does anyone else get exasperated by just how poor the quality can be. The fruit is often close to rotting, whilst the tomatoes taste of water, unless you are prepared to pay the extra for the premium ranges. What also annoys me is that a lot of things like chillies and herbs is sold in packets, so you have to buy far more than you actually need.

Depends where you go and what you choose.. I always buy organic fruit and veg and most of our shop is done in Tesco.. I always ensure it's in date and not rotting and the only place I've seen really poor quality fruit and veg is the Co-op..

I've found poor quality fruit and veg at local grocers too. I think the anti-supermarket brigade tend to look at 'the good old days' through rosey coloured spectacles sometimes where every apple was perfect. (Not referring to you Ads, just generally speaking).

My cousin is fully independent and uses a wheelchair, can you imagine using one... or even being a parent with a pushchair/pram and lugging around all the 'local' shops in the rain with your car parked goodness knows where?

I find Morrisons fruit and veg far superior to Tesco, I shop at both on an alternate basis for this reason. I always buy the little cherry tomatoes on the vine (Italian) at Morrison, they are gorgeous, sweet and juicy, and I could eat the whole packet in one go! I spend ages finding the right apples, grapes, broccoli, celery etc. I always buy organic carrots, they are definitely the best tasting, and well worth the extra money.

I think you have to be selective that's the answer.

I agree. And it would be no different if you were shopping at a local green grocer either.

Given the choice, I would rather buy fruit and vegetables from a local farmer than from a supermarket, even if it is a bit more expensive. I would feel much better for supporting local farmers than the big supermarkets!

I find the fruit and veg in the Sainsbury's that I shop in to be good, although the choice is somewhat limited compared to what's available in the bigger stores.

My local farmers market is good for in season veg, but is expensive despite their claims of cutting out the middle man lol

Luckily though I have a fruit n veg wholesaler near me, so if I need to buy in bulk he's my preferred choice and he's far cheaper than both the above and the quality and freshness is excellent. One example of how cheap is Pink Lady apples are £2.99 a kilo in Sainburys, from the wholesaler £1.65 a kilo. Ok you have to buy a 13KG box, but I don't mind as I eat lots of apples each day