Tag: Produce shopping

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, products labeled "organic" must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Knowing how to know if potatoes are organic requires understanding official labels and regulations, as visual inspection is not enough to confirm a potato's cultivation method.

Over 90% of non-organic commercial lemons are coated in a food-safe wax to improve their appearance and extend their shelf life. Knowing how do I know if lemons are unwaxed is essential for recipes that use the zest, as wax can negatively affect flavor and texture. This article will provide the key visual, tactile, and sourcing clues to help you identify the best lemons for your culinary needs.

Over 90% of US-grown corn and soybeans are genetically modified, making it critical for informed consumers to know how to identify non-GMO fruits. Understanding the difference between non-GMO, organic, and conventional labels is the first step toward making confident choices about your produce.

According to the USDA, an average-sized stalk of broccoli weighs around 148 grams. However, a large broccoli can weigh significantly more, with typical heads ranging from 300 to 500 grams depending on cultivation and whether the stem is included.

Studies suggest a noticeable decline in the nutritional density of fruits and vegetables over the last several decades. But are fruits less nutritious now than they were for previous generations? The evidence points to a complex issue driven by modern farming, climate change, and selective breeding that prioritizes size over nutrient content.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in their 2025 Shopper's Guide, watermelon is included on the “Clean Fifteen” list of produce with the lowest pesticide residues, even when conventionally grown. This places it among the safest conventional produce options, raising the question: Do I need to buy organic watermelon?

On average, a medium-sized orange weighs about 150 to 200 grams (5.3 to 7 ounces), but this can vary significantly based on its size and variety. The weight of an orange is a key indicator of its juiciness and freshness, making it a valuable detail for cooks and shoppers alike.

One pound of fresh spinach can cook down to as little as one cup, showcasing the significant shrinkage this leafy green undergoes. This drastic change often makes understanding how much is one bunch of spinach quite difficult, as the term 'bunch' is not a standardized unit of measure.

Over 99% of what is sold as a yam in U.S. grocery stores is actually a type of sweet potato. This persistent mislabeling, stemming from a 1930s marketing campaign, means many people have never encountered a true yam, leaving them confused about how to tell if it's a sweet potato or yam.

A single US dry pint of fresh blueberries typically weighs about 12 ounces, making it significantly lighter than a full pound. This difference between volume and weight is a common source of confusion for home cooks, so understanding the truth behind the question, "Is a pint of blueberries the same as a pound?" is essential for recipe accuracy.