National Produce Misting Day

National Produce Misting Day is observed October 2 each year. It’s a day to recognize and appreciate the innovation of misting systems used in grocery stores and farms—those fine sprays of water that help fruits and vegetables stay crisp, hydrated, and fresh.

History of National Produce Misting Day

This observance was founded in 2018 by a company in the produce business. It celebrates the invention and popularization of automatic produce misting systems, which were developed around 1979 to help reduce spoilage in fresh produce displays. Before misting was automated, keeping produce fresh was more labor-intensive, involving methods like damp sacks or manual spraying.

Over time, misting became a standard in many grocery stores, helping not only with appearance but keeping nutrient levels, texture, and overall quality better preserved. The day highlights how this relatively simple technology helps reduce waste and improves how we consume fresh produce.

Why is National Produce Misting Day important?

Because fresh produce degrades quickly when moisture is lost—wilting, dryness, loss of flavor, and nutrients follow. Misting helps maintain moisture, making food not only look more appealing but also stay healthier longer. It reminds us how small innovations can have big impacts on food freshness and waste reduction.

Also, this day encourages awareness among both shoppers and businesses about how we handle food. It highlights the connection between technology, sustainability, and our everyday diet. When stores use good misting systems or when we preserve our home-grown produce properly, everyone benefits—our health, our wallets, and the planet.

• because it helps fruits and veggies stay crisp, tasty, and nutritious
• because reducing waste means less money thrown away and fewer environmental costs
• because seeing well-misted produce reminds people what fresh really looks like
• because shops that care about this often care about overall quality and sustainability
• because it teaches us that caring for food properly starts even before we buy or cook it

How to Celebrate National Produce Misting Day

Go to your local grocery store and pay attention to the produce section—see how the misting works. Thank those employees who keep those systems running.

At home, you can gently mist produce you buy or grow to help keep it fresh. Also try cooking or eating recipes that showcase fresh produce—salads, raw snacks, smoothies—to really appreciate flavor and texture.

• use a misting spray for your fruits and vegetables at home
• buy some produce that looks especially fresh and crisp and enjoy it simply
• ask your grocery store or local farmer about their misting systems or how they keep produce fresh
• share photos or stories of fresh produce you love—maybe before and after misting
• try storing produce properly so it stays crisp longer

National Produce Misting Day Dates Table