How to Buy Fresh Vegetables

The cultivation of vegetables has a long history dating back thousands of years. Vegetables were an important part of the diet of ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and have been cultivated and consumed around the world for centuries.

In more recent history, access to fresh vegetables has varied depending on a number of factors, including location, economic status, and cultural practices. In some parts of the world, access to fresh vegetables may be limited due to a lack of resources or infrastructure, while in other areas, access may be more readily available.

When shopping for fresh vegetables, it’s important to look for produce that is free of blemishes or decay. Choose vegetables that are in season, as they will likely be fresher and taste better. Look for vegetables that are firm and have a vibrant color, and avoid those that are wilted or have a slimy texture. Consider purchasing your vegetables from a farmer’s market or a local farm, as these sources often have fresher produce than supermarkets. When purchasing pre-cut vegetables, make sure they are refrigerated and look fresh. If you are purchasing frozen vegetables, make sure they are stored in a solid, frost-free package.

VegetablesChooseAvoid
AsparagusRich, green color; tender stalks; closed, compact tips; round spearsOpen, moldy, or decayed tips; ripped spears, excessive sand
Beans (snap)Bright color, tender bean, crisp podsThick, tough, or wilted pods; serious blemishes
BeetsSlender root; rich red color; smooth, round bulbWilted, elongated beets; brown, scaly patches
BroccoliStems not too thick or tough; firm, compact cluster of small flower buds; dark, deep green colorOpen buds; wilted, soft condition; yellow color
Brussels SproutsBright green color, tight outer leaves, no blemishesYellow or wilted leaves, holes or ragged edges
CabbageFirm heads, heavy for size; bright red or green color; fresh; no blemishesWilted, decayed, yellow outer leaves; worn holes
CarrotsBright color; well-rounded, smooth, firm rootsFlabby, decaying roots; patches of green
CauliflowerCreamy white to white head; compact, clean, solid floretsDiscolored spots, wilting
CeleryBright color; smooth, rigid stalks; fresh leavesDiscoloration; flabby or pithy stalks; wilting
CornEars with plump, not overly mature kernels; fresh, green husks; silk ends free from damageYellow, wilted, or dried husks; kernels that are very small, very large, or dark yellow
CucumbersWell-shaped, rounded body; bright green color; firmSigns or wilting, large diameter, yellowing
LettuceBright color, crisp leaves for iceberg and romaine, soft texture for leaf lettuce; no blemishesVery hard heads of iceberg lettuce, poor color, brown or soft spots, irregular heads
MushroomsWhite, creamy color; small to medium size; caps closed or slightly open around stem; pink or light tan gillsBadly pitted or discolored caps, wide open caps, dark gills
Onoins  
– Yellow, White, and RedHard, smooth, and firm with small necks; papery outer coveringWet or soft necks, woody or sprouting areas
– GreenFresh, green tops; well-formed, white bulbsYellow, wilted, or decayed tops
Peppers (bell)Bright color, glossy sheen, firm wells, heavy for sizeThin, wilted; cut or punctured walls; decayed spots
PotatoesFirm, well-shaped, free from blemishes and sunburnlarge cuts, bruises, or green spots; soft and decaying areas; signs of sprouting or shriveling
RadishesPlump, round, and firm; medium size; bright red colorLarge or flabby radishes, decaying tops
Squash  
– SummerTender, well-developed, firm body glossy skinDull appearance; hard, tough skin
– WinterHard, tough rind; heavy for sizeTender rind; cuts soft, sunken, or moldy spots
TomatoesWell-formed, smooth, free from blemishes, bright red for fully ripe, pink to light red and slightly firmer for ripeningSoft spots, moldy areas, growth cracks, bruises