We're not always functioning at our full 40%. Sometimes we go into auto pilot and, for all intents and purposes, are pretty much switched off. Some things are so familiar to us we don't think about them. Our expectations are so strong about the outcome we don't expect anything different to happen. You go into Tescos, you fill your trolley, you come home and put things away. Only then do you discover the rotten apple in the bag or that the best before end date is only a few hours away. To compound your mood, your annoyance is directed at yourself for not paying attention rather than the vendor, who has taken money from you for something you can't eat..

Bad Apple in Bag

Bad Apple Portrait

The Good Ones

For legal reasons I should add. I did buy a bag of apples today from Tesco. The bag contained one bad apple, the rest were intact. The evidence is pictured above. I didn't buy anything with an expiry date about to occur.

This problem is not just confined to Tesco all supermarkets are the same no matter where you go. Unfortunately we are cupable due to our desire to shop in one place. A few months ago I realised that I was paying money for crap produce and decided to go to my local greengrocer for my fruit and veg. I now get everything I need fresh and sometimes have a little chat with the owner about the topics of the day. I dont know if I am paying more or less for the produce but at least nothing is bad, the apples are'nt perfectly formed, there is fresh dirt on the parsnips/carrots the potatoes are local and I am insuring that a man is making a living that I can meet and greet when I walk along the street.

If you have not visited your local greengrocer recently give it a go, and once you have done this try the local butcher and baker if they exist, I guarantee that you will enjoy the experience.