The art of displaying fresh fruits and vegetables at home to encourage healthy eating

Displaying fruits and vegetables attractively can significantly encourage healthy eating by making these foods more appealing and accessible. I take pride every week in organising the fruit and veg creatively and artfully.

Nothing is better than coming home after a long day at work, standing in the kitchen checking what food there is to prepare a meal, as we would in the supermarket. If you have ever been in a supermarket in France, you would marvel at how nicely the fruits and vegetables section is displayed. It feels like being a child in a candy store.

Towards the end of the week, as the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables diminishes, there is a feeling of satisfaction at how much goodness has been consumed. It is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the healthy choices made and to get creative with what’s left. This period can be both satisfying and inspiring as you come up with inventive ways to utilise the remaining produce.

Here are some tips and ideas for creating enticing displays:

Color Coordination and Variety

Combine different shapes, sizes, and textures to add visual interest and variety. Display fruits and vegetables in a way that highlights their vibrant colors. A rainbow display can be visually appealing and emphasize the variety of nutrients available. You can mix and match fruits and vegetables. Many prefer to be stored out of the fridge: tomatoes, eggs, root vegetables, swede, butternut, carrots, aubergines, peppers, peaches, nectarines, bananas, apples, pears, and avocados. Very few should be stored in the fridge: some salads, spinach, raspberries… Ensure you remove any plastic wrappings.

Use Attractive Containers and Baskets

Combine various containers to display fruits and vegetables such as wicker baskets or wooden trays, ceramic bowls, steel wire baskets, and glass containers. I like using a large, attractive basket and fill it with various fruits.

Highlight Freshness

Buy enough for the whole week and just enough so that nothing goes to waste. If need be, buy small quantities but with a wide variety. This will keep the display looking fresh and crisp. Ensure the display is not in the full sun so it does not perish too quickly. Do not mix fruits and vegetables that react to each other. Herbs, such as parsley and coriander can be stored in small vases to keep fresh for longer. Place the vases in the middle of the display, like a flower arrangement.

Maintain Cleanliness and Organization

As the produce diminishes in the containers, regularly organize and clean the display to maintain an inviting appearance.

By implementing these tips, you can create a visually appealing and inviting display of fruits and vegetables that encourages healthy eating and makes these nutritious foods more enticing.