Shopping for produce? It turns out there are a few things you should know about the fruits and veggies in your local grocery store.
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- Produce might be older than you think
If you see a fruit or veggie for sale in your grocery store that’s not in season, that’s a good indication something is off. Apples are picked in the fall, so how are they available in the middle of summer? The answer: long storage. They’re kept in controlled climate storage where they stay “fresh” — thanks in part of course to pesticides used during the growth process and chemicals to coat them after they’re picked.
- Prewashed doesn’t mean ready to eat
You might choose prewashed produce for the added convenience, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s ready to eat as-is. It may have been washed at some point, but that doesn’t mean you can skip your own thorough wash at home.
- Beware of pesticides and waxes
After produce is picked, it may be treated with pesticides to help slow ripening and allow for a lengthier purchase window. Nonorganic oranges and other citrus fruits are often coated with wax to increase their shine and make them look more appealing.
- The freshest produce is in the back
Want a longer shelf life? You’ll have to do a little digging. The older produce is always pushed to the front, so check toward the back of the shelf for the freshest fruits and veggies.
- Produce prices are marked up
Produce is always marked up in grocery stores, so if you want a fair price for fresh food, seek out a local farmers market instead.
- Precut fruit has a short shelf life
Precut fruit offers convenience for quick and easy snacking and serving, but if you’re buying your fruit precut, don’t expect it to last very long. Also, be aware that precut fruit increases your risk of possible contamination from foodborne illnesses like Salmonella.
- Produce is dirty
Produce goes through a lot to make it to a grocery store. From being harvested to being packaged in a truck, unloaded, displayed and touched by other fellow shoppers, you can bet your produce needs a wash before it’s safe to eat. Eat organic as much as possible, and always wash your produce before eating it.