TIPS FOR PICKING THE
Best Fresh Produce
MANY OF us know that a diet which is rich in high-quality , fresh vegetables and fruits can have a very positive effect on our overall health , but finding the tastiest , ripest and best produce isn ' t as easy as you may think . It can help to shop with your senses .
From apples to zucchini , and everything in between , here are four tips on how to pick the best fruits and vegetables .
PICK PRODUCE WITH VIBRANT COLOR
Choose produce that has vibrant , consistent colour . Avoid fruits and vegetables that are dull or pale or show signs of discolouration . Brown or black spots could mean produce is starting to rot .
CHOOSE FOOD THAT STANDS FIRM
High quality , fresh produce is firm to the touch . When shopping for fruits and vegetables , be sure to give them a little squeeze to test their firmness . If produce if soft to the touch or feels mushy , it could be a sign that it is beginning to go bad .
SHOP FOR LOCALLY GROWN ITEMS
Certain fruits or vegetables begin to lose their nutrients just 24 hours after they are picked . Local food does not have to travel as far as food imported from other countries . Shopping locally is also great for the environment as it helps reduce our carbon footprint . Plus it supports local farmers and producers , benefitting the local economy .
OPT FOR ORGANIC OPTIONS
Organic produce contains fewer pesticides than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables , therefore reducing the number of chemicals you put into your body . This is especially true for foods in The Dirty Dozen – the 12 crops on which farmers typically use the most pesticides . This list includes strawberries , spinach , apples , grapes and tomatoes among others . Organic produce may also contain more vitamins , minerals , enzymes and micronutrients . Most natural health food stores like Nature ’ s Emporium carry organic produce exclusively , making shopping for the freshest produce simple .
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* Source www . newscanada . com