Save By Season: 3 "How Tos" to Buying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Save
By Season: 3 "How Tos" to Buying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
We all know that eating more fruits and vegetables is good
for our health. But sometimes the options can be overwhelming. Should you buy
local? Organic? Fresh produce in season? Or should you hit the frozen or canned
aisles of the grocery store to find the fruits and veggies you need? Below are
some guides to consider as you navigate this cornucopia of questions with
cost-savings in mind.
1. Fruits and
vegetables in season are fresher and cheaper
Not only are fruits and vegetables that are in season fresher
and taste better, but they also tend to be cheaper. When you can’t find fruits
and vegetables in season, Wholesome Mommy recommends frozen or canned. These
options tend to be cheaper than non-seasonal produce, and are preserved (canned
or frozen) when the produce are ripe. Coupled with additional discounts
from Coupon Cravings, nutrition doesn’t have to deplete your bank account. Check out Wholesome
Mommy's great list of some of the different fruits
and vegetables that are in season each month.
But where should you buy all these fruits and vegetables?
Often your best bet is the local farmer’s market. Before heading to your local
market, check out these 10
Shopping Tips.
Farmer’s markets offer one of the best places to buy fresh
and local fruits and vegetables. For great deals, consider buying in bulk and
checking out your local market latter in the day, when some vendors may offer
lower prices. If the freshest produce is what you are after, then head to the
market early. Whatever time of day you go, however, be sure to bring your own
bags (the bags offered by vendors can be small and flimsy) and small change. And
you might even be inspired to get down and dirty and help out at a local co-op
or farm, another inexpensive
and fun way to introduce healthy food into your diet.
3. Avoid
Pesticides, Choose Organic for Some Fruits and Vegetables
Prevention
Magazine has a useful list of fruits and vegetables that you might want to
buy organic. Some fruits and vegetables, they note, are exposed to more
pesticides. Thus, for the “dirty dozen” – things like celery, peaches,
strawberries, and spinach – you’re better off going organic. Other fruits and
vegetables, however, are naturally cleaner and exposed to significantly less
pesticides and other chemicals. According to Prevention Magazine, when it comes
to things like onions, bananas, avocadoes, and corn, conventionally grown is
fine, as most of the chemicals they are exposed to don’t make it past the peal.
With a little knowledge, the freshest, healthiest, and
cheapest fruits and vegetables are easy to find!
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