While there's little doubt that fresh fruits and vegetables are good for you, storing and preparing them may require a little more work than you expect. Unlike prepackaged foods, produce often comes with a period for maximum freshness, and if you don't remember it's n the fridge, you could end up letting it sit for too long. This isn't just gross, but a waste of time and money as well.
Data in an article from the Institute of Food Technologists showed that the number of consumers prioritizing fresh foods is growing, as the amount of fresh ingredients consumers purchased increased 10 percent over a period of just three years, between 2013 and 2016.
Freshness and flavor are both big values for consumers, and can be major factors in their purchasing decisions. If freshness is a major quality for you, keeping produce correctly is all the more necessary.
One thing to keep in mind is that signs of food "turning" could be normal, and not impact the freshness at all. KQED, a Northern California NPR affiliate, gave a few examples of this in a recent article: brown spots and lettuce don't necessarily mean rot, and a piece of fruit can still be edible, even with a few bruises.
Residents in Orange County have the chance to check out local sources when they want produce in good condition. The Orange County Register mentioned one of these, the Great Park Farmers Market, which meets weekly on Saturdays.
Find personal chefs in Los Angeles to help you keep a better kitchen and serve better food. You can also find a personal chef for hire and work with him or her to create a menu that's easy to prepare for and keep.