Discover practical tips to select fresh, tasty fruits and vegetables every time. From color and texture to smell, ripeness, and storage, make the right choices at the market..
Color is usually the initial indicator of freshness. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be highly colored, full of color, with no brown spots or bruises. A shiny apple, a deep red tomato, or dark green broccoli floret usually means that they were harvested at their best.
Texture matters too, squishy or soft texture can indicate overripeness or rot. Cucumbers must be crunchy, and peaches must be slightly soft but not mushy, say.
Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables ensures enhanced taste, texture, and nutrient value. Seasonal fruits develop naturally, not requiring long distance transportation or artificial ripening methods. For instance, summer-bought strawberries will be far tastier than wintertime imported strawberries.
Seasonality also supports local agriculture and reduces environmental impacts. You can check your region's seasonal chart or visit farmers' markets to see what is currently in season.
Don't overlook the power of smell when buying produce. The majority of fruits, pineapples, melons, and peaches have a sweet and pleasant odor when ripe and ready to eat. If there is no smell from the fruit, then it is probably not ripe yet.
Beware if it smells overly strong, fermented, or sour, it can be a sign of spoilage. For vegetables like herbs or leafy greens, a clean, fresh smell is a great indicator of quality.
Organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables will contain fewer pesticides, are fresher, and encourage more sustainable farming. Organic isn't always necessary, but usually a good choice for thin-skinned fruits or raw fruits and vegetables, like berries or apples.
Local fruits and vegetables are also more likely to be harvested at the time of peak ripeness, and thus will taste and contain more nutrients. If organic or local are not available, washing and peeling will reduce exposure to pesticides.
Put hands and eyes to work examining produce prior to putting it in your shopping basket. Examine all sides, not only the top. Do blemishes, soft spots, or cracks appear? Is the skin smooth and tight?
For greens, observe the leaves, they need to be bright and crisp, not soggy or tacky. For fruit like avocados or mangoes, a gentle press will enable you to identify if they are ripe without bruising them.
Some fruits will still ripen after they have been picked (such as bananas, avocados, and tomatoes), and others won't (such as berries and citrus). Knowing which is which allows you to organize your eating and minimize waste.
For instance, you may purchase firmer avocados to consume in a couple of days, and ripe ones to use right away. Being able to recognize visual and tactile ripeness indicators puts you more in charge of your food planning.
Selecting fresh produce is just the beginning, storing it properly keeps it fresh and nutrient-rich. Some fruits release ethylene gas (such as apples), which causes nearby produce to ripen (or rot) faster.
Understand what to refrigerate (berries, green vegetables), what to store at room temperature (tomatoes, bananas), and how to store them separately. Proper storage practices eliminate food wastage and save money.
Selecting fresh produce is just the beginning, storing it properly keeps it fresh and nutrient-rich. Some fruits release ethylene gas (such as apples), which causes nearby produce to ripen (or rot) faster.
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2 min read
8/20/2025
Discover practical tips to select fresh, tasty fruits and vegetables every time. From color and texture to smell, ripeness, and storage, make the right choices at the market..
Read moreBrowse our fruits and vegetables and discover simple guides to start growing your own produce.
Browse our complete list of fruits and their types, nutrition facts, ripening stages and more
Browse our complete list of vegetables and their types, nutrition facts, ripening stages and more