Imagine it’s two days before your big family get-together, and you need to go shopping. You grab your list and head to the largest supermarket in town. You fill your cart with fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, and bread, thinking you’ve done a great job. But when you get home, Grandma isn’t too happy with your choices. The fish and meat aren’t fresh, and the bananas and greens won’t last until Saturday. Don’t worry, Grandma is here to help!
First, Grandma suggests you eat a good snack before shopping so you don’t buy things you don’t need. Then, you head back to the store together. Grandma teaches you to shop smart by sticking to the perimeter of the store, where you find fresh and healthy items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish. The center aisles are usually filled with junk food, so you skip those.
In the produce section, Grandma says to spend the most time here. She explains that fresh produce arrives early in the morning or late in the evening. When choosing tomatoes, avoid prepackaged ones because they’re more expensive and you can’t check each item. A ripe tomato should have smooth, firm skin and smell like a tomato.
For cucumbers, look for firm ones without blemishes or soft spots. Dark green cucumbers are the best. Peppers should be brightly colored with no stains. Turn them upside down; four bumps mean fewer seeds and better taste. Avoid potatoes with sprouts and choose firm, smooth ones. Pick green lettuce with no holes or brown edges.
Grandma explains that a ripe watermelon has a dry, brown stem, and a dark yellow spot means it’s sweet. For melons, a yellowish bark indicates sweetness. Bananas should have a green to light yellow stem. Only take single bananas if you plan to eat them right away. For mangoes, gently squeeze them; a ripe one will give a bit and smell fruity.
When picking strawberries, go for bright red ones with fresh green leaves. A pale lemon won’t give much juice, so choose firm, smooth ones that feel heavy. Remember, fresh and organic produce doesn’t last long, so don’t buy too much at once. Choose fruits and veggies in season for better quality and price.
Next, you check out honey. Grandma says crystallized honey is fresh and natural. For bread, choose whole grain with fewer ingredients. Avoid artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Press the bread lightly; if it returns to its shape, it’s good quality.
In the canned food section, Grandma warns about high sodium. Choose canned foods with less salt or sugar, preserved in water or their own juice. Avoid rusty cans. For meat and dairy, pick them last to keep them fresh. Red meat should be dark, and pork should be light pink. Check the expiration dates and avoid dirty packaging.
For fish, look for shiny eyes and silky skin. Squeeze the fillet; if it leaves a mark, it’s not fresh. In the dairy section, reach for items at the back for the freshest dates. Choose pasteurized milk and yogurt with simple ingredients. For cheese, avoid mold on soft types, but it’s okay to cut it off hard cheeses.
With Grandma’s tips, you’re ready to shop smart and prepare for your family event. Happy cooking!
Head to your local grocery store with a list of fruits and vegetables. Your task is to find the freshest produce using Grandma’s tips. Check for firm cucumbers, brightly colored peppers, and ripe tomatoes. Note down what you find and share your discoveries with the class.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns being the shopper and Grandma. The shopper will pick items from a mock grocery list, while Grandma provides feedback based on the tips from the article. Discuss what you learned about making better choices.
At home, examine different fruits and vegetables in your kitchen. Use Grandma’s guidelines to determine their freshness. Create a report on which items are the freshest and which might need to be used soon. Share your findings with your family.
Using the tips from Grandma, plan a healthy meal for your family. Choose fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats. Write down your meal plan and explain why you chose each item. Present your plan to the class and discuss how it aligns with smart shopping practices.
Create a shopping list for a family event, ensuring you include fresh and seasonal produce, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Use Grandma’s advice to avoid unnecessary items. Share your list with the class and explain how you made your choices.
Shopping – The activity of going to stores to buy things you need or want. – Every Saturday, we go shopping at the local market to buy groceries for the week.
Produce – Fruits and vegetables that are grown for eating. – The farmer’s market has a wide variety of fresh produce available every weekend.
Fruits – Sweet and fleshy products of a tree or plant that contain seeds and can be eaten as food. – Apples and bananas are my favorite fruits to have as a snack.
Vegetables – Parts of plants that are eaten as food, such as leaves, roots, or stems. – Carrots and broccoli are vegetables that are good for your health.
Healthy – Being in good physical or mental condition; beneficial to one’s health. – Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important for staying healthy.
Fresh – Recently made or obtained; not canned, frozen, or otherwise preserved. – The fresh bread from the bakery smells delicious and tastes even better.
Organic – Grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals. – My mom prefers to buy organic vegetables because they are grown without pesticides.
Dairy – Foods made from milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter. – We keep our dairy products like milk and cheese in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Meat – The flesh of animals used as food. – Chicken and beef are types of meat that are often included in our meals.
Tips – Helpful pieces of advice or information. – My teacher gave us tips on how to stay healthy by eating balanced meals and exercising regularly.
