What are examples of fresh food?

Fruits and Vegetables:

* Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), grapes, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew), peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, mangoes, avocados.

* Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, peppers (bell peppers, jalapenos), spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood:

* Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, veal. These are generally considered fresh when sold whole or in cuts, but can also be bought pre-packaged and refrigerated.

* Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck. Similar to meat, they're considered fresh when sold whole or in cuts, but can also be bought pre-packaged.

* Seafood: Fish (salmon, tuna, cod, etc.), shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.). Fresh seafood is generally sold whole or filleted, often at seafood markets or directly from fishermen.

Dairy:

* Milk: Cow's milk, goat milk, almond milk (though not strictly "fresh" due to processing).

* Cheese: Fresh cheese (like ricotta, mozzarella), soft cheese (like brie, camembert), hard cheese (like cheddar, parmesan).

* Yogurt: Plain yogurt, flavored yogurt.

Other:

* Eggs: Fresh eggs are usually sold at grocery stores.

* Bread: Freshly baked bread from bakeries or grocery stores.

* Salads: Pre-made salads from grocery stores or prepared at home using fresh ingredients.

* Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, rosemary, thyme, etc.

* Sprouts: Bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, etc.

Important Considerations:

* Freshness: While the examples above are generally considered "fresh," the term can be subjective. Some people prefer to buy produce that is in-season for maximum freshness.

* Storage: Proper storage of fresh food is crucial to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.

* Seasonality: Many fruits and vegetables are seasonal, meaning they are freshest during certain times of the year.

Remember, enjoying fresh food is all about choosing ingredients that are at their peak quality and flavor!