Frequently Asked Questions:
Fruits and Vegetables

Select your question:

How do I pick out the fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store?
What are some low fat ways of cooking vegetables?
Why do you blanch foods and how is it done?

- How do I pick out the fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store?

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has great lists on how to pick fresh fruits and vegetables when shopping at your favorite supermarket:

How to Buy Fresh Vegetables

How to Buy Fresh Fruits

- What are some low fat ways of cooking vegetables?

There are lots of things you can do to prepare vegetables without a lot of fat. One cooking method you can use is steaming. Steaming vegetables also helps preserve the vitamin and mineral content, color, and flavor of the vegetables. Microwaving vegetables is also an excellent way to prepare vegetables. Like steaming, it allows for better retention of the color and flavor of vegetables, and because it cooks foods quickly, there is minimal loss of important vitamins and minerals. When sautéing or stir frying vegetables, you may use a small amount of water or broth instead of oil or butter. Season vegetables with your favorite spices and/or use low fat or fat free dressings and enjoy!

- Why do you blanch foods and how is it done?

Blanching is a technique that is used primarily for vegetables. There are several reasons for using this technique. Blanching is commonly done before freezing vegetables. Blanching vegetables before freezing captures their peak color and flavor and helps to preserve vitamins and minerals. It also slows the action of enzymes, which causes vegetables to ripen. The technique can also be used to remove any remaining soil and kill bacteria on the vegetables. Blanching is also done to soften vegetables before serving. Some vegetables are blanched so that their skins are easier to remove, such as tomatoes.

Blanching is done by immersing the vegetable in boiling water or steaming them briefly. Immediately after boiling or steaming, drain and immerse in ice water to stop the cooking process. Blanching times vary for different vegetables. To view a table of blanching times for different types of vegetables: CSU Coop. Ext.: Freezing Vegetables