How to Pick the Freshest Vegetables at Your Local Mandi

Start with what's in season

Seasonal vegetables are fresher, tastier and travel shorter distances to reach your sabzi wala. In the monsoon look for gourds and leafy greens; in winter carrots, peas and cauliflower are at their best.

Ask your vendor what arrived from the mandi this morning — they always know.

Quick freshness checks

• Tomatoes: firm with a slight give, deep colour, no wrinkles near the stem.
• Palak and methi: crisp leaves that snap, no yellowing or slime.
• Cauliflower: heavy for its size with tight white florets.
• Okra: the tip should snap cleanly when bent.
• Onions and potatoes: dry skin, no sprouting or soft spots.

Buy from the same vendor

Regular customers get the first pick. Save your favourite stall or cart on FeriBazaar, check today's stock before stepping out and send a message if you need something set aside.