How to Pick the Most Delicious Fruits at the Store

Choosing the best fruit at the grocery store can be tricky, especially if you’re relying solely on luck. However, by paying close attention to their appearance, texture, and color, you can ensure you’re picking the sweetest, juiciest, and most flavorful options. Here’s a practical guide to selecting 11 popular fruits based on visual and physical cues.

1. Oranges

Shape: Choose oval oranges over round ones. Oval oranges typically have thinner skin and juicier flesh.
Navel Size: A small navel means a sweeter, more flavorful orange. Large navels indicate a secondary fruit inside, which can dilute the sweetness.
Color: A deep orange hue with even coloring suggests ripeness. Avoid oranges with patches of green.
Weight: Heavier oranges contain more juice.
Stem: A fresh green stem means the orange was recently picked.

2. Watermelon

Field Spot: A yellow or golden spot (not white or green) means it ripened on the vine and will be sweeter.
Belly Button (Stem End): A brown belly button indicates it was picked at peak ripeness, while a green one means it was harvested too early.
Sound Test: Tap the watermelon. A deep, hollow sound means it’s full of water and crisp inside.
Shape: Uniform, round watermelons tend to be sweeter than elongated ones.

3. Cantaloupe (Muskmelon)

Netting: A ripe cantaloupe has a rough, raised netting on the skin. If the surface is smooth, it’s underripe.
Color: Look for a beige or golden hue rather than green.
Stem End: It should have a slight indentation where the stem was attached. A green stem means it was picked too soon.
Aroma: A strong, sweet smell at the blossom end indicates great flavor.

4. Bananas

Color: Bright yellow with a few brown specks is perfect for immediate consumption.
Green Bananas: These will need a few days to ripen.
Avoid: Bananas with dull or grayish skin as they were likely stored incorrectly.

5. Pineapple

Color: A ripe pineapple has golden yellow skin. Too much green means it’s underripe.
Leaf Test: Pull a leaf from the crown. If it comes out easily, the pineapple is ripe.
Aroma: The bottom should smell sweet and tropical.
Firmness: The fruit should be firm but slightly give when pressed.

6. Strawberries

Color: Look for deep red strawberries without white or green patches.
Size: Smaller strawberries tend to be sweeter than oversized ones.
Leaves: Bright green leaves indicate freshness.
No Moisture: Avoid strawberries with moist or mushy spots.

7. Apples

Skin: Should be shiny and firm without wrinkles.
Color: Look for deep, rich colors; a dull appearance suggests poor flavor.
Firmness: Press gently—apples should be crisp, not soft.

8. Mangoes

Color: A yellow-red blush on the skin suggests ripeness, but some varieties stay green.
Texture: A ripe mango gives slightly when squeezed.
Aroma: A sweet, fruity smell at the stem end is a good sign.

9. Avocados

Color: Darker varieties (like Hass) turn deep green or black when ripe.
Firmness: Gently press the fruit. If it gives slightly, it’s ready to eat.
Stem Test: Flick off the small stem cap at the top. If it’s green underneath, the avocado is good. If it’s brown, it’s overripe.

10. Grapes

Color: Deep purple, red, or green hues without a dull appearance.
Firmness: Gently squeeze. Ripe grapes are firm and plump.
Attachment: Grapes should be firmly attached to the stem.

11. Peaches

Color: A ripe peach has a vibrant yellow-orange hue with no green spots.
Firmness: A slight give when pressed indicates ripeness.
Aroma: A strong, sweet scent means it’s ready to eat.