How to Pick and Store Fruit

Have you ever been in a grocery store and was a little confused on what to look for when selecting the perfect fruit? I’ll tell you some things to look for.

When it comes to bananas you should pick ones that are yellow and have no brown spotting. They can be a little bit green as long as they are not completely green. Do not put bananas in the refrigerator because it makes them rot and darken quicker. You should lay them on their side on a counter. Laying a banana on its back can bruise it and laying it on its side helps it to ripen better.

When it comes to cantaloupe the best time to buy them is between June and August. When picking one you should make sure that it is free of dents and bruises. Minor dents and bruises will not spoil the fruit inside. To check if it’s ripe, gently press your thumb on its stem at the end of the fruit to see if it is soft. You should also sniff it to see if it smells sweet.

When it comes to peaches the best time to buy them is between August and September. To check its ripeness, you should look for golden undertones with a slight reddish color. Sniff the fruit to see if it smells sweet. If it doesn’t have a sweet odor it has been picked too early. It should also be firm and not hard. Do not store peaches in the refrigerator or they will become mushy instead of ripe. You should place them in a paper bag for a day or two so that they ripen correctly.

Strawberries are good to buy any time of the summer. You should check to make sure they are firm, have a vibrant color, and free of bruises. You should also sniff them to see if they smell fresh. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly and store them in an airtight drawer in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.

When buying a watermelon you should look for one with a dark green outer shell and that is slightly yellow or lighter green stripes. A watermelon that is too ripe will be sugary and hollow. Make sure it doesn’t have cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Storing a watermelon whole without cutting it makes it last longer.

To check the ripeness of a fruit if helps to flick the fruit with your finger on its side. You should be listening for a ping sound and not a thud sound. A fruit tastes best when you eat it within a few days of buying it.