A steady diet of fruits and vegetables is necessary for some people. Since fruits and vegetables will spoil, it often seems like a hassle to keep large quantities of these foods around. When purchasing fruits and vegetables, it is important to eat the ones that spoil quickest, within three days of purchasing them.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a vegetable that has a reputation for spoiling within two days. It is recommended that you cook asparagus shortly after purchasing it. Asparagus originated in Eurasia and was considered a delicacy by the Romans, according to A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness. Besides being a good source for folic acid, asparagus contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and Iodine. Vitamins A, C, and E are also in asparagus.
Broccoli
Broccoli should be eaten raw or steamed within 48 hours of purchase in order to eliminate the chance of spoiling. Broccoli is known for being rich in calcium, vitamins, iron and magnesium. The vitamins that are most abundant in broccoli are A and C. Studies have shown that broccoli is one of the most effective anticancer foods. This is because it has high levels of indoles, sulforaphane and beta-carotene, substances that help inhibit the likelihood of tumors and promote cancer-fighting enzymes.
Bananas
Bananas will spoil quickly, often within three days of purchase. The banana is the most popular imported fruit in the world. Half of the world's banana production comes from the countries of Brazil and India. Bananas are are remarkably low in calories. A small banana, about six-inches long, has around 75 calories whereas a larger banana, nine inches, has about 145 calories.
Strawberries
Strawberries, the only fruit with seeds on the outside, will spoil quickly if not eaten or frozen within 72 hours of purchase. Strawberries are low in calories and low in fat content but they are high in vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. One big strawberry has 10 calories. One cup of strawberries contains 46 calories. Quality strawberries are available year-round for purchase.
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Tyler Ellington is a freelance journalist whose work consists of a wide variety of topics. A freelance journalist since 2007, Ellington typically spends most of his time writing about sports, business and technology. His work has appeared on various websites. He earned his master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania.