We all know that fruits and vegetables are essential parts of a healthy diet. The vitamins and nutrients from them helps make the body stronger and can boost the immune system. Each fruit and vegetable has its own natural properties that are beneficial. For instance, a tomato has antioxidant properties that help cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals. It is great for preventing cancer, too.
You can easily find fruits and vegetables in the grocery store or market but how do you recognize the superior ones?
Tips for Finding Good Produce
Fruits
Oranges: Good oranges are firm, heavy and have a smooth texture. Do not buy oranges that are lightweight, dull, spongy or have a rough texture.
Peaches: Good peaches are firm and plump. It should be white or yellow in color with a red blush. Do not buy peaches that are spongy or shriveled.
Grapes: Good grapes are tender, plump, firmly attached to the stems and have a slight amber blush (green grapes). Bad grapes are brown in color, have a wrinkled surface and brittle stems.
Apricots: Good apricots have a uniform golden color and are firm. Do not buy apricots that have a pale yellow or greenish color. Bad apricots can be very soft or very hard.
Cherries: Good cherries have new looking stems and a smooth and shiny surface. Bad cherries have dried steams and dull surfaces.
Cantaloupe: Good cantaloupes have a delicate aroma, yellowish skin and a thick texture on the rind. Do not buy cantaloupes with a sweet and pungent aroma as well as those with a soft rind.
Watermelon: Good watermelons are symmetrical in shape and have a cream-colored underside. Do not buy watermelons with spongy spots.
Vegetables
Broccoli: Good broccoli is firm, has closed florets and a deep green color. Do not buy broccoli that is yellow in color with open florets and water-soaked spots.
Asparagus: Good asparagus have closed tips and straight green stalks. Bad asparagus have open tips and the stalks are curved.
Bell Pepper: Good bell peppers have bright and glossy skin. They are firm and thick while bad bell peppers have soft spots and shriveled surfaces.
Carrots: Good carrots are firm and have a bright orange color. Bad carrots have a rough texture, are soft and have green roots.
Tomato: Good tomatoes are plump, smooth and have a rich red color. Bad tomatoes look shriveled and have blemishes.
Now that you know how to choose good produce, you will spend your money wisely. Do not rush choosing good produce . Take your time and make sure you buy the best – it will be worth it.
Leave a Reply