The Light with Raymond Tyler
I am in a very personal battle with processed food. I have pretty much overcome sweets and desserts, but when it comes to pasta, cheeses and other goodies, the struggle is real.
One of the things that helps me crave less sugar and salt, and feel full, is eating fresh fruits and vegetables. One of my favorite places to pick up fresh fruit is B.F Mazzeo, located at 601 New Road in Northfield. Here are five reasons why I am at B.F Mazzeo’s almost daily.
- Tons of Fresh Produce
I honestly don’t recall how I came across B.F Mazzeo in particular, but I have always enjoyed produce from farmers markets.
Before I found out about fresh produce stores in our area, I had to buy enough for a week at a time. In most cases, the outdoor markets might be around for a couple of weeks to a month, and then I was back to scrounging for fresh food through larger chain stores.
B.F Mazzeo’s food is so fresh it almost tastes like I picked it myself. I go there about every other day because I like food that has not been sitting as long as it normally does at the big chain grocery stores.
- Red, Green and Seedless Grapes (and Sometimes Black)
I could write a whole column on grapes and rate them on taste, sweetness, size, packaging and more.
If I gave an award for grapes, the winner would be B.F Mazzeo’s red seedless grapes. These grapes are bursting with flavor and juice. I have never been able to eat just one (except the last one). The green seedless are equally juicy and a tad milder in flavor. I do not eat the black grapes every day, but they are delicious as well.
- Tomatoes
There was a time when I would eat tomatoes like apples. I would pick them off the vine and just start biting. Sometimes I would use a little salt for extra flavor. Today I use tomatoes as a staple in salads, and as a delicious sandwich layer.
B.F Mazzeo offers more than 10 varieties of tomatoes, from the small grape tomatoes to vine-ripened to heirloom.
My favorite variety, which you almost never find in large chain stores, is the yellow tomatoes. The yellow tomatoes give my taste buds a jolt of earthy, natural goodness. I love to mix them with the traditional red tomatoes in my salads.
- Soup’s On
It took me a while to warm up to their soup because it’s not as salty as some other pre-made soups. For me the low-salt one is a winner. However, I take it home, warm it up and then season it with no-sodium seasoning options.
B.F Mazzeo offers more than five different soups made daily. My favorites include the chicken noodle and chicken orzo. I also love their vegetable soup, but if you come after 2 p.m., the vegetable soup will most likely be sold out.
- Blood Oranges
I have always loved oranges. So when I saw they had blood oranges, I gave them a try.
I love the traditional navel oranges on sale at B.F Mazzeo. However, the blood oranges really make my taste buds feel special. I buy navel oranges for my health, which are mostly available year round. I buy the blood red oranges when I can for my health and my snobby taste buds.
- Everything Else
Whatever fruits or vegetables you enjoy, stop by B.F Mazzeo or the fresh produce store of your choice.
When it comes to B.F Mazzeo, the list of the reasons to shop there does not stop at five. They have great offerings on peaches, pears, pineapple and more.
I did not tell you about their amazing choices on fresh salads (I load up on those whenever I travel out of town). They also offer many types of exotic, specialty and exclusive fruits and vegetables. You can find plenty of healthy options on canned and jarred items as well as breads and meats, too.
In a world with 99-cent burgers at every corner, I am thankful for B.F Mazzeo and other fresh produce shops for the space they occupy.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
