National Fajita Day: How to Find the Freshest Ingredients

Every August, home cooks across the country fire up their skillets to celebrate National Fajita Day. Sizzling strips of meat, colorful peppers, and warm tortillas come together to make one of the most satisfying meals around. If you want your fajitas to taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen, the secret starts with fresh ingredients. Kroger happens to be a great place to find everything you need.

Start with the meat counter. Kroger's butcher department typically restocks fresh cuts of skirt steak, flank steak, and chicken breast daily. Ask an associate which cuts arrived most recently, since fresher meat marinates better and cooks up more tender. If you prefer shrimp fajitas, check the seafood counter for options that are wild caught and delivered fresh rather than frozen.

Next, head to the produce section for your peppers and onions. Look for bell peppers with firm, glossy skin and vibrant color. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Onions should feel heavy for their size with dry, papery skin. Kroger often sources produce locally when possible, so check the signage near the display for information about where your vegetables came from.

Don't forget the tortillas. The bakery section usually carries fresh, house made tortillas that beat anything from a shelf stable package. If your store doesn't make them in house, look for tortillas in the refrigerated section rather than the dry goods aisle, since these tend to be softer and fresher.

Finally, round out your meal with fresh limes, cilantro, and avocados from produce, plus shredded cheese from the dairy case. Buying block cheese and shredding it yourself often results in better flavor and texture than pre shredded bags.

With a little extra attention to where you shop within the store, your National Fajita Day spread can taste like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant, all without leaving your neighborhood Kroger.

FreshTrio Team