Avi Fine, owner of Meshek Fine, emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting fruits and vegetables by checking for firmness and avoiding items with damage or signs of rot. He recommends buying produce as close to the picking date as possible, ideally directly from farmers, to maximize freshness and shelf life. Fine also advises against washing produce immediately after purchase, as excess moisture can lead to faster spoilage. Additionally, he cautions against cutting fruits and vegetables before storing them, as this can further reduce their longevity.