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B y Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers
www.FreshBaby.com
We all know buying fresh is best, but when it comes to
shopping for fresh produce, it is not always easiest. In fact, it is a little
tricky and can be time consuming. Here are a few of our secrets to shopping
smart for the fresh stuff in the produce aisle.
Buy produce that is
in season: Foods that are in season are at the peak of freshness, flavor
and affordability. If you don’t know if an item is in season, ask the producer
manager.
Buy locally grown
produce: Even the big grocery stores buy local produce, and you can also
buy local produce at the farmer’s market or straight from the farm. Depending
on where you live, transportation from the farm to the market takes quite a
long time and often does the most damage to produce.
Buy produce that is
on special: An item on special moves much faster off the shelf than other
items. Faster moving items are fresher than slower moving items, because they
are ordered and restocked more frequently.
Use your senses:
Smell it, look at it and feel it. Not all produce has brilliant aroma, but none
of it should ever smell moldy or mildewed. Fresh produce should not be
shriveled or have soft spots or bruises. Colors should be vibrant and pleasant.
Bagged and packaged items should be free of mold and liquids.
When in doubt – just
ask: The produce manager is knowledgeable and often very helpful. There is
nothing wrong with asking when an item arrived at the store or seeking their
advice on how to tell if an item is ripe. If he’s not around, don't be shy -
ask another customer for an opinion. They’re usually more than willing to share
with you.
About the authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the
mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. Creators of products that
include the So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats. Visit them
online at www.FreshBaby.com and subscribe to their Fresh
Ideas newsletter. Fresh Baby products are available at many fine specialty
stores and national chains including Target, Wild Oats, and Whole Foods
Markets.
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