Dieticians and chefs across the globe recommend fresh fruits and vegetables to create healthy, delicious meals at home, but it isn’t always easy to make those dishes before fruits and vegetables have passed their prime. Here are three ways to get your money’s worth from fresh produce, so you can enjoy fruits and veggies at their peak. 

Tips for Protecting & Using Fresh Produce 

1. Store Fruits & Vegetables Properly

Because many fruits and vegetables are brightly colored and beautiful, many people are tempted to store them on countertops in baskets or other containers. However, many types of fresh produce need to be refrigerated to slow down the ripening process. As a general rule of thumb, store produce in the same manner you found it in the grocery store. For instance, while bananas and potatoes may do fine at room temperature, berries, bagged carrots, and fresh herbs need to be refrigerated like they were in the store. 

2. Be Careful About Physical Damage

Try to store produce in places where they won’t be moved frequently, as bruising and other physical damage will speed the ripening process. Keep your produce drawers in the refrigerator clean and organized to prevent pressure on them, and store counter items in a place that isn’t touched frequently. 

3. Create a Meal Plan 

To get your money’s worth of fresh produce, create a meal plan to use those items as soon as you get home. Plan out when you will eat each item and consider preparing the fruits or vegetables ahead of time to make at-home eating more convenient. 

If you are craving a tasty, made-at-home meal, visit Dale's Market & Deli to get all of the groceries you need. With a commitment to carrying a large variety of the highest quality foods and produce, these grocers can help you with everything from procuring the finest meats for your next barbecue to picking up a beautifully decorated cake for that upcoming birthday party. Learn more about how they can help today by visiting their website or give them a call at (440) 365-6551 to learn more about their Elyria, OH, store.