Tag: Produce inspection

Over 95% of a cucumber is water, making it a refreshing, low-calorie vegetable for salads and snacks. To ensure you bring home a crisp, flavorful cucumber and not a soggy disappointment, it is crucial to know how to tell if a cucumber is good to buy before you get to the checkout counter.

According to the Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, a broken skin on fruit or vegetables provides an entry point for microorganisms that cause foodborne illness. A wormhole in a tomato, therefore, is more than just a cosmetic flaw; it is a sign that the fruit's protective barrier has been breached, potentially leading to contamination.

According to the World Health Organization, unsafe food causes more than 200 diseases, making it crucial to know exactly **how do you know if a vegetable is safe to eat**. Recognizing the signs of spoilage and handling produce properly are key steps in protecting your health and preventing foodborne illness.