The U.S. Department of the Interior provides an official inspection service that enables you to identify high-quality seafoods. Such products may be identified by the official USDI grade or inspection shields that appear on the label. Fishery products that display these shields have been processed under continuous in-plant inspection and have met definite quality, processing, and packaging requirements.
Eggs
Buy graded eggs in cartons at a store that keeps them in refrigerated cases. Federally graded eggs are identified with a shield-shaped grademark that indicates the quality at the time of grading. If they have been properly handled since grading, there should be little loss in quality.
Quality.—U.S. Grade AA (or Fresh Fancy) and Grade A eggs are excellent for all purposes, but are especially good for poaching and frying where the appearance of the finished product is important. Grade B eggs are satisfactory for use in cooked dishes.
The grade of the egg does not affect its food value; lower grades are as high in nutrients as top grades. Buy either white or brown eggs. The color of the shell does not affect the nutritive value or quality of the egg.
Size.—Eggs are also classified by size according to weight per dozen. Size is independent of quality; large eggs may be of high or low quality and high-quality eggs may be of any size. Common market sizes of eggs and the minimum weight per dozen:
U.S. Extra Large—27 ounces.
U.S. Large—24 ounces.
U.S. Medium—21 ounces.
U.S. Small—18 ounces.
The substitution of one size egg for another often makes little difference in recipe results. However, in some recipes—for example in sponge and angelfood cakes—the proportion of egg to other ingredients is very important. For these recipes, it may be necessary to increase the number of eggs if you are using a smaller size.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually best in quality and lowest in cost when in season.