Five servings a day. Five very important servings a day. Selecting five servings a day of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to maximizing your intake of vitamins and minerals for good health. Don't be afraid to look, sniff, even squeeze your potential purchases to determine freshness.

First of all, appearances count. It may be obvious, it may even be on sale, but bruised fruit with dark patches or vegetables that are wilted are not a good purchase.

Secondly, do the sniff test. Fruits such as peaches, apples, and tomatoes should not smell rotten, but should smell sweet. Squeezing produce, in general, can help determine if what you want is past its prime. Avocados should have a little give. Apples, cucumbers, and other solid produce shouldn't give at all. All pineapples must meet FDA guidelines for sugar. Don't cut it thinking it will get sweeter, it won't.

Other how to select produce tips include:

• If the produce is refrigerated at the store, refrigerate it as soon as you get home, too.
• Bananas, apples, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes do not need to be kept in the refrigerator.
• Use a washcloth or clean brush and clean water to scrub contaminants such as pesticides, dirt, and germs from the skin of the produce.
• For best flavor, immediately consume fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Buy produce that is in season for best flavor.
• Consider juices, but check expiration dates and make sure the juice is pasteurized.