It is no secret that modern agriculture uses all kinds of fertilizers and chemicals when growing fruits and vegetables. The result is that what looks like the tastiest apple can get nasty when you bite into it. So how can you select fruits and vegetables that are really good for you?
We’ve put together this information to help you find the highest quality, tasty products.
How To Choose The Best Fruits And Vegetables
Apricots
APPEARANCE: A uniform color without bruises or marks. Reddish or yellowish marks are normal.
REMEMBER: The surface of the apricot ought to be completely dry. The skin shouldn’t change shape when pressed.
Avocado
APPEARANCE: The skin on a ripe avocado should be dark green, rough, and clean – without marks or cracks.
REMEMBER: It shouldn’t be tough. When pressed, there should be a small dent. Leave unripe avocados at room temperature for a couple of days.
Eggplants
APPEARANCE: Shiny, with a uniform dark purple color. There should be no cracks or light/dark stains. The stalk should be green.
REMEMBER: Pick ones that are springy, smooth, of medium size, and relatively heavy.
Watermelons
APPEARANCE: The stripes should be clearly defined, the root yellowish and dry. There should be no cracks, scratches, or dents on the surface.
REMEMBER: Choose watermelons that are of average size, firm, and heavy. A ripe one cracks when pressed.
Pineapples
APPEARANCE: It should be a yellow shade, the tips of each segment brown, the leaves thick and green.
REMEMBER: Pineapples should be heavy and springy and have a sweet, fruity smell. Avoid ones that are a reddish color.
Pomegranates
APPEARANCE: Bright red and shiny with an orange tint. The skin shouldn’t be too dry or have any cracks/brown marks on it.
REMEMBER: It should be firm to the touch and have no smell.
Potatoes
APPEARANCE: A smooth, even skin. There shouldn’t be any cracks, holes, or marks. It shouldn’t be greenish in color.
REMEMBER: Always select firm medium-sized potatoes.
Marrows
APPEARANCE: A uniform color with a smooth thin skin devoid of any marks, dents, or cracks.
REMEMBER: Always select marrows that are no more than 15-20 cm in length.
Lemons/Limes
APPEARANCE: Smooth shiny skin without lumps or cavities. The color should be uniform.
REMEMBER: The fruit should be springy but not too firm. Always pick heavier ones – they’re juicier.
Nectarines
APPEARANCE: Bright yellow with smooth red sides. Avoid dark-colored or overly glossy nectarines.
REMEMBER: A ripe nectarine should have yellow or red vein-like lines. If it doesn’t, nitrates may have been used.
Plums
APPEARANCE: A smooth surface with a uniform color, without any indentations or dark spots.
REMEMBER: Fur on the surface indicates the plum has only recently been picked.
Cucumbers
APPEARANCE: A bright green, thin, almost dull skin.
REMEMBER: Cucumbers should be compact without indentations or wrinkles. A faded root indicates that it’s not fresh.
Radishes
APPEARANCE: A uniform color without dark or yellow spots.
REMEMBER: They should be firm, evenly shaped, and smooth. Try to buy with the leaves attached – this can indicate its freshness.
Onions
APPEARANCE: There should be no damage on the surface; the outer layers should be bright. Always select onions without roots or green shoots.
REMEMBER: A good onion should be compact, dry, and not be crushed easily when squeezed. Its aroma should be faint but still sharp.
Peas
APPEARANCE: A bright green pod, slightly moist in appearance.
REMEMBER: Try bending the pod in half – if it doesn’t split, the peas are old.
Cauliflower
APPEARANCE: The head should be a uniform white or slightly yellow color, without any dirt or stains to it.
REMEMBER: The head should be very compact.
Green Cabbage
APPEARANCE: Thin leaves of uniform color, without any dark patches or dry areas.
REMEMBER: A ripe cabbage doesn’t change shape when squeezed. If its leaves are overly thick, it’s been filled up with too many nitrates.
Mushrooms
APPEARANCE: The cap should be white, smooth, with a dull shine to it,
without spots or dents. The film attaching the cap to the stem should be whole.
REMEMBER: The best mushrooms are springy and firm to the touch with a characteristic aroma.
Garlic
APPEARANCE: The cloves shouldn’t have any green shoots or spots.
REMEMBER: The head should be dry and springy, and the cloves should be large. If there are too many layers of skin, the garlic isn’t yet ripe.
Apples
APPEARANCE: It should have a very natural appearance. The surface should have no damage or traces of parasites, dark spots, or indentations.
REMEMBER: Select fragrant medium-sized apples. If the skin is oily, it was subjected to chemical treatment.
Dates
APPEARANCE: A uniform dark color, not too shiny. No damage or defect should be visible. Dates shouldn’t be overly wrinkled or too dry.
REMEMBER: A date dried without the help of chemicals should be dry to the touch. It can also be slightly sticky due to the natural sugar present.
Pumpkins
APPEARANCE: The surface should be firm, of uniform color, without indentations, signs of rot, or marks caused by machinery.
REMEMBER: Always select small or medium-sized pumpkins. The stem should be dry. Pumpkins with a bluish skin are the sweetest.
Tomatoes
APPEARANCE: A bright, shiny, thin skin without indentations, cuts, spots, or wrinkled areas. if it’s green, it’s not ripe.
REMEMBER: It should have a rich pleasant aroma. An overly thick skin indicates a high nitrate content.
