When it comes to shopping for produce, most of us just grab whatever looks good without much thought. But if you want to get the most bang for your buck and pick the highest quality fruits and vegetables, it pays to shop like a pro. Here are some tips and tricks to help you become a produce-picking expert.

1. Know what’s in season
The first step to shopping for produce like a pro is to know what’s in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are not only fresher, but they also tend to be more flavorful and affordable. When produce is in season, it’s also more likely to have been grown locally, which means it hasn’t traveled far and is at its peak nutritionally. A quick online search can tell you what produce is currently in season in your area.

2. Check for ripeness
Knowing how to pick ripe and ready produce is essential in avoiding disappointment. When it comes to fruits like apples, bananas, and mangoes, give them a gentle squeeze – they should yield slightly to pressure but not feel overly soft. For avocados, pop off the stem – if it’s easy to remove and the color underneath is green, it’s ripe. Berries should be firm and plump, whereas stone fruits like peaches and plums should have a slight give when pressed.

3. Look for color and smell
The color and smell of produce can also be a good indicator of freshness. For example, with leafy greens, you want them to be bright in color and without any wilting or discoloration. Citrus fruits should feel heavy for their size and have a fresh, fragrant smell. Onions and garlic should have firm skins and a strong scent.

4. Don’t be afraid to touch
Many people avoid touching produce for fear of damaging it, but this is actually a helpful practice. When picking out apples or pears, give them a gentle twist – if the stem comes away easily, it’s ripe. For melons, give them a good sniff – a sweet, fruity smell means they’re ready to eat. When it comes to leafy greens, give them a little shake – if they sound crisp, they’re fresh.

5. Shop at farmer’s markets
Buying produce at a farmer’s market is not only a great way to support local farmers, but it also guarantees that you’re getting the freshest produce available. Oftentimes, the produce sold at farmer’s markets was picked earlier that same day, meaning it’s as fresh as can be. Plus, you can talk to the farmers directly to learn more about the produce and how it was grown.

6. Consider organic options
Choosing organic produce can be a great option if you want to avoid pesticides and chemicals. However, it’s not always necessary to buy everything organic. Familiarize yourself with the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” – a list of the most and least contaminated produce, respectively. This can help you decide which produce is worth buying organic and which can be bought conventionally.

7. Plan ahead
To avoid wasting food and money, it’s important to plan ahead when buying produce. Think about what meals you’ll be making in the coming days and buy produce accordingly. If you know you won’t be able to use all of your fruit before it goes bad, consider freezing it for later use.

Shopping for produce like a pro takes a bit of practice and knowledge, but it’s worth it in the end. Not only will you enjoy the freshest and most flavorful fruits and vegetables, but you’ll also save money and decrease food waste. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, remember these tips and tricks to become a pro at picking the best produce.