Produce facts for kids
Produce is a common word for fresh fruits and vegetables. When you visit a grocery store, the part where you find all the colorful fruits and veggies is usually called the produce section. These fresh foods are a super important part of a healthy diet for everyone, including kids your age!
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What is Produce and Why is it Important?
Produce includes all sorts of delicious and healthy items like crisp apples, juicy oranges, leafy spinach, crunchy carrots, and many more. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eating enough fruits and vegetables helps your body grow strong, gives you energy, and keeps you from getting sick. They are like natural fuel for your body and brain!
Where Can You Find Fresh Produce?
You can find produce in many places. The most common place is the produce section of a supermarket. Here, you'll see rows and piles of different fruits and vegetables, often arranged by type.
Another great place to find produce is at a farmers' market. These markets are often held outdoors, and local farmers sell their fresh crops directly to customers. The produce at farmers' markets is usually very fresh because it hasn't traveled far. Sometimes, you might even grow your own produce in a home garden or a community garden!
How Produce is Sold and Measured
When you buy produce, it's often sold in different ways. Some items, like apples or bananas, might be sold by their weight. Stores use a special machine called a produce scale to weigh these items. You might also find produce sold by the piece, like a single avocado, or in bundles, like a bunch of asparagus.
Keeping Produce Fresh and Safe
Once you bring your produce home, it's important to store it correctly to keep it fresh for longer. Some fruits and vegetables, like bananas, prefer to be kept at room temperature, while others, like berries and leafy greens, need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Before you eat any produce, it's a good idea to wash it thoroughly under cool running water. This helps remove any dirt or germs that might be on the surface. Eating clean, fresh produce is a simple way to stay healthy and enjoy delicious flavors!
Images for kids
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A tomato in a Japanese supermarket on a plastic tray and with a plastic shrink film. Excessive and unnecessary packaging of produce can be considered overpackaging.
