FAQs - Produce

Are raw potatoes that are green safe to eat?
Yes, raw green potatoes are safe to eat. This greenish color is a form of chlorophyll developing in the skin. Remove the green portion by peeling the potato's surface or trim to discard any deep penetrated green color. To keep potatoes from turning green, be sure to cover any potatoes in storage.

Is it necessary to wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them?
Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean drinking water before eating, not before storing. This includes fruits such as melons and oranges that have skin or rind that won't be eaten.

How can I ripen my fruit?
Ripen some fruits like peaches, plums or avocados, by placing them in a loosely closed brown paper bag. You may also place a ripe banana or apple in with them to help speed the process. Fruits such as pineapples, oranges or grapes will not ripen further after they have been picked. For more information about produce visit http://www.aboutproduce.com.

What is the wax on fresh fruits and vegetables made from?
Federal law requires that fresh fruits and vegetables be labeled when they have been waxed so you will know whether the produce you buy is coated. Fruits and vegetables may be coated with food-grade vegetable-, petroleum-, beeswax-, and/or shellac-based wax or resin, to maintain freshness. None of these coatings are animal-based, and they all come from natural sources, generally from plants, food-grade petroleum products (like petroleum jelly used as a lip moisturizer), or insects (similar to honey from bees).

What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
Actually, all yams grown in the United States are sweet potatoes, and the USDA requires that they be labeled as such. In general usage, some people try to distinguish between sweet potatoes and yams by the degree of moisture. It is generally thought that the yam is a moister sweet potato. However, varieties vary in degree of moisture. The terms are used interchangeably.

Are pesticides used in the growing of organics?
Please see the USDA's Organic Production and Handling Standards as outlined at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/facts/standards.htm.