Top 6 Produce Myths That You Shouldn’t Believe
Myth #1: Fresh Fruits and Veggies are the Only Way to Go
Here at Bluapple, we love fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when our Bluapple products can help keep produce fresher for longer. However, the idea that fresh produce is more nutritious than frozen produce is a proven myth. As most produce is flash-frozen within hours of being picked, it has the same nutritional value as fresh produce. So, if fresh produce isn’t available, you should feel confident about buying frozen.
Myth #2: You Shouldn’t Eat the Wax on Apples
Ever wonder why that Red Delicious looks so shiny, red, and delicious? It’s likely the wax that’s used on the outside of the fruit. If you’ve ever heard that the wax on fruit isn’t safe to consume, you’ve heard a common myth! Most wax on fruits is simply carnauba wax, the same wax used on dental floss and vitamins. All and all, wax not only makes fruits look more appealing, but it helps protect the fruit from unwanted pathogens and moisture loss.
Myth #3: Ugly Fruit is Bad Fruit
Of course, your eye may be attracted to the reddest apple at the grocers, but don’t discount the fruit or veggies that look a little worse for the wear. Although many grocers refuse to carry fruit and vegetables that don’t meet the general standard of grade-A produce, those that do often sell that misshapen or lackluster looking produce at a discounted price. Better yet, by purchasing the less-than-ideal produce, you’re doing your part to create less food waste. So, whether you choose the prettiest fruit or the ugly duckling, quality grown produce should taste great.
Myth #4: Sugary Fruits are Bad for You
Foods that contain added sugar aren’t great for any diet, however, this isn’t the case with fruits that contain sugar. Fruits naturally contain sugar, and that natural sugar breaks down differently than unnatural kinds. The vitamins, fiber, and natural sugar in fruits help to keep your energy levels from spiking, unlike sugary treats.
Myth #5: All Produce Should Be Stored in the Refrigerator
It’s a common misconception that all fresh produce should be placed immediately into the fridge once you bring it home. Many fruits and vegetables have different rates of decomposition, which means not every piece of produce you pick up should be stored the same way. Where some fruits, like apples, do well when immediately placed in your refrigerator’s crisper, other fruits, like bananas, shouldn’t be placed in the refrigerator at all. If you’re unsure of what temperature or conditions to store your produce in, check out Bluapple’s convenient storage tips for a variety of produce types. Thankfully, even if you weren’t to place your produce in the correct place, it won’t ruin the nutritional value of the fruits and vegetables, however, the produce may lose its optimal flavors and reduce in shelf life.
Myth #6: Fruits and Veggies are too Expensive to Consume Everyday
We hear it from families often; fresh produce is just too expensive to purchase often or to eat daily. This might be the biggest myth of them all! Any parent or individual shouldn’t have to choose between fresh produce and other products, but oftentimes, there’s no need to do so. Fruits and vegetables should always be a part of your regular diet, and it can be, even on a tight budget. Of course, as with any budget grocery shopping, careful planning should be considered. However, if we’re looking at the sheer cost of food, the USDA conducted a study on the cost of the recommended daily produce consumption. For a mere $2 a day minimum an adult can eat their daily greens and fresh fruits for a more well-rounded diet.
