Wonky Veg = Real Food | Why pesticide-free produce changes faster (and what that means for you)

If you’ve bought spray-free, local produce, you might have noticed it can wilt, soften, show natural marks — or come in all kinds of shapes and sizes — sooner than supermarket fruit and veg.

First things first: you’re not crazy. This is completely normal — and it’s actually a sign your produce is fresh as.

Let us explain…

Most supermarket produce is treated to slow ripening and improve appearance, allowing it to travel long distances and sit in storage for weeks.

Pesticide-free produce doesn’t get those treatments. It’s grown to be eaten — not preserved.

Some fruits and vegetables are also more heavily sprayed than others — including here in Australia — particularly to improve appearance and extend shelf life.

Produce most commonly noted as higher-spray includes:
• Strawberries and berries
• Apples
• Grapes
• Leafy greens (like lettuce, spinach and herbs)

These are often the same items people notice the biggest difference with when they switch to spray-free — they may look less “perfect,” but they’re behaving exactly as real food should.

Because we source fresh, spray-free produce here on the South Coast, things like:

• Wilting leafy greens
• Softening stone fruit
• Natural spots or marks
• Carrots that fork, zucchinis that curve, or veggies that aren’t perfectly uniform

…are 100% normal. These changes are usually cosmetic or moisture-related — not signs of spoilage. Signs food has actually gone off include slimy textures, sour smells, or visible mould.

Simple storage tips (especially for our local climate)

Leafy greens & lettuce:

• Keep unwashed until use
• Wrap loosely in a dry tea towel or paper towel
• Store in the fridge produce drawer
• Change the paper towel every couple of days
• Tip: Limp lettuce can often be revived with a short soak in ice-cold water.

Stone fruit:

• Leave at room temperature until ripe
• Once ripe, refrigerate to slow softening
• Keep unwashed and avoid stacking
• Our warm coastal temperatures (especially kitchens and benchtops) can ripen fruit quickly, so check daily once ripe.

Berries:

• Keep dry and unwashed
• Store in a breathable container
• Remove any soft berries straight away

A local way to shop

Buying pesticide-free produce works best when you:

• Shop little and often (which is why we offer weekly produce boxes — fresh, great value, and packed for you)
• Store produce properly
• Let seasonal availability guide your meals

Produce that changes faster — or looks a little wonky — hasn’t failed.
It simply hasn’t been chemically preserved.

Real food, grown for eating

At Health-E-Living Mogo, we believe fresh food should look and behave like food — not be perfect, waxed, or designed to last weeks.

A shorter shelf life (and the occasional quirky shape) often means fewer chemicals and fresher produce on your plate.

And if you ever have questions about storage, ripeness, or what to do with a funny-looking veggie — we’re always happy to help in store.