Shopping Tips for Fruits & Vegetables

Gelson's produce is in a league of its own. Ask anyone who has shopped with us before, and they'll be quick to tell you that our produce stands out. Our produce buyers work with the best local farmers and importers of the freshest, tastiest fruits and veggies out there to ensure you get the best of the best from Gelson's. Curious about a new fruit variety we have? Ask for a sample! Want to know which avocado is the perfect one for tomorrow's dinner? Ask one of our produce workers to help pick the one with the perfect ripeness. Just be warned... once you try Gelson's produce you'll never want to go anywhere else!

Tips for Purchasing Fruit

This is the easiest slice of our advice pie, since you pretty much have to be in peak form and purchase-ready just to be a Gelson’s fruit or vegetable. Still, if only to keep us honest, here’s a guideline or two:

Fruit should be purchased when ripe.

It should appear healthy, with no bruises or scars.

Ask for a sample. We love giving samples!

Always handle fruit gently at the market, and remember to place your purchases on the top of your shopping cart to prevent bruising.

Our Produce Associates are friendly and knowledgeable. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask for help.

Taking Care of Fruit at Home

Fruit should be washed in cold water and sometimes peeled before eating. Dried fruits are high in natural sugars, but low in water, so their nutrient content is concentrated.

Fruit ripens more quickly at room temperature. Preserve freshness by storing all fruit except bananas and tomatoes in the refrigerator.

Keep prepared fruit salads and other cut fruit in the refrigerator until just before serving.

How to Ripen Fruit

Most fruit is picked when it is mature, but not completely ripe. Here are tips to complete the ripening process at home:

Place fruit in a paper bag and fold over the top to close. Leave at room temperature.

Check the fruit daily. It is ripe when it emits a sweet aroma and is soft to the touch.

If you keep several types of fruit together, such as plums, nectarines, and peaches, they will ripen faster.

Remove ripe fruit from the bag and refrigerate or eat.

Tips for Purchasing Vegetables

Purchase only the amount of fresh vegetables needed. Most vegetables are not "stock up" items, and should be used within a few days.

Gelson's Produce Associates can answer any questions on selecting the best vegetables for your needs. They can also help you with portion size and storage tips.

Our associates are constantly checking and stocking the department all day long. As we only display the best items, it's easy to make your selections. However, if you are unsure about which items to pick, just ask for assistance.

Vegetables should be placed on the top of your shopping cart to avoid damaging or bruising.