Consuming fresh food is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy diet, and it’s essential to prioritize freshness to obtain maximum nutrition. Today’s abundance of food choices can make it challenging to distinguish which items are the freshest and most nutritious. James Breuhl, the Vice President of Fresh at Rouses Supermarkets in Thibodaux, Louisiana, is an experienced professional in the fresh food industry, and he has valuable knowledge to offer about discovering and savoring fresh food.
Quality and seasonality are critical factors in fresh food, according to James Breuhl Thibodaux Louisiana. Choosing in-season, locally grown produce is Breuhl’s recommendation because it’s more likely to be fresh and tasty than produce that has traveled long distances. Additionally, he advises shoppers to examine the quality of the produce carefully, paying attention to factors such as texture, color, and aroma.
Breuhl also points out the importance of buying fresh food from a reliable source. Breuhl suggests choosing a grocery store that is known for carrying fresh, high-quality food and working closely with local growers and suppliers. It’s also crucial to pay attention to food safety measures, such as ensuring that meat and dairy products are stored at the correct temperatures and that produce is washed thoroughly before consumption.
Another tip from Breuhl is to experiment with new types of produce to keep meals exciting and varied. He suggests incorporating fresh herbs and spices into meals to add flavor without excess sodium or unhealthy additives. For those with limited time, Breuhl suggests using pre-cut produce or prepared salads to simplify meal preparation while still maintaining freshness and nutrition. Aside from shopping tips, Breuhl stresses the importance of correct storage and handling of fresh food. For produce, he recommends storing it in the refrigerator in its original packaging or a reusable produce bag to maintain freshness.
Breuhl recommends purchasing seafood from a reliable source and checking for freshness by looking for clear eyes, bright colors, and a fresh, salty scent. Seafood should be stored at the correct temperature, and leftovers should be eaten within two days to maintain freshness and avoid foodborne illness.
The key advantage of fresh food is its nutritional value. Fruits and vegetables lose vitamins and minerals over time, and processing can further deplete them. Fresh food, on the other hand, retains its nutritional value and can provide a range of health benefits. Studies have linked a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Apart from its health advantages, fresh food also tastes better than processed options. The flavor of fresh food is often described as brighter, more vibrant, and more complex than that of canned or frozen varieties. This is because fresh food is usually harvested at the optimal stage of ripeness, while processed food may have been picked several weeks or months earlier and stored for an extended period.
In summary, fresh food is a vital part of a healthy diet, and it’s important to prioritize freshness to get the most nutritional benefit from our food. We can reap the many benefits of fresh food by choosing high-quality, locally grown, seasonal produce, buying from reliable sources, and properly storing and handling our food, including improved health, heightened flavor, and more diverse meal options.