During this time of year, many folk’s thoughts turn to mouth-watering fruits and vegetables.

By far the most nutritious fruits and veggies come straight from your garden, or from local farmer’s markets. One advantage in having your own garden, is that you can control how and what you grow.

I recommend parents grow a garden with their kids. This promotes eating colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. Make it fun for them.

Let them help pick out the plants. You could even let your child choose a vegetable using each letter of their name.

As a family, you can care for your plants, pick the vegetables, and even cook them together. Another advantage of having a garden with your kids, is it increases their physical activity.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the actual buying of fruits and vegetables in a local store. When buying your fruits and vegetables in your local grocery store, you just might be surprised where the most nutritious ones are located.

Many people assume the most nutritious produce comes from the “fresh” produce aisle. This isn’t always the case. There are two other areas in the grocery store where produce can be found. Frozen and canned fruits and veggies are well worth checking out. Here’s why.

Most major canneries flash freeze their produce on site. In other words, these fruits and vegetables go straight from the field into frozen containers. Why is this a good thing?

By going straight into freezing, the produce doesn’t lose much of its nutrient content. The same is true for canning. Most major canneries can on site. About the only thing I don’t like about canned fruits and vegetables is that usually, salt or sugar is added.

Another great thing about frozen and canned produce is it has a much longer shelf life and is easier to store. You can also usually purchase smaller or larger portions, depending on your needs.

Also, some exotic produce may not be available except either canned or frozen.

One of the problems with fresh grocery store produce is that because of its very nature, it has to be “picked” green before it is shipped. This is dependent on from how far away it comes. Also, picking early gives produce less time to develop its vitamins and minerals.

I am not saying that you shouldn’t choose fresh produce from your grocery store. What I am saying is to pay particular attention as to its freshness and availability.

Get to know the produce manger at your local grocer. He can usually tell you exactly when his produce arrived and where it came from. Using some of these tips will not only make you and your family healthier, but also help you enjoy your fruits and vegetables all through out the year.

Diet or fitness question? Email dwcrocker77@gmail.com. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist for 24 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach S.C. Stater champion girls gymnastic team, USC-Spartanburg baseball team, Converse college equestrian team, lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, taught four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.