Tips for Buying Fresh Vegetables at their Peak of Goodness

Last Updated on September 12, 2020 by Ellen Christian

These tips for buying fresh vegetables will ensure your produce lasts as long as possible and retains all of the delicious taste it should have. Earth Day is coming up on April 22^nd and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying some delicious vegetables?  The vegetables you eat and feed your families should be as nutritious and flavorful as possible.  This post contains affiliate links, and I will receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Remember that storing your vegetables in a vegetable bag will help them stay fresh longer.

Tips for Buying Fresh Vegetables

Today, I’m sharing some tips for buying fresh vegetables so you can make the most of your next trip to the farmers market or grocery store. After all, when we buy fresh vegetables, we want them to be in the best possible condition when we bring them home.

Broccoli

As a general rule, the darker the broccoli, the more nutritious it is. Look for broccoli that has dark green heads and lighter green stems. Avoid any bunches that have stems that are white or pale looking.

Peas

Peas should be plump and firm and not roll around in the pod. Choose pea pods without any yellow spots or blemishes on the pod. They should be promptly refrigerated after purchase.

Carrots

Select long, straight carrots that are dark and full of beta-carotene.  Avoid carrots with small white rootlets. Carrots should be firm to the touch. If it’s easy to bend the carrot, don’t buy it.

The CSA Cookbook: No-Waste Recipes for Cooking Your Way Through a CSA BoxThe Minnesota Farmers Market Cookbook: A Guide to Selecting and Preparing the Best Local ProduceThe Farmers Market Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Fresh, Local, Seasonal ProduceCooking Your Local Produce: Tackling Farmers Markets, CSA Boxes, and Your Own Backyard

Spinach

Look for spinach that does not have limp or spotted leaves. They should be dull green on top and bright green on the underside. Do not purchase spinach or other greens if they are wilted.

String beans

Don’t buy beans that are stiff or that have visible seeds through the pods.  Instead stick with plump, flexible beans that are bright green. Be sure that the ends of the bean are not withered which would indicate they were old.

Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes should have firm, shiny skin that is uniformly colored red. If still attached, the leaves and stem should be a bright green color and should feel firm to the touch.

Radishes

Ideally, try to buy radishes in a bunch so you can see the condition of the leaves. Never buy radishes with wilted leaves or that feel spongy to the touch.

Peppers

Look for peppers that are brightly colored and firm to the touch. Also, they should feel heavy for their size as compared to other peppers. Do not purchase them if they are wilted or soft to the touch. Finally, avoid peppers that have spots or bruises.

So, next time you’re at the grocery store or the farmer’s market, remember these tips to make the most of the produce you bring home. Check out this post on saving money on fresh produce for more ideas.

Next, take a look at what I’ve grown in our garden in the past in this video.