We're big fans of a well-stocked pantry. A few cans of beans can rescue dinner when nobody feels like cooking, and canned tomatoes are practically a kitchen necessity. But, not everything tastes quite as good after spending months in a tin.

Sometimes, the difference comes down to that satisfying crunch. Other times, it's the flavor we lose when something has already been cooked and preserved.

So, which foods deserve a trip to the fresh produce aisle? Here are eight worth putting on your shopping list.

1. Asparagus

Fresh asparagus has a lovely snap when it's cooked just right. A few minutes of steaming or roasting will leave the spears tender without losing their bite.

Canned asparagus, however, has already been cooked during processing. That means the spears are usually softer, which isn't ideal if you're planning to serve them as a side dish.

For roasted asparagus with a little lemon and Parmesan, fresh is the way to go.

2. Pineapple

Canned pineapple is wonderful for baking, but fresh pineapple brings something different to the table. Its bright flavor and juicy texture are delicious in fruit salads or eaten straight from the cutting board.

Canned pineapple is typically heat-processed, which changes its texture. And, if you're buying it in syrup, you'll also be getting added sugar.

Fresh pineapple is particularly lovely when you want the fruit itself to be the star.

3. Green Beans

There's a reason fresh green beans are so popular at holiday dinners. When they're lightly cooked, they retain a pleasant snap that canned beans simply can't match.

Canned green beans are convenient for casseroles and soups, but they're already soft before you even turn on the stove.

If you're serving them with garlic and a little butter, fresh beans will make a noticeable difference.

4. Corn on the Cob

Canned corn is a handy ingredient for soups or a quick side dish. But, there's something special about biting into corn straight off the cob.

Fresh sweet corn has a juicy pop and natural sweetness that's difficult to recreate once the kernels have been processed. During corn season, try grilling the ears or briefly boiling them, then adding a little butter. Sometimes, the simplest preparation is the best.

5. Peaches

Canned peaches have earned their place in plenty of desserts, particularly when fresh fruit is out of season. But, a perfectly ripe fresh peach is a different experience altogether. The flesh is fragrant and juicy, with a delicate texture that canned slices don't quite retain.

If you're making a summer fruit salad or serving peaches with yogurt, look for fresh ones that give slightly when gently pressed.

6. Beets

If you've only ever eaten canned beets, fresh ones might surprise you. Roasting whole beets brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a richer flavor than the ready-to-eat versions packed in cans. They're delicious when they’re sliced into salads or served warm with a little olive oil.

Sure, preparing fresh beets takes more effort, and they can leave your hands looking rather colorful. But, that beautiful flavor will make the extra work worthwhile.

7. Carrots

Canned carrots are already cooked, which makes them convenient when time is short. Unfortunately, that also means they won't deliver the same firm texture as fresh carrots.

Fresh carrots are wonderful when roasted because their edges caramelize and their natural sweetness becomes more pronounced. And, if you're planning to serve them raw with a dip, there's really no substitute for that familiar crunch.

8. Mandarin Oranges

Those little mandarin half moons are convenient, especially when we're throwing together a quick fruit salad. But, fresh mandarins have a brighter citrus flavor and a firmer texture. They're also easy to peel, making them a lovely snack without much preparation.

When mandarins are in season, picking up a bag of fresh fruit is well worth it.

Keep the Cans, But Make Room for Fresh

None of this means we need to clear out our pantry shelves. Canned and frozen vegetables can still be healthy choices, especially when they're processed shortly after they’ve been harvested. 

But, try to buy no-salt-added or low-sodium canned vegetables when possible. And, when the texture and fresh flavor are important to your dish, a little extra time in the produce aisle will make dinner more enjoyable.

We’ll all still have a few cans in the cupboard for those evenings when peeling a carrot sounds like too much work, but, as often as we can, a trip to the produce aisle will be worth our while. 

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