Get the freshest produce by getting to know your grocers

Faylee James of Kingsport, TN, has some follow-up advice on a previous USA WEEKEND tip about getting the freshest produce:

“I read in today’s USA WEEKEND, the tip about asking your local grocery produce manager what days his produce is delivered on and to shop those days for freshers produce. That question is only good if the produce is brought to the floor the same day. In most cases that is not true. Rarely does a store sell out of a product before ordering more to keep on hand for shoppers. A better question to ask is, ‘how long has this item been in the store?’ It may only be a day but in some cases it could be up to a week.

“The best way to get the fresh produce is to get to know your produce manager and workers. Ask question about their produce, ask for suggestion about cooking or not cooking. Let them know what you are looking for or needing for a special recipe. Always remember to say thank you for their efforts in helping you and you wont have to worry about getting the freshest of their produce, they will bring it to you.”