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How can I Select Good Produce?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Fruit and vegetables should be an important part of your diet, with most nutritional authorities recommending a minimum of five one cup servings per day. It is important to make sure that you select healthy produce for healthy living, avoiding food of questionable quality. There are a few basic guidelines which will assist with the selection of good items, although each fruit and vegetable is unique.

In general, the fresher produce is, the better the quality. For this reason, farmers' markets are highly recommended, because farmers often harvest produce that day of or the day before the market. These fruits and vegetables are also usually produced with minimal pesticides, making it a healthier choice for the environment as well. If you do not have access to a farmers' market, plan on going to the grocery store several days a week to pick out the items you need and use it within two to three days.

Due to customer demand, more and more grocery stores are stocking organically grown vegetables and other produce.
Due to customer demand, more and more grocery stores are stocking organically grown vegetables and other produce.

When purchasing produce from a grocery store, try to use one which gets frequent deliveries. Corner stores and liquor stores tend to have produce of poor quality because it is not delivered fresh daily or stored properly. Also be wary of grocery stores that keep their fruits and vegetables section very cold, because this makes it difficult to check the texture and scent of foods before purchasing them.

Bananas should be firm and yellow.
Bananas should be firm and yellow.

As a general rule of thumb, look for even coloration and texture. Any items that are discolored, especially with brown or black spots, should be avoided. Discoloration suggests that produce is old or potentially insect infested. An even color indicates that it is ripe and relatively fresh. Evenly textured foods are also often fresher: in vegetables look for a firm and crisp appearance, while fruits tend to be more soft. Use your experience as a guide, and pick food that looks and smells delicious enough to eat directly off the shelf.

It's better to buy loose mushrooms rather than packaged ones, since they don't store well in plastic.
It's better to buy loose mushrooms rather than packaged ones, since they don't store well in plastic.

Be wary of packaged fruits and vegetables. Loose items are easy to inspect for areas of rot or mold. Packaged berries, lettuce, or other products may be harboring unhealthy areas where you cannot see them. If possible, open packaged foods to assess their condition. If this is not an option, inspect the package very carefully from the outside, and check the expiration date as well. Avoid purchasing mushrooms in packaged form especially, as they do not do well when stored in plastic.

Apples are best when they have no discolorations and are just slightly soft to the touch.
Apples are best when they have no discolorations and are just slightly soft to the touch.

If you are inexperienced in selecting produce or trying to explore a new flavor, do not be shy about asking for assistance. Most grocery stores have a knowledgeable staff that enjoys introducing consumers to new items, and the staff should be able to help you pick out a good specimen. The grocer can also tell you where the food comes from, how it grows, the way to identify a good sample, and how to use it.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

CarrotIsland

@oceanswimmer- My daughter loves oranges, too. When you are buying oranges, you want them to be firm and heavy. The lighter ones may be dried up on the inside. The heavier they are, the higher juice content they have. You want to avoid oranges that are soft or bruised. As far as the color, look for the ones with the brightest color. The dull ones aren’t going to be as sweet.

OceanSwimmer

I have been on an orange kick lately. I usually eat at least two oranges a day. Sometimes, I buy them by the bag but I usually end up with a couple of bad ones. When I buy them individually, I am not sure what to look for when picking them out. Are they supposed to be firm or soft? In addition, does the outside color matter? Some of them are a darker color of orange.

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    • Due to customer demand, more and more grocery stores are stocking organically grown vegetables and other produce.
      By: Andrey Milkin
      Due to customer demand, more and more grocery stores are stocking organically grown vegetables and other produce.
    • Bananas should be firm and yellow.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Bananas should be firm and yellow.
    • It's better to buy loose mushrooms rather than packaged ones, since they don't store well in plastic.
      By: mbongo
      It's better to buy loose mushrooms rather than packaged ones, since they don't store well in plastic.
    • Apples are best when they have no discolorations and are just slightly soft to the touch.
      By: volff
      Apples are best when they have no discolorations and are just slightly soft to the touch.
    • Farmer's markets typically have fresh produce.
      By: berc
      Farmer's markets typically have fresh produce.
    • Fresh produce can usually be purchased at a farmer's market.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Fresh produce can usually be purchased at a farmer's market.
    • Vegetables should have a firm, crisp appearance.
      By: Dionisvera
      Vegetables should have a firm, crisp appearance.
    • In general, the fresher the produce, the better the quality.
      By: adisa
      In general, the fresher the produce, the better the quality.
    • Inspect fruits and vegetables for spoilage.
      By: valery121283
      Inspect fruits and vegetables for spoilage.