Summertime means the switch from warming soups to cooling fruit salads. But how do you know when fruit is ripe and ready to use? Cutting open a rotten piece of fruit or one that hasn’t had time to ripen can be very disappointing. To prevent this from happening, just use your five senses:
See: Fruit should be full in color, with little green. For example, strawberries should be bright red and only the stem should be green. Also, fruits with smooth skins like apples or pears, the skin should have a waxy, shiny appearance. Buyer beware: many types of berries are commonly stored in plastic containers; examine the bottom for mold (it can spread very quickly).
Touch: Fruits should be firm, not too soft and not too hard. Fruits and vegetables like peaches and avocados will yield to gentle pressure when ready to be eaten. Also, some larger fruits like honeydew and cantaloupe will have a spot where the stem grew; this area should give slightly to pressure.
Smell: Most fruits will generally smell the way they should taste, but this can be difficult without cutting it open.
Listen: When you gently slap a big fruit like a watermelon you should hear a hollow thump, like the way a drum vibrates.
Taste: Finally, the good part. Fruits should be sweet and juicy, so sit back and enjoy!
A few tips to keep in mind while choosing fruits/vegetables:
- Choose fruits and veggies that are in season. If you aren’t sure which ones are, ask the produce manager. In season foods are often cheaper and will taste better
- Try the Farmer’s Market for the freshest foods. Many fruits are picked before they are ripe so they can last until they get to the grocery store, which can make them lose taste. Make a trip to the Farmer’s Market to experience foods with amazing flavor and maybe you’ll decide to start your own garden!
- If you choose fruit or veggies that aren’t ripe yet, you can leave most out at room temperature to help them ripen. Once ripe they can be stored in the refrigerator.
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