How to Shop for Fresh Vegetables
Many people choose not to buy fresh vegetables rather than risk buying some that are rotten. Getting home to discover that your potatoes are rotten, or the ears of corn are moldy, is aggravating and a waste of good money. Avoid that aggravation and waste by learning what to look for when buying fresh vegetables. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Examine each vegetable individually. Sometimes there will be a single rotten piece mixed in with a good group. Be selective.
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Look for bright color. Darkened coloring and browning is a sign of age in vegetables and means that your shelf life at home will be shortened.
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Check for firmness and crispness. Wrinkles may make Sean Connery look distinguished, but that isn't the case for fresh produce. Vegetables should be firm when you gently squeeze them. Avoid wilted looking greens and celery.
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Examine ears of corn by pulling off the husks in the store. Corn husks should be fresh and succulent with good green color. Avoid ears with under-developed kernels, and old ears with very large kernels.
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Choose young mushrooms that are small to medium size. Caps should be mostly closed around the stem, and white or creamy, or uniformly brown if a brown type.
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Avoid potatoes that have decay, blemishes, are green, or have too many cuts in the skin. While decay can be cut from potatoes, you want to avoid excessive waste.
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Tips & Warnings
Most fresh vegetables have a shelf life of about 5 to 10 days. Don't buy more than you can consume in that time.
Bring along a helper to shop. Most children and spouses will enjoy the quality time spent choosing vegetables together.
Shopping requires sight, touch, and smell.
