was grateful that a handful of stores I frequent started posting little signs of what to look for near the fruit and veggie bins. However, not all stores have caught on to this genius idea so here are some tips to help you find the best produce, especially now that prices have been skyrocketing at the grocery store.

• Avoid any fruit or vegetables that are discolored, wilted, or dried out. These items won’t last very long once you take them home. The fresher your produce in the store, the longer you will be able to use them at home.

• Select melons that are heavy.

• Select apples that are hard.

• Carrots can be stored in the refrigerated section for up to two weeks. You can lengthen the life of whole carrots by cutting off the tops before storing to prevent continued growth.

• Other foods that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if purchased fresh include: celery, grapes, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and apples.

• Fruits and vegetables that do not smell fresh most likely aren’t fresh.

• Fresh greens including broccoli, spinach, and lettuce can make it in the fridge for up to a week. It is best to purchase fresh greens on the day you plan to use them to prevent waste.

• There are a few perishable foods that can last for up to a month if stored in a cool place outside of the refrigerator. Foods such as onions, garlic, and potatoes can last for up to a month but should not be stored together. They will produce gases the will spoil each other faster.

• Produce stored in the refrigerator should be stored in the designated drawers as they have more humidity than in the general shelf areas. Optimum drawer temperature should be around 40 degrees. If you keep the fruits and veggies in the bags they came in, make sure all of the air is pushed out of the bags before storage.

• For the best prices, buy vegetables that are in season and buy only what you can use, otherwise you are wasting your money. Avoid marked down produce, as they are usually too far past their prime.

 There is not much healthier than fresh fruits and vegetables. If you choose wisely and make the most out of your produce, you can save yourself tons of money over a year.

Posted in family, food, health, saving money, shopping

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