What not to do when fruit shopping
Fruit shopping appears to be a simple task. Unfortunately, most fruits are selected, packed, and shipped in such a way that it can be more difficult than it appears. If you find yourself wasting a lot of uneaten fruit, consider the following suggestions:
Purchase frozen fruits: Frozen vegetables are exactly as nutrient-dense as its fresh counterpart. While fresh food can sit for days before being purchased and consumed, frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen at the pinnacle of freshness, preserving more of their nutrients. Frozen fruits are also less expensive. The key is to get pure frozen fruit rather than smoothie blends. Smoothie mixes may contain additional sugar or preservatives, whereas frozen fruits should only contain fruit. Always check the ingredient labels and stay away from meals that include unnecessary sugars or preservatives.
Smell the fruit before you buy it: As the fruit gets closer to ripeness, it will begin to smell sweet. If you sniff the stem end of a pineapple, for example, it will smell fruity. If you detect a pungent odour that reminds you of wine fermentation, don’t eat the fruit. This could mean it’s overripe and starting to ferment.
Buying fresh fruit in prepared bags is not a good idea: Although it may appear to be a good value, packed fresh fruits are not recommended for a variety of reasons. For starters, putting fruit in a bag causes the fruit to squeeze more, resulting in bruising. It’s also more difficult to determine if any of the fruit is damaged when it’s in a bag. Pre-packaged fruit contributes to the problem of single-use plastic pollution because most bags are still made of plastic. Purchase fresh fruit from open bins instead. You’ll be able to see exactly what you’re getting, how ripe it is, and avoid any bruised, overripe, or bug-infested fruits.
Take a closer look: Employees at supermarkets are taught to place newer items behind older ones when stocking shelves. This is a tactic that keeps foods fresh by selling the ones that have been in the shop the longest first. Take a glance behind what’s in front of you when you’re shopping for fruit. The freshest and least-handled vegetables will most likely be found in the back of the store.
Don’t buy pre-cut vegetables: The more fruits and vegetables are processed, the more expensive they become and the lesser their nutritional value. Whole fruits will always be a superior value in terms of both money and nutrients. Produce tends to oxidize and decay once it is chopped and exposed to the air. Because a fruit’s skin preserves the excellent things inside, you should endeavour to keep it intact until you’re ready to use it. When it comes to cost, nutrition, and sustainability, fresh harvested, local produce is the best buy. Fruit that has been frozen is a close second.