How to Choose Fresh Meat, Fruits & Vegetables in UAE Supermarkets
Choosing the freshest ingredients is the foundation of good cooking and good health. Whether you're selecting a piece of chicken, picking out tomatoes or choosing a watermelon, knowing what to look for can make a significant difference to the quality of your meals.
How to Choose Fresh Meat
Colour is one of the most important indicators of fresh meat. Fresh beef should be bright red, fresh chicken should be pale pink and fresh fish should have clear, bright eyes and firm flesh. Avoid any meat with grey or brown discolouration, as this indicates age or improper storage.
Smell is equally important. Fresh meat should have a mild, neutral smell. Any sour, ammonia-like or strong odour is a sign that the meat is no longer fresh.
Texture matters too. Fresh meat should feel firm and spring back when pressed gently. Avoid meat that feels slimy or leaves an indentation when pressed.
At Trolleys, our meat section is restocked daily with fresh cuts from trusted suppliers. Our staff are always available to help you select the best piece for your needs.
How to Choose Fresh Fruits
Different fruits have different indicators of freshness and ripeness.
Watermelon: Look for a yellow spot on the underside — this indicates the melon ripened on the ground. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size and produce a hollow sound when tapped.
Mangoes: A ripe mango should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fruity aroma near the stem. Avoid mangoes with large black spots or a fermented smell.
Bananas: Choose bananas based on how quickly you plan to eat them. Green bananas will ripen over several days, while yellow bananas with brown spots are at peak sweetness.
Citrus fruits: Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size — this indicates juiciness. The skin should be smooth and firm, without soft spots.
Strawberries: Choose bright red berries with fresh green caps. Avoid any with white or green patches near the stem or signs of mould.
How to Choose Fresh Vegetables
Leafy greens: Look for vibrant, crisp leaves with no yellowing, wilting or slimy patches. Spinach, lettuce and coriander should look perky and smell fresh.
Tomatoes: A good tomato should be firm but yield slightly to pressure. It should smell tomato-like near the stem. Avoid tomatoes with cracks, soft spots or wrinkled skin.
Cucumbers: Choose firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing. A fresh cucumber should feel solid from end to end.
Onions and garlic: Look for firm, dry outer skins without soft spots or sprouting. Any sprouting indicates age.
Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes without green patches, sprouts or soft spots. Green patches on potatoes contain solanine and should always be removed before cooking.
Storage Tips for Fresh Produce
In the UAE's hot climate, proper storage is essential to maintaining freshness.
Keep most fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Exceptions include bananas, avocados, tomatoes and potatoes, which are best stored at room temperature.
Store fresh herbs in a glass of water in the fridge, like flowers. This can extend their life by up to a week.
Keep meat in the coldest part of your fridge and use within two days, or freeze immediately if not using soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often is the fresh produce restocked at Trolleys?
A: Our fresh produce, meat and dairy sections are restocked daily across all Trolleys branches.
Q: Can I ask Trolleys staff to help me choose fresh produce?
A: Absolutely. Our team is always happy to help you find the freshest and best-value products in store.
Q: Does Trolleys source meat from local UAE suppliers?
A: Trolleys works with a range of trusted local and international suppliers to provide the best quality fresh meat across our stores.
Q: How should I store fresh meat from Trolleys at home?
A: Store fresh meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use within two days. If you won't be using it within two days, freeze it immediately upon returning home.
