On Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:53:50 +0900, "cshenk" > wrote:


>One big difference as we lived in Japan, was to seasonally shop. You dont
>have that much choice there so you get gobo roots in season and do without
>the rest of the time etc. We probably eat a wider variety of foods than
>most USA folks, because of that habit.
>
I usually try to shop seasonally, as I think the quality is better,
and it is usually cheaper. However yesterday, I wanted some plum
tomatoes for a dish or two, and those at the store looked okay. Not
the same as plum tomatoes in season, but still better looking than
the rest of them. I did buy green peppers yesterday, as they were on
sale, and looked really good.

Plus, I heard a few years ago, that if you shop for tomatoes out of
season, that the Roma tomatoes are a better deal, and give more of a
tomato taste.

For other things, I wait for the veggies to come in season. Such as
for asparagus, or corn, or eggplant. Or strawberries or other
berries. I am buying broccoli, cauliflower now...

Right now, for fruits, I am buying grapefruits, tangerines, some pears
still, apples, oranges.

Christine