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Boost Your Produce Confidence


July 14, 2025 | Katy Moscoso

cutting produce on a cutting board

Have you ever skipped a recipe or passed on fresh fruits and vegetables because you weren’t sure how to choose or prepare them? You’re not alone! Fresh produce can feel intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how to prepare it. When I first met my husband, I noticed he often had pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge. While convenient, those pre-packaged items were expensive. I soon learned he was buying them simply because he didn’t know how to prep some of his favorite produce himself. With a little bit of guidance and practice, he was able to prep those produce items in his kitchen, saving quite a bit of money in his food budget. If you’re looking to try new fruits and vegetables while reducing food waste, check out the Food Preparation videos on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. There are several produce videos, and the ones we have found most helpful in our house are how to prepare a melon (my husband’s favorite!) and how to prepare asparagus.

Next week, Jody will share several Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipes that feature produce as the star ingredient. To get the most out of those recipes, take a few minutes to explore the food prep videos. We hope these videos will help you feel more confident selecting, storing, and preparing fresh produce. Whether you’re meal planning or just looking to try something new, these videos can be a helpful tool!


Katy Moscoso

Katy Moscoso is a Program Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. As a mom of two young kiddos, Katy loves trying new recipes that are quick and versatile. Cooking meals that can provide leftovers to fill her fridge and freezer is a win during this busy season!

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