Shopping for the Best Ingredients
When buying the basic ingredients always buy the freshest and the best quality ones as you will get the most flavor from them. The fresher the ingredients generally the higher the nutritional content. If you can afford organic produce then get those ingredients when possible: the flavor will be better and there will not be any chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
It is also a good idea to purchase fruits and vegetables when they are in season. Although most ingredients are available throughout the year, you can really notice the difference between those that have ripened naturally and those grown out of season. Like strawberries, they may be available in winter but when you cut them open they are often white inside and slightly waxy texture and nothing like the juicy and almost perfumed flavor of the summer fruits.
When buying pre-prepared ready-made ingredients such as stock for soup and custard to make ice creams try to buy fresh varieties and good quality ones. Cheaper and inferior ingredients will generally have less flavor, go for quality every time as you will really see the benefits.
