Getting the most out of your fruits and vegetables can sometimes be tricky. A majority of grocery stores use tricks to keep the profits high and waste to a minimum. However, if you know what to search for, then you will be able to pick out the fruits and vegetables that will have a longer life when you bring them home.
Here is a list of the most commonly purchased grocery items as well as some tips for choosing only fresh and healthy ones.
Tomatoes
Choosing fresh tomatoes is very simple. Pay attention to the following things: texture, color, and fruit flies. You should avoid buying damaged tomatoes since they will break down quickly. A tomato is ripe enough when you can squeeze it without breaking the skin. And, if you notice any fruit flies make sure to put that tomato back.
Bananas
Finding ripe bananas is easy and you can do it by observing a banana’s color. However, most of us tend to go for those green bananas rather than the ones with a few brown spots. Well, let us tell you a secret; bananas with brown spots are not “overripe.” Instead, those are the tastiest.
Pears
Similarly to bananas, pears tend to be tastier if they have a few brown spots. Brown spots are indicators of ripeness rather than rotting. Your pears should be soft and aromatic, but you don’t want them to fall apart in your hands.
Citrus
Unlike avocado, most varieties of citrus will not ripen once picked. So, the best thing to do when buying citrus is to choose the products that are ripe but not rotting. Go for firm fruit and vibrant colors. Anything that is wrinkled, bruised, or lacking in color should be avoided.
Citrus
Unlike avocado, most varieties of citrus will not ripen once picked. So, the best thing to do when buying citrus is to choose the products that are ripe but not rotting. Go for firm fruit and vibrant colors. Anything that is wrinkled, bruised, or lacking in color should be avoided.
Berries
The most common issue with berries is mold. Mold tends to spread very quickly once it is in the package, especially if the packaging is plastic. That is why it’s recommended to buy berries sold in paper pints. To check for mold, pick up the pint and search for any wet spots on the bottom. You can also gently shake the berries to s if there is any hidden mold.
Potatoes
The first thing you should do when buying potatoes is to avoid the ones sold in plastic bags. This is the worst way to store tomatoes but it is probably done so the customers could see the condition of the potatoes. Try to buy the ones that are sold in paper bags or in bulk. Wrinkled skin, sprouts, and spots are indicators of a bad potato. In addition, try to avoid buying green potatoes. Scrape away a little of the skin so you can see if the potato is green.