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Perhaps you should talk to your local grocer at [insert chain here] and find out when they usually deliver produce. Then do your shopping accordingly. Most of the time they are really friendly people and aren't just regular employee's stocking stuff.
I know that the Fresh Market in Cameron Village is at least. The guy would even point out things to me when I was there and helped me sample (stuff my face w/) produce if I had questions.
Can you please give me your opinion on the following grocery store chains - particularly the quality of their produce? I will be going back to Harris-Teeter on Rogers Road in Wake Forest to return a package of blueberries. I returned a package of strawberries last week.
-- Kroger, Harris Teeter, Lowes
Which stores are your favorites? Any pointers on best days to shop for fruit/veggies?
I usually like to go to the Farmer's Market in Wake Forest on Saturday, but I like to eat veggies/fruit everyday...
Looking forward to your suggestions!
Strawberries and Blueberries are late in the season. Strawberries are typically best between June and Mid-August. After that, you don't really get the best quality. Blueberry season is a bit longer, lasting from May to September.
Just remember, buy your fruits when they're in season for the location you live in if you want to guarantee the best tasting fruit. A good rule of thumb for me is that if I don't see it at a farmer's market then it probably isn't in season (and thus transported from a land far away and picked before it's peak).
I'll just add that it does no good to talk about "HT" or "Lowes" or "food Lion". Each location is different, depending not only on management, but also on the clientele and how fast they move things through.
I've found VERY good meat at Food Lion in Apex, always fresh, and usually a good deal. Same with Produce at that location.
Totally agree with others on the HT VIC Deals. Especially Seafood, HT can not be beat on their fresh Tuna when it's on sale. Same with the IQF shrimp too.
My point for posting is that it is really dependent on the individual location, not the name on the building....
Strawberries and Blueberries are late in the season. Strawberries are typically best between June and Mid-August. After that, you don't really get the best quality. Blueberry season is a bit longer, lasting from May to September.
Just remember, buy your fruits when they're in season for the location you live in if you want to guarantee the best tasting fruit. A good rule of thumb for me is that if I don't see it at a farmer's market then it probably isn't in season (and thus transported from a land far away and picked before it's peak).
Just wanted to agree with this poster...buy whats in season. Strawberries and blueberries are pretty well out so any shelf life will be exceptionally limited. As far as the best produce, I have to go with HT.
I shop for my fresh foods at Lowe's on Capital in Wake Forest as a general rule. Some things may be a bit pricier, but I've never had trouble with the quality. The produce people are very friendly and don't mind answering questions, too. At this particular store, the deli people are very good also. I only shop at Kroger for a few staples - as the store near me is just not good. (Wakefield area) I don't like the veggies, the deli people are rude and slow, and it just isn't a well kept store.
But still - you can't beat Whole Foods or Fresh Market for produce. Always good seasonal stuff.
Strawberries and Blueberries are late in the season. Strawberries are typically best between June and Mid-August. After that, you don't really get the best quality. Blueberry season is a bit longer, lasting from May to September.
Just remember, buy your fruits when they're in season for the location you live in if you want to guarantee the best tasting fruit. A good rule of thumb for me is that if I don't see it at a farmer's market then it probably isn't in season (and thus transported from a land far away and picked before it's peak).
You're right - I have to learn what is in season, and what's not. I don't get why the store would sell food that is not in season, but that's another topic
Strawberries are definitely out of season. Blueberries from the south are also out of season, although it may be very late season for the trucked in, northern grown variety. They're from Maine, and are usually smaller and less sweet.
I'm not having a good produce experience at my HT in Durham. It's the one near South Square on MLK. Fruitflies just covering the tomato area and a lot of things don't look fresh. I try and go to the farmer's market instead but sometimes you just need produce midweek ... I really like the produce at Whole Foods but HT is closer and cheaper.
Around here, all stores are hit and miss. Fruit tends to be worse as fall and winter come on. Bananas stay steady at all places. Strawberries come from California now until summer, when local growers supply the stores. Vegetables follow a similar path.
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