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We’ve talked before in this blog about how fruits and vegetables are good for your eyes, help you avoid getting a cold, and even help you fall asleep. But we’ve never talked about how to actually identify the best fruits and vegetables. Today, we’re changing that. We’ll show you what to watch for, how to clean your produce, and how to store it. Intrigued? Read on to learn more.
While eating bruised fruit or vegetables is harmless by itself, produce with bruises may grow mold quicker, and mold itself could be unhealthy. If you do buy bruised produce, cut off the bruises if it makes you more comfortable.
While most molds won’t hurt you if you eat them, some could make you sick. If you do get sick, most illnesses will go away in a day. If it does last longer, though, you should see a doctor. If you do see mold on one piece of produce, check to see if it has spread to others. If berries, for example, are clumped together with mold, toss the whole batch. If, on the other hand, they’re just brushing against each other, the produce without the mold should be fine as long as you give it a thorough washing first.
Rotten produce can become a breeding ground for the microorganisms that cause food poisoning. If your produce is soft, watery, smell funny, or have unusual growths, it’s likely that your food is starting to rot and should be thrown away.
A good, thorough washing is a great way to see if your fruits and vegetables are healthy is to wash them first. You’ll be able to see mold or soft spots easier. However, if you’re eating berries, don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them. Washing them early can cause them to spoil quicker.
Are you keeping an eye out that your food is being stored properly? Many fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated to keep them fresh. That includes citrus fruits, grapes, berries, and peppers. However, some produce, like tomatoes, potatoes, and garlic, should not be, as they keep better at room temperature. Melons and garlic can be kept out at first, but should be refrigerated after they are cut.
Keeping an eye on your produce is a good way to keep healthy. Another good way is to let us keep an eye on you. If you need an eye, ENT, or sleep appointment, call 704-295-3000, or schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician.
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