Sunday, February 27

Amounts Available Versus Health Benefits When Shopping For Vegetables

By Diana Lensbury


The supermarket does not often provide a wide selection of organic produce from which to choose. It is usually very limited on the amount that it may carry from local farmers, as well. For this reason, when shopping for vegetables, it can be beneficial to first go to neighborhood fruit and vegetable stands or the local farmers market. The availability of healthier produce may be greater.

Supermarkets usually have to have their produce shipped in from commercial farmers all around the world. For this reason, it may take days before the items hit the shelves and are available for purchase. This limits the amount of health benefits to the consumer, as the shortest amount of time between harvesting and consumption supplies the most vitamins and minerals.

Local stands and markets try and get the produce out as quickly as possible so as to avoid spoilage. This also has to do with the fact that they tend to use less pesticides and chemicals than do large commercial farmers. While some organic products are available in the chain stores, it is usually a very limited selection.

Fresher vegetables are not only healthier because of the benefits they provide, but they also taste better. Without the extra preservatives or need to freeze and thaw the flavor is more natural and of a higher quality. Many times the chemicals limit the taste or change it slightly.

In contrast, the varying types of produce available at the local markets are limited by what can be grown in the area in which the person resides. So, the availability of different varieties of the same type of vegetable or certain vegetable may be very limited.

Using both the local markets and the grocery store allows a consumer to support the regional economy, while providing them with the largest selection possible. This increases the types of produce to choose from and the health options available. Locals are usually better able to provide advice on how to choose items that are the ripest as well.

Although it can be very difficult to understand how to best shop for vegetables, especially when weighing all of the options available, it is important to consider both health and taste. The agricultural aspects of a given area will limit what can be grown, but for this the grocery store can make up. So, while trying to maintain the freshest diet possible, also consider a broad selection.




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