How to Choose Fresh Clean Fruit & Veggies

I prefer farmers markets for my produce, but even if you shop at the supermarket for your veggies, follow these steps to keep your produce fresh........

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   If you're picking your own fruits or veggies, be sure to bring along a few clean containers or bags.

2. 
    

   Choose produce that has no unusual odors or colors and avoid any that have signs of spoilage.

3. 
    

   To reduce bruising on your produce, handle it gently.
   
   Bacteria can thrive in the bruised areas.
   
   When you're at the farmers market (or grocery store) keep fresh produce on top of other foods in your basket and put it down gently at the checkout line.

4. 
    

   Buying fruit that isn't ripe yet is not always the best option.
   
   Certain fruits, like peaches, cantaloupe and nectarines won't ripen during storage, but they may soften - making them go bad.

5. 
    

   If you buy produce that's already cut, make sure it's refrigerated, and keep it cold while bringing it home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are traveling far with produce, keep it in a cooler with ice.

[Fuller1972]

on 10/5/2008 Good advice, sometimes takes more effort to find the best ones, but always worth it.