The INSIDER Summary:

Mushy, bruised fruits and vegetables are more flavorful than pristine produce.

Chef Nina Clemente told INSIDER that focusing on perfection can sacrifice flavor.

At farmer's markets, go for the ugly discounted produce for more flavorful dishes.

Chef Nina Clemente is a fan of farmer's markets. She credits the inspiration from locally-sourced ingredients for launching her career and continues to rely on seasonal bounty to create masterful dishes at The Smile's Di Alba in Los Angeles.

When Clemente is perusing the farmers' stands, she doesn't look for the most pristine fruits and vegetables. Instead, she said that imperfect produce actually provides the best flavors.

Clemente's Block Island swordfish wouldn't be the same without fresh produce. Chris Leaman

"We seek perfection in produce. And in farmer's markets, if you go you'll notice that there will be some funny formed fruits and vegetables, maybe some bruises, and typically those things are incredibly flavorful and sweet," she told us.

For the most delicious fresh ingredients, she advises taking advantage of the discounted damaged goods at farmer's markets. They might not look pretty, but they're guaranteed to be bursting with incredible flavors that grocery stores just can't compete with.

"Don't look for perfection, because the fruit that's a little softer is the stuff that's going to be the sweetest," said Clemente.