12 Tips On Choosing Fresh Vegetables And Fruits Shared By A Cook That Are Totally Worth Sharing

Oct 15, 2018 by apost team

Even the most seasoned chef can often have difficulties discerning when produce is at its peak ripeness.

Fortunately, with a little background knowledge, you can ensure that the fruits and vegetables you select are at their peak level of freshness and readiness to consume while also providing the highest level of nutritional value.

Here is a simple guide to help you navigate the produce section to choose the very best tasting fruits and vegetables:

Watermelon is at its peak ripeness toward the end of the summer months, making it a perfect treat to celebrate the end of the season. Medium-sized watermelons will yield the sweetest taste.

Because the fruit takes on moisture from the ground during the growing process, a dry tail is an indication that it has reached its prime ripeness. Bright stripes that contrast with the dominant colors of green and yellow are also signs that the watermelon was picked at the right time.

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Like watermelons, you should choose medium-sized apples for the best taste. Shiny apples are an indication that the producer has coated it with wax for aesthetic purposes. Depending on the varietal, apples are in season from mid-summer through the fall.

Choose apples that are at the peak of the season to guarantee a crisp and sweet taste.

Avoid cracks, stains, and bruises on the cucumber, as these are signs of damage to the vegetable.

Choose the brightest hue of green you can find and look for tails that are still intact and not dried up yet. A withered tail is an indication that the cucumber has passed its peak ripeness.

Taste in bananas is a personal preference with some people enjoying the fruit when it is less ripe and other preferring an overripe variety. A bright yellow banana means the fruit is not quite ripe.

A yellow banana with small brown spots scattered on the peel indicates peak sweetness and ripeness. Avoid bananas with large brown spots because this is a sign of decay inside of the peel.

Ripe pears feel firm to the touch yet should give a little when pressed. Red spot blushing indicates that the pear is at peak ripeness and is ready to eat. Brown spots and bruising near the stem is a sign that the pear is no longer fresh and should not be consumed.

One common misconception about tomatoes is that those still on the vine are the freshest. The truth is that ripe tomatoes naturally fall off of the vine on their own, meaning that a tomato still attached was picked before its maximum ripeness.

Tomatoes still on the vine were harvested before their time and will not provide as many nutrients as those that were picked after peak ripeness. The best tomatoes are firm to the touch yet not too mushy.

Bell peppers boast two easily distinguished types, indicated by the bottom sectors. Male peppers are divided into three sectors while female peppers are separated into quarters. Female peppers are sweeter and a better choice for eating raw than their male counterparts.

The juiciness of a pepper can be told by its weight. Heavier peppers will be juicier when cut.

Cherries are an ideal summer treat, reaching peak season in June and July. Buying cherries when they are in season will guarantee prime sweetness and juiciness while also ensuring that the fruit is at its nutritional peak.

Consumers should look for cherries with the stems still intact. Cherries should be shiny with deep color hues. If the cherry smells sour, it has likely spoiled and should be avoided.

A green stem on a plum means that it was picked before its peak ripeness. The stem should be uniform in color and the skin of the fruit should have a consistent hue throughout. Consumers should take care to avoid buying plums with dents, discolorations, or cracks on the surface.

 The ripeness of a kiwi fruit can be determined by pinching the fruit between your fingers. The kiwi should feel soft but elastic enough to give spring back when pressed. A wrinkled or shriveled kiwi skin is a sign that the fruit is past its peak and should not be consumed. A kiwi that is ready to eat will give off a sweet citrus scent.

A ripe lemon has a shiny peel and smells sweet. A smooth exterior means the lemon was picked at the beginning of the harvest cycle, translating to a higher vitamin output. A thick and lumpy skin is a sign that the fruit will have a lower pulp level. This is a personal preference so choose accordingly.

To round out the even dozen, here is a bonus pick just for you! Avocados are one of the most difficult pieces of produce to pick at its prime level of ripeness. An avocado should be dark and not bright green. The skin should be free of dents and bruises, but a pebbled look is actually a sign of freshness.

Take this comprehensive list with you next time you visit the grocery store to serve as a handy guide to help when selecting produce. Let us know how it worked for you and feel free to spread the useful information to others in your circle of friends!