Shopping for Produce

Perhaps no other department in the market will give you more variety and abundance of nutrition than the produce department.


The dizzying array of selections can confuse anyone. Here is what you need to be a savvy consumer.

Take your time. Many shoppers go to the same old bins, buy the same old things, and head off to the next section of the store. If time permits, and your food plans are somewhat flexible for the week, slow down and give the entire section a once-over. What looks fresh? What looks interesting? What's on sale? The produce section is the one area of a grocery store that you should be willing to shift from the shopping list and buy based on what's available.

Fear no fruit. Break out of your rut! Add a new fruit or vegetable to your cart once every other week. The key to a well-balanced food program is variety. Ask the produce manager for tips on how to use the fruit or vegetables.

Look for quality. Avoid any fruit or vegetable that is bruised or looks old. There is often a separate shelf in the market labeled "Reduced for Quick Sale." Although it may be appealing to purchase really inexpensive produce, the nutritional value of these foods is less than that of their fresher, crisper equivalents.

Look for nutrition. Most vegetables will not come with labeling, but the information is often available. Many markets now offer nutritional information in the firm of posters and pamphlets displayed in the produce department. So if you want to determine if broccoli has more fiber than green beans, the answer is probably right there.