A few Veggie Shopping Tips!

I was at the vegetable market with a set meal plan in mind and when I finally stumbled across the tomatoes, I was less than impressed. They were not firm whatsoever and actually looked to be overripe. I thought, should I compromise and use them anyways? Never. It was now time to search for inspiration.

I've compiled a few tips for produce shopping that you should always keep in mind.

• Touch and feel everything. Most vegetables will begin to lose their firmness as their freshness disappears. Cucumbers, Roma Tomatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers all start to feel a bit weak in your hand. Look for firm vegetables for fresh vegetables.
• Use your eyes! Most vegetables give tell tale signs that they are losing freshness. Discolouration is the best signal that things are not so fresh. Wrinkled and bruised skin is another thing to watch out for. In the case of prepackaged vegetables, the same rules apply. Look firstly to the BEST BEFORE DATE and secondly inside the package. You're looking for browning, heavy moisture, or discolouration, all signs that the produce isn't at its freshest.
  
• When it comes to potatoes, onions, and garlic, you want a firm product. Avoid them if they are sprouting, they are still edible but usually when buying these products you buy in bulk and they would likely expire before you used them all.
  
• Lastly, when shopping for herbs and lettuces you are looking for obvious wilting or browning. Herbs will lose colour and even turn black when they are going bad so they are easy to spot.

Basically, firm textures + bright, vibrant colours = FRESH

Shop smart and never compromise and you'll always have great food from great produce!