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Finding and Enjoying Fresh Food: Tips from a Supermarket VP

Consuming fresh food is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy diet, and it’s essential to prioritize freshness to obtain maximum nutrition. Despite the wide variety of food options available today, it can be challenging to discern which products 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.

When it comes to fresh food, James Breuhl Thibodaux Louisiana emphasizes the importance of quality and seasonality. He recommends selecting produce that is in season and locally grown, as it is likely to be fresher and more flavorful than food that has been transported long distances. Furthermore, he advises shoppers to closely examine produce quality, taking note of factors like texture, color, and aroma.

A trustworthy source is crucial when it comes to purchasing fresh food, according to Breuhl. When choosing a grocery store, he recommends seeking out those with a reputation for stocking high-quality, fresh food and working 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.

Breuhl recommends trying out new varieties of produce to keep meals interesting and diverse. 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 suggests keeping it in its original packaging or a reusable produce bag in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

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 also be stored at the correct temperature, and any leftovers should be consumed 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. In contrast, fresh food retains its nutritional value and can offer a variety of health benefits. Research has shown that consuming a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and several types of cancer.

Besides its health benefits, fresh food is also more flavorful than processed alternatives. Fresh food is often characterized as having a brighter, more vibrant, and more intricate flavor profile compared to canned or frozen options. This is because fresh food is typically harvested when it is at its best stage of ripeness, while processed food may have been picked many weeks or months earlier and kept in storage for a long time.

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.