Fruit Mistakes Even Smart Women Make

Did you know you're supposed to get approximately four and a half cups of fruits and vegetables each day? But it doesn't do much good if you let it spoil or pass it over for other snacks. Here's how to avoid four common fruit goofs that sometimes even the smartest shoppers make.

Mistake # 1: Buying fruit that's not that fresh

Of every $100 worth of food we buy, about $14 gets thrown away. It's likely lots of the foodstuff you toss may be fruit that has gotten a little too ripe. This road to rottenness starts at the store. Some of the fruit is 9 days old even before hitting the shelf. Here's what can help: Steer clear of produce aisles with misters-the water accelerates rot. Inspect stems because this is where mold often starts growing. And don't be afraid of pre-packaged fruit. Those fruit selections in plastic cups don't only make it easy to grab fruit; they have the added benefit of locking in freshness.

Mistake # 2: Falling into a fruit rut

If your fruit buying stops at apples and bananas, you're missing out on lots of yummy tastes and loads of good-for-you nutrients. Keep strolling around the fruit aisles to check out kumquats, which can give you up to 80% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. And give guava a chance-it has about as many nutrients as blueberries. Make it a goal to try a new fruit every few weeks. Pairing old favorites with new finds will help you keep your taste for fruit fresh. Plus, different-colored fruits serve up different nutrients and health benefits. So it's always smart to shop for a rainbow of choices.

Mistake # 3: Not buying fruit because you think it's out of season

Vitamin C packed citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and clementines are at their best this time of year, as are kiwifruit. But if there is a fruit you're craving that's truly not in season, remember that you can turn to those packaged versions to get your fix. Many packaged fruits are actually equal in nutritional quality to their fresh counterparts-because they are preserved at the peak of ripeness. So you don't have to choose between freshness and convenience.

The next time you're in the product department, stop at the refrigerated section to pick up a few cups of Del Monte Fruit Naturals. There are about 2 servings in each cup and ten varieties to choose from.

The Mistake You Might Be Making at Home

Sure, you rinse fruit when you're going to eat the skin-apples, for example. But have you ever rinsed a banana?! Surprise: Fruits with inedible peels or rinds, such as bananas and melons, can be as risky as those you eat whole-because bacteria on the surface can be carried inside by a knife when you slice through it. Rinse while using a scrub brush to remove dirt, debris, and germs; toss the brush into the dishwasher afterward. Also, cut stems from strawberries after washing so bacteria can't seep inside.