Jun 02 2014
Fresh Produce Shopping Tips !
Lancaster Online is always the source for breaking news, tips and highlights from past events. One article that I came across this morning was “21 Tips: How to pick the freshest summer produce”. This article gives tips on how to assure the freshest produce from the countless farmers markets that are dotted throughout the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Visit the Lancaster Online website for more information about Lancaster County !
Blueberries
Perfectly ripe berries are sweet-smelling and dark-blue. Avoid any with green or light-purple parts.
Cantaloupe
A cantaloupe that’s ready to eat has a sweet aroma and a good color (not too green). The fruit shouldn’t be too firm. The area around the stem should be starting to get a little soft.
Corn
Look for full ears and green husks. Steer clear of anything that looks brown or shriveled.
Cucumbers
Choose a firm, green cucumber that isn’t too big or beginning to yellow. Like other veggies, once a cuke reaches a certain size, the rind and seeds will be too tough to chew.
Eggplant
Choose eggplant that is firm, not soft, and free of blemishes and brown spots. Leaves should be green and tight, not wilted or dried.
Peppers
Look for a firm pepper with a green stem and an even color, free of wrinkles or skin defects.
Raspberries
Choose plump, juicy-looking berries that smell great. Berries that appear moldy or dry are a sign to move on.
Strawberries
Strawberries should be firm, red and sweet-smelling, with green leaves. As berries age and dry up, seeds will begin to pop out.
String beans
Beans should be firm, with good color (no brown spots) and slender, straight pods. Beans that are more bulbous can be stringy and not as tender.
Tomatoes
The best tomatoes have a green stem and blemish-free exterior that’s still slightly firm. A brown stem is a sign that the tomato has been off the vine for a while. Tomatoes that aren’t yet deep, dark red will ripen up fully in a day or two.
Watermelon
This one can be tricky, even for farmers. The best way to determine freshness is to sample before buying. If that’s not possible, try thumping the watermelon. It should sound not quite hollow. After some trial and error, you’ll learn to recognize the sound of a ripe watermelon.
Zucchini and summer squash
Squash should be firm, not rubbery, and free of brown spots (It bruises easily.). Any size tastes equally good, but gargantuan “baseball bat zucchini” generally isn’t worth the hassle.
