If there's one thing that's sacrosanct to cooks, it's choosing fresh produce, and Julia Child was no exception. Chief among her steps was a high-priority detail. While smelling fruits and vegetables before buying them is a , Julia insisted on "really breathing it in".
She once advised a curious fan who wanted to understand her selection process to "get his nose in there." For Child, shopping mindfully was a preparatory step to selecting high-quality ingredients (you can imagine how she might have chosen leeks for her ). Indulging the senses – sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch – can go a long way in developing a sense of discernment.
But she was only drawing on ancient knowledge. In his book "On Sense and the Sensible," Aristotle mentions how smell can even help you sift out the more nutritious produce. It can also act as a reliable indicator of sweetness in fruits.
Of course, sharpening anything, including one's nose requires practice, but Julia Child's approach can serve as an excellent starting point for beginners (even if you feel a bit like a bloodhound). She applied the same rule when selecting meat. Most experts would tell you that a clean, slightly sweet smell is a green flag, while an off-putting odor is a definite red one.
How to shop like Julia Child While not all stores allow this due to hygiene concerns, try to follow it whenever possible. Key questions to ask as you feel for quality are: Do they feel light, or lack aroma? A good apple or tomato should fee.