How to Pick Fresh Ingredients at the Market
Fresh ingredients are the easiest way to make any dish taste better. A few quick checks at the market will make you a much better cook without any extra effort.
Use your nose
Fresh food smells fresh — clean and mild. Fish should smell of the sea, not fishy; meat should have almost no smell. If something smells off, walk away.
Check the colour and firmness
Vegetables should be bright and firm, not limp or spotted. Press gently — good produce springs back. Avoid anything bruised, slimy or wrinkled.
Buy in season
In-season produce is cheaper, tastier and more nutritious. A quick search of what's in season in your area is worth more than any storage trick.
Look at the eyes and gills of fish
Fresh fish has clear, bulging eyes and bright red gills, with shiny, tight skin. Cloudy eyes and dull skin mean it has been sitting around.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an avocado is ripe?
Gently press the stem end — it should give slightly. If it feels hard, give it a day; if it feels mushy, use it right away.
Should I wash produce before storing?
Better to wash just before use. Washing before storage adds moisture that can speed up spoiling.
Is frozen produce less healthy?
No — frozen vegetables and fruit are often frozen at peak ripeness and are just as nutritious as fresh.