How to Get the Freshest Produce
In a world of chain grocery stores and “Big Food,” we are fortunate to have access to multiple fresh produce sources. But it can be confusing to know the steps you can take to ensure you are buying fresh produce. Whether you’re buying blueberries or other produce, there are a few simple steps you can take to feel confident in your produce purchase.
Buy from a local farmer’s market. When you do, ask if the product comes from the farm that is selling the produce or if it comes from another farm. If you begin asking, you may be surprised to find out that some farms outsource the produce they sell at farmers’ markets and fruit stands. Some other tips to ensure freshness and quality are:
Ask if the produce was grown organically or biologically. It is possible to grow produce following organic guidelines without actually having the organic certification. The organic certification can be time and cost-prohibitive for small farms, so don’t write off a farm just because it doesn’t have the organic certification “stamp”. By asking more questions, you may find better quality produce, even without the organic certification.
Ask if sprays or pesticides were used to grow the produce. Choose produce from farms that don’t use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic sprays.
Use your senses! How does the produce look, taste, and smell? Real food picked at peak ripeness has vibrant color all the way through and has a superior taste.
Meet your farmer if you can. This is a rare opportunity, so when you get it, take advantage of it! This person can directly answer any questions you may have about your food. He or she is the steward of the nutrients you will put in your body. Nothing makes a farmer happier than meeting the people who will benefit from his or her labor!
Choose blueberries that are grown in the United States when you shop at the grocery store. Better yet, choose berries that come directly from a single farm, like our neighbor, Norris Farms (available at Sprouts in Costa Mesa), rather than from a national produce distributor. National produce distributors often source berries from multiple farms, which can lead to more handling and processing. The freshest and best quality blueberries are traceable directly from the farm where they were grown.
Buy from Latitude 43 Berry Farms! With us, you know your berries were picked at peak ripeness within the previous few days (follow us on Instagram to get real-time updates). When you buy Latitude 43 blueberries, you are getting the freshest, healthiest, and most flavorful berries around. For year-round goodness, freeze our blueberries. By doing this, you are locking in the berries’ nutrients. Stock up today! Your body and taste buds will thank you.
