Category: Produce guide

Apricots are part of the *Rosaceae* family, along with peaches and plums. So, do you put apricots in the fridge or counter? The correct storage method depends entirely on their ripeness, as it significantly impacts flavor and shelf life.

A typical medium-sized broccoli crown weighs around 9 ounces and can yield a significant amount of florets. Knowing the cup conversion is essential for recipes, and a single crown often provides more usable vegetable than many people realize when they only focus on the florets.

In a 2008 report, cranberries had the highest dietary risk index score among tested domestic fruits due to chemicals used in production. This stark finding often leads consumers to question: should fresh cranberries be organic?

While fresh broccoli can last up to a week when stored properly in the refrigerator, its shelf life is limited. Learning how to know if broccoli isn't good anymore is crucial for food safety, preventing food waste, and ensuring you only use the freshest ingredients in your meals.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) consistently lists papaya on its 'Clean Fifteen' guide, a ranking of produce with the least pesticide residue. The question, 'Is papaya on the dirty dozen?' can therefore be answered with a firm no, offering reassurance to consumers seeking low-pesticide fruit options.

While many visual and sensory tests are mistakenly thought to prove a watermelon is organic, the most reliable method is to check for proper labeling. Knowing how can you tell if a watermelon is organic is key for conscious consumers aiming to avoid synthetic pesticides and chemicals.

An average pound of lemons typically contains about four fruits, meaning a 2-pound purchase will contain around eight lemons. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the size, variety, and juiciness of the specific fruit you choose, making precise conversions challenging without a scale.

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and a broccoli crown is the top portion of the plant, consisting of the tightly clustered florets and their attached, tender stems. This is the most common way to find the vegetable in grocery stores today, as the heavier, tougher main stalk is typically removed at the farm or processing facility.

A single large Russet potato is generally considered to be one pound, but other varieties require a different count to reach the same weight. The size of a 1 pound potato varies dramatically depending on the specific type you are cooking with, from one large spud to a handful of smaller ones.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) consistently places avocados at the top of its "Clean Fifteen" list, meaning very little pesticide residue is found on the fruit regardless of how it was grown. Yet, many consumers still wonder: what is the difference between organic avocados and regular avocados, and does that thick skin make the distinction irrelevant? The differences lie primarily in the farming methods, cost, and environmental impact, not necessarily the fruit's nutritional value.