- By Iram Hussain
- Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tips To Buy Fruits And Vegetables: A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. These nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals and fibre that support overall well-being. However, choosing the right fruits and vegetables is crucial to reap their benefits. Many people make common mistakes while grocery shopping such as buying wilted or bruised produce while selecting fruits and vegetables that are past their peak season and opting for conventionally grown produce over organic options while others may fall for misleading labels such as 'natural' or 'all-natural,' which don't necessarily mean organic or healthy. But worry not! Here, we've compiled some easy tips that you can try while buying fresh fruits and vegetables.
Tips To Buy Fruits And Vegetables
Trusted Shops
Select firm and vibrant produce without bruises or blemishes. Opt for vegetables with crisp leaves or a firm texture. Shopping at local farmers' markets or farm stands offers fresher options, sourced locally, ensuring peak flavour and nutritional value.
Squeeze Test
Check for firmness and avoid soft spots and signs of over-ripeness. The 'Squeeze Test' involves gently pressing fruits and vegetables to gauge their freshness. Different types of produce respond uniquely to touch. Opt for firm and vibrant options for better quality.
Look Test
The 'Look Test' assesses produce freshness by appearance. Bright and vibrant colours indicate freshness and a sheen on the surface is a good sign. Consider ripeness based on your consumption timeline. The texture should be smooth except for vegetables with a natural rough texture such as bitter gourd, ridge gourd and ginger which are normally rough.
Tips to choose the right fruits and vegetables (Image Credits: Canva)
Verify The Date
When buying pre-cut veggies like pre-made salads, cauliflower rice or stir-fry mixtures, verify the date on the packet to ensure freshness. Also, check for excessive water within the package which can indicate age or improper storage.
Smell Taste
The 'Smell Test' assesses produce freshness through aroma. Fruits and vegetables emit distinct scents at various ripeness stages. A sweet, earthy or floral aroma typically indicates freshness while sour or unpleasantly strong odours can signal spoilage. Trust your sense of smell to help you choose fresh and ripe produce.