Eat fresh to stay healthy
Good health begins with eating right. It is recommended that we eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible. But what should we look for when we go to purchase fresh fruit, food and vegetables?
"Look carefully and make sure that the products are fresh. When buying fruits, do not buy everything ripe. Observe the fruits to see if they are shrivelled," says Denise Edwards, owner of Farm Products, Fresh Fruits Meats and Vegetables.
She explained that ground produce can be kept out of the refrigerator for a much longer time than green bananas. Additionally, when buying ripe bananas, ensure that the tips of the bananas are green.
Shelf life
Edwards advised that if one can afford it, it is best to buy fruits and vegetables twice per week. If not, it is advised that you not purchase too much of anything all at once as certain fruits have a longer shelf life than others. For example, melon and pineapple can remain fresh in the cool for two to three days.
Sweet potato and yam should be kept in a cool place. Yellow yam, for instance, does not have a long shelf life. These can be wrapped in newspaper, then placed in plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week. Without refrigeration, it will last probably only two to three days, says Edwards. "White yam and sweet yam can stay much longer."
Here are some other pointers to bear in mind:
1 When you observe carrots and, for example, you notice the delicate leaves on the ends, you know they are far from being fresh.
2 It is wise to shop in season; specials will give the indication.
3 Make sure that you buy the best quality that you can afford and avoid overpriced and out-of-season foods.
4 Take note of overripe or too-green produce, as in most cases they are at one extreme and the flavour and taste will be not the best.
5 You should not 'feel up' or 'touch up' by pressing thumb or fingers into the produce. This creates a lot of unnecessary waste and spoilage, from which the other customer will walk.
6 Always purchase firm, pale green or pale yellow fruits.
7 Remember that tree-ripened fruits are simply the best.
8 Avoid placing green fruits near salt.
- Paul Messam
Hot tip
To ripen avocado quickly, one school of thought suggests that we place the avocado into a brown paper with a tomato and then place the bag in a warm section of the house. The natural ethylene gas from the avocado and the tomato, along with the warmth, is the ingredient for the ripening. Another ripening method is to neatly wrap in newspaper and put it in the cupboard. Within a few days it should be ready for eating.