Mud-slinging Supermarkets Time for a Wash-up

Nov 9 , 2024
By Eden Sahle

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At least four days a week, my family and I visit supermarkets in the capital to buy groceries. We frequent supermarkets where the staff are usually friendly and helpful. But the same cannot be said for the vegetables, which are usually coated in thick layers of red mud, usually hiding signs of rot underneath.

In nearly every supermarket we have visited, vegetables like potatoes, beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, and onions are encrusted with dried mud, forming an impenetrable layer that makes it impossible to assess their quality. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and cabbage are not exempt either, all covered in grime that brings dirt and potential health hazards right into our kitchens.

After spending time shopping, it is frustrating to go through the tedious process of scrubbing the vegetables in hot water, only to discover that they are spoiled and unusable. Curiously, some upscale supermarkets in areas like Bole and Old Airport manage to offer noticeably cleaner produce, which makes us wonder why there is such a stark difference in quality.

The unappetising appearance of mud-covered vegetables deters shoppers from buying them. It is not uncommon to see people handling the vegetables, cringing at the earthy smell and caked-on dirt, before leaving empty-handed. Even young children stand beside the vegetable shelves, staring in confusion at produce that looks nothing like the illustrations in their storybooks. One can only imagine the challenge for parents trying to convince these children to eat vegetables that look anything but appealing.

A surprising contrast can be found on street corners across the city, where vendors sell fresh produce under white tents at more affordable prices. Their clean, vibrant displays make it easy to see the freshness of their vegetables, drawing people from afar. In these open-air markets, vendors often take the time to scrub their produce before displaying it, adding to its appeal.

Despite the popularity of these roadside vendors, their locations on busy roadsides or roundabouts with limited parking make it difficult for many to access them. For those of us who rely on supermarkets, driving past these displays of fresh, mud-free produce leaves us wishing for similar quality in the stores we frequent.

The aversion to muddy vegetables is more about hygiene and convenience than aesthetics. When we see mud on vegetables, it reminds us of the germs, contaminants, and diseases that might lurk within. Clean produce, on the other hand, suggests ease of preparation and a higher standard of quality, appealing to our natural preference for food that looks ready to be cooked and enjoyed.

Agricultural experts tell us, however, that leaving some soil on vegetables—especially root vegetables like potatoes and carrots—can help them retain moisture, extending their shelf life. Supermarkets may be inclined to leave the mud on for this reason, aiming to keep their stock fresh for as long as possible. For some, the sight of mud may even signal that the produce is "farm fresh" and recently harvested.

But there is more to muddy vegetables than meets the eye. Soil can harbour bacteria, parasites, and pesticide residues, posing potential health risks, especially with raw, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, where dirt can easily get trapped in crevices. The hardened mud creates messes in the kitchen, clogging sinks and causing unwanted dirt buildup.

Supermarkets may overlook an important fact: instead of extending shelf life by keeping vegetables coated in dirt, offering clean produce could attract more buyers who might buy it quickly and return frequently. Bright, clean vegetables appeal to our senses, signalling ripeness and freshness, qualities that we naturally associate with higher nutrition and better taste.

People eat with their eyes first while presentation is key. The visual appeal of unblemished, mud-free produce impacts our perception of quality and taste, making vegetables more appetising. Clean, colourful vegetables improve our enjoyment of eating and contribute to a healthier lifestyle, making them a superfood that nourishes both body and mind.

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PUBLISHED ON Nov 09,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1280]

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