What if the lumpy tomato or dented peach at the market wasn’t something to avoid – but something to celebrate?
Most of us have been conditioned to reach for flawless, shiny fruits and vegetables – whether at the store or at the farmers’ market. You know – the ones that look like they could be featured on the cover of a magazine.
But when it comes to flavor, nutrition, and cost, the real winners are often the “cosmetically challenged” ones.
Save Big!
At farmers’ markets and orchards across the country, “perfect” peaches can cost as much as $3.50 per pound. Meanwhile, their “ugly” cousins — grown on the same tree — might go for just $1.00. That’s 70% less, for the same juicy sweetness, the same nutrients, and the same incredible summer flavor!
By the time they end up in your Summer Peach Lettuce Wraps or your Blackberry Peach Crisp, no one will know you had to rescue them from a date with the dumpster!
They would also be ideal in recipes like the Hatch Peach Salsa, the Peach Caprese Salad, and the Peach and Pecan Pancakes.
The Prettiest Aren’t Always the Tastiest!
Many of us have certain expectations when it comes to produce and we want it to look a certain way. We have grown accustomed to thinking, “If fruits and vegetables look strange, they must be bad, or something must be wrong with them.” But that perfect looking produce may not always be the best option.
Take tomatoes for example. Why do tomatoes at many supermarkets and restaurants look appealing, but taste so bland? You know the ones. That strange, crunchy variety you find on your burger at some restaurants. Or the ones that look so tantalizing and perfect at the store, but just don’t deliver when you get them home, slice them and find them lacking flavor.
A big reason is many commercially produced tomatoes have been bred for high yield, durability and a certain look – not flavor! Those who produce and sell these tomatoes want them to be visually appealing, disease resistant, and have a long shelf-life. And they want them to be durable and uniform in shape to make them easier to transport. That’s one tall order!
Of course, they also need to ripen evenly. To become ripe all at once and to achieve “the look” (which is NOT how an “explode in your mouth” tomato normally ripens), many are picked while they are green and immature. Then, they are sprayed with gases to ripen, and may be stored in cold conditions, killing their flavor and zapping their nutrition.
Meanwhile, the homegrown or farmstand tomato – even if it looks a little quirky – was likely ripened on the vine and harvested just a few hours ago for peak flavor and nutrition.
See more in our tomatoes coaching tip! And use those “tomatoes with issues” in recipes like the Simple Salsa Fresca, the Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho, the Roasted Tomato and Garlic Marinara.
Not All Imperfections Are Created Equal
While “ugly” produce can be a hidden gem, it’s also important to know the difference between cosmetically challenged and genuinely spoiled. Some signs – like deep mold, slimy texture, or a strong off-putting odor – may indicate the fruit or vegetable has gone bad. It is a good idea to check for signs of rot, excessive softness, or significant broken skin that may invite bacteria. Embracing imperfections doesn’t mean ignoring freshness – trust your senses and embrace it if it passes the smell and safety test!
Imperfect Produce = Perfect Opportunity!
When we first began our REAL food journey and started shopping at the farmers’ markets, we quickly realized the farm-fresh flavors – even if some cosmetic challenges exist – go way above and beyond the flavors you find at the supermarkets from the “perfect looking” produce!
Actually, some of our most flavorful produce has come from the funkiest looking fruits and veggies! So be on the lookout for great deals!
- When you go to the farmers’ market, ask the producers if they have “seconds” or “ugly produce that needs a good home” or produce that is “screaming to be used.” Last year, after a hailstorm hit local farms in Wichita, one grower was about to toss several bunches of asparagus because it didn’t look good enough for the market. We said, “We’ll take it all!” And guess what? It was some of the best asparagus we’ve ever eaten.
- Remember, it’s all about the flavor. Whether it is a curly cucumber, funky looking zucchini, an alien-like tomato or a dented peach, the mouth-watering flavor is still there.
- It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Don’t let the blemishes and dents fool you – the nutrients and still packed inside.
- Inflation hack. The “ugly” produce is often 30% to 50% cheaper – or more! Some supermarkets also sell “imperfect” or “expired” produce at a discount. At our local store, there is a section of $0.99 bags of produce – we save A LOT of money on things like bell peppers, avocadoes, apples, oranges and more!
Help the Planet!
In the U.S., over 30% of the food produced goes to waste every year. This also means that all the resources – the land, the water, the labor and more – also go to waste. This includes hundreds of millions of pounds of fruits and vegetables, a lot of which is literally thrown away because of its shape, size, color or appearance.
In recent years, an “ugly food movement” has developed thanks to companies like Imperfect Foods and Misfits Market. These companies buy cosmetically challenged produce from farmers and sell it at a discount to their customers. It’s such a great concept – farmers get extra income, consumers save money and less food is wasted! Hopefully this concept will continue to grow and expand!
Embrace the Imperfections
We all have imperfections – and so does REAL food.
Don’t let appearances fool you. Next time you’re at the market or store, give the funky looking produce a chance. It just might be the most flavorful, nutritious, and affordable thing you eat all week.
And remember, when it comes to fruits and veggies – just like all of us – it’s what’s on the inside that counts!
Great reminders!!