Tips for buying the best in-season produce
It’s a lot easier to eat more fruits and vegetables if you have access to fresh, seasonal produce. Nothing beats a just-picked Farmer’s Market peach or tomato.
The following tips will help you make the best choice when you’re out shopping for fruits and veggies.
- Use all your senses. Avoid bruised fruits, check for bright colors. Many fruits have great smells too when they are ripe. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask for a sample. Most markets and even grocers will let you sample before you make a purchase.
- Skipped the bagged stuff. Sometimes you have to choose the convenience of bagged, packaged, or pre-cut produce. But, where there is a wrapper, there is a chance that you can’t see everything going on in the package.
- Buy locally and find out what’s in season. This is another good time to check out a Farmer’s Market and TALK to the vendors. Find out where their products come from. The closer to home, the better the taste. In the grocery store, read the signage. Many times the signs will say what’s in season and where it’s been grown.
- Ask questions! Talk to the workers at the store or the market. They should be able to answer your questions about freshness and flavors. Don’t know what you’re looking for? They can help you with the selection!
