Tips For Buying Organic Fruits And Vegetables During COVID-19 Pandemic
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The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the demand for organic foods, a report by Ecovia Intelligence has revealed. Unlike commercial ones, organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals. They don’t pose any health issues to consumers. In fact, organic produce is rich in nutrients and tastes better than conventional produce.
Organic foods support a healthy lifestyle, which is important for everyone in the time of the coronavirus. But doing organic grocery shopping is a challenge, given the contagious nature of COVID-19. Even one simple oversight could expose you and your family to the virus, creating health complications for everyone. For this reason, you may understandably have some qualms about going out for organic grocery shopping.
Yet, as long as you follow the health advisories and implement the following tips, you can buy organic foods while keeping your risk at a minimum.
Avoid Crowded Spaces
One way to minimize germ transfer is to avoid crowded spaces like supermarkets and malls. Even when you shop in a less crowded store, it’s a good idea to pick the slowest possible time of day. By doing so, you can reduce your risk of exposure to the Coronavirus.
It’s also wise to buy from small local shops, preferably open-air stalls instead of indoor supermarkets. Additionally, try to do your shopping quickly and spend as little time as possible inside the store. Be sure to have a list of things you need to buy, and stick to your list to do your shopping quickly. Exit the store as soon as you’re done shopping.
Take Precautionary Measures
When going out for grocery shopping, make sure to follow the recommended precautions at all times to keep yourself and those around you safe. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving home and immediately after returning home. Carry alcohol wipes to clean surfaces you are bound to touch, such as shopping cart handles. It’s also good to carry hand sanitizer to clean your hands after touching surfaces.
Studies have already found that wearing a face mask to cover your mouth and nose dramatically reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, try your best to maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people during shopping.
Do Online Grocery Shopping
The best way to avoid coronavirus exposure is to shop for organic fruits and vegetables online. Fresh fruit and vegetable delivery services allow you to avoid visiting physical stores. Instead, you can shop online from the comfort of your home. Many online businesses deliver customizable, organic, and fresh produce boxes to your doorstep.
Produce delivery is a safer alternative to in-store shopping, as it allows you to stay home rather than risk exposure to the virus in public spaces. The good news is that it can also be a more cost-effective option in the long run, particularly if you opt for regular weekly deliveries.
Handle With Care
Current evidence shows that COVID-19 does not spread through food. But, it’s always best to thoroughly wash your produce with water to remove any dirt and debris it may have accumulated. After washing, leave items to dry and then store them appropriately.
Certain foods, such as apples and potatoes, have long shelf lives and can be kept out in the open. Others, like berries and citrus fruits, may need to be refrigerated to prevent them from spoiling. For longer-term storage, freezing vegetables in airtight containers is also a good idea.
Got a Green Thumb?
How about ditching the supermarket altogether and growing your produce in your backyard? This is the way to go if you want the freshest possible vegetables while reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19. The best part is that this approach can save you money as well.
Of course, growing your own foods may not be a feasible option for many people as it requires time, resources, and effort that not everyone can commit to. It’s also hard to grow as much as you need, since you may not have enough space to grow a variety of organic fruits and vegetables year-round. But, for those who can, gardening is a healthy hobby, especially now when you have more time at home.
