As a result of the pandemic, the “new normal” and with public health recommendations to stay at home as much as possible, and avoid super spreader events, people have resorted to buying their food online or through an app rather than going to the store, including fruits and vegetables. As a result, not only have online food apps witnessed record-breaking downloads, but several are also coordinating with several sellers and suppliers.
When purchasing fruits and vegetables online, there are numerous things you should follow to ensure that the products you buy would not be contaminated with any bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. Of course, you would also prefer that the fruits and vegetables you purchase are fresh for a long period of time and free of harmful chemicals.
Purchase fruits and vegetables only when they are in season
Fresh fruits and vegetables are not always available throughout the year. If a store is selling produce during its off-season, it would definitely be costlier and of lower quality, since it should not even be available at all. Some suppliers might take advantage and pass off the produce to consumers at a higher price because it could be considered a rare item and the other merchants do not have it and could only be bought from them.
If you are a wise shopper, you should always buy fruits and vegetables in season because they will be cheaper and of higher quality from an online grocery store. Do not be tempted and seduced by the pictures posted online because chances are, the out-of-season fruits and vegetables that will be delivered to you will not look like this.
Purchase locally
In addition to the point mentioned above, purchasing locally would mean the products are fresher and cheaper since the fruits and vegetables would be from a farm to the table and there would be no delivery and shipping costs. If you live in the city, look online for fresh fruit delivery in Melbourne-based grocery stores to ensure that the products delivered to your doorstep are fresh and fairly priced.
Purchase early
Since fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities, you must order and purchase them early. Online stores inform their clients of the availability of fresh produce when they have just been delivered. If you order as soon as the online store uploads to their website, app, or social media accounts that they already have a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, buy early to minimize the possibility of receiving spoiled produce.
Avoid purchasing pre-cut and pre-packaged fruits and vegetables
As a wise shopper, you should not buy pre-cut and pre-packaged fruits and vegetables because you would not be able to guarantee their freshness. If you buy pre-packaged produce, some of it might already be spoilt and the seller mixed it with other fresh produce for it to be bought. It is usually a good idea to buy fresh fruits and vegetables online by weight.
In order to have a successful shopping experience when buying fresh fruits and vegetables from online grocery stores, be wary and follow the above-mentioned tips.
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