How to Choose Vitamin Rich Orange Vegetables

Orange vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Orange vegetables provide important antioxidants, vitamin A and fiber and they are also helpful in preventing cancer if eaten in proper quantities. Working orange vegetables into your diet is easy, as they can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Orange vegetables

1. Know your orange vegetables. Orange vegetables include sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squas, and hubbard squash. Orange fruits also provide the same benefits as orange vegetables. Some orange fruits include apricots, peaches, cantaloupes, papaya and nectarines.
2. When you choose your orange vegetables, fresh is best. Check the produce aisle of your local grocery store on a regular basis. When vegetables are in season they are at their best quality and price. Choose only enough vegetables for use within a few days.
3. To choose the best sweet potatoes, look for a deep orange color. Deeper colored vegetables contain the most beneficial vitamins. The sweet potato should be rounded and firm and should never be stored cold.
4. To choose a good pumpkin, you will want to look for small, rounded pumpkins that feel heavy in comparison to their size. Look for clear skin and choose a pumpkin that still has its stem. You will need one pound of pumpkin for each cup of cooked pumpkin you wish to make.
5. When choosing any type of squash, look for vegetables that are firm and have no cracks or bruises. Squash should have a stem attached as well and should feel heavy for their size.
6. When you choose carrots, look for carrots that are firm, deep orange and still have their skins. Pre-peeled carrots may have less nutrients.
7. If you can't find fresh orange vegetables and fruits in season, frozen vegetables are the next best option. Canned vegetables should be the last resort, as they will have the least amount of vitamins due to processing. You will get the most vitamins from fresh, raw vegetables or vegetables that are lightly steamed.