Do you get overwhelmed in the produce aisle because there are just too many options? With a few tips and a go-to guide, you’ll be a produce shopping master in no time!
Tips:
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Choose organic as much as possible ~ refer to the Environmental Working Group’s list of the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen
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Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season ~ refer to this Seasonal Food Guide to find out what’s in season in your area
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Eat a variety ~ alternate the fruits and vegetables that you buy every week
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Eat the colors of the rainbow ~ red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
Vegetables:
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Leafy greens ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Spinach, romaine, arugula, kale, mixed greens, butter lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens, beet greens, dandelion greens, chard, endive
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Freeze spinach or kale for smoothies
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Cruciferous vegetables ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, romanesco, cabbage, bok choy
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Root vegetables ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, red potatoes, yellow potatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, fennel, parsnips, turnips, ginger, rutabaga, turmeric, daikon
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Alliums ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Red onions, white onions, yellow onions, garlic, chives, shallots, scallions, leeks
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Mushrooms ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Shiitake, crimini, white button, oyster, portobello, king trumpet, maitake, enoki, beech, chanterelle, porcino, hen of the woods, lion’s mane
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Squash ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Zucchini, acorn, summer, butternut, delicata, kabocha, pumpkin, spaghetti
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Celery
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Bell Peppers ~ red, yellow, orange, green
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Herbs ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, parsley, dill, sage, cilantro, oregano, lemongrass
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Fruit:
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Berries (fresh) ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly when in season
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Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, huckleberries, cranberries, mulberries, acai berries, kiwis
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Berries (frozen) ~ pick at least one from above list and freeze for smoothies
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Bananas ~ freeze for smoothies
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Pomes ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly when in season
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Apples, pears, loquats
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Citrus ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly
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Oranges, blood oranges, mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
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Stone ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly when in season
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Peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines, apricots, mangoes, olives, coconut, dates
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Melon ~ pick at least one and rotate weekly when in season
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Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, cucumber
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Avocados
If you prefer to grocery shop online like I do, I highly recommend Imperfect Foods. They deliver healthy, high-quality groceries that cost less and fight food waste. Feel free to use my referral link to receive $10 toward your order. Happy shopping!