Five Tips for Fruit & Veggie Season This Summer – Farmer’s market season is in full swing! Before you select those juicy, delectable fruits and vegetables, follow these five tips to keep your produce fresh and foodborne illness-free! Check out the deets right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
As the vibrant summer season arrives, so does the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets in your neighborhood. With their enticing colors and flavors, it’s essential to prioritize the safety of these nutritious offerings. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your family enjoys the bountiful produce available while keeping their well-being intact.
Follow these tips while visiting markets this summer:
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Selecting Fresh Produce: When perusing the stalls at your local farmers’ market, keep an eye out for fruits and vegetables that are firm, plump, and vibrant in color. Avoid any produce that appears bruised, excessively soft, or has moldy patches. Freshness is key to both taste and safety, so opt for items that are in their prime.
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Wash Thoroughly: Before consuming or preparing fruits and vegetables, always remember to wash them thoroughly. Even if they are labeled as “pre-washed” or “ready to eat,” a good rinse under cold running water helps eliminate any residual dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residues. Use a vegetable brush to clean firm-skinned produce like potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
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Store Properly: Once you bring your delightful produce home, it’s important to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and safety. Some fruits, such as apples, bananas, and melons, are best stored at room temperature. Others, like berries and leafy greens, should be refrigerated promptly. Keep fruits and vegetables separate to prevent cross-contamination and ensure optimal shelf life.
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Practice Safe Handling: Clean hands are essential when handling fresh produce. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling fruits and vegetables. This simple step reduces the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your food. Additionally, use clean utensils and cutting boards while preparing these items to avoid cross-contamination.
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Teach Kids About Safe Choices: Teaching children about fruit and vegetable safety can be a fun and educational experience. Encourage them to participate in selecting and washing produce, helping them understand the importance of these practices. Instilling these habits early on will contribute to a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
The TCHD Is Here For You!
The Tuscarawas County Health Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. If you encounter any unsafe food practices or have concerns regarding the quality of produce at local markets, please report them immediately. You can contact the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5550. Your report will help ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy fresh and safe fruits and vegetables. Additionally, check out the Food Safety Program offered at our very own health department! They provide essential programs to keep the Tuscarawas County community safe.
As the summer market season takes full swing in Tuscarawas County, it’s important to prioritize the safety of the delicious fruits and vegetables available. By selecting fresh produce, washing thoroughly, storing properly, practicing safe handling, and involving children in the process, you can enhance your family’s well-being while relishing the flavors of the season. Remember, the Tuscarawas County Health Department is just a phone call away at 330-343-5550 if you encounter any unsafe food practices at local, licensed facilities. Let’s make the most of this abundant season while keeping our community healthy and safe!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
