Pick produce that is ripe-so you’ll eat it! There is nothing worse than bringing home mealy apples or squishy grapes. Here is a quick guide from Good Housekeeping to know how to pick your produce correctly.
| Fruit | Signs they’re fresh | Signs you shouldn’t buy |
| Apricots | Uniform golden color; firm to the touch | Pale yellow or greenish-yellow color; rock hard or very soft; shriveled |
| Cantaloupe | Delicate aroma; yellow-tinged skin; thick texture on the rind; no stem | Pronounced yellow rind; very sweet, pungent aroma; soft rind |
| Cherries | Average to large size; smooth, shiny surface; new-looking stems | Shriveled, dried stems; dull sheen |
| Grapes | Tender and plump; firmly attached to the stem; green grapes may have a slight amber blush | Brown, brittle stems; wrinkled surface; leaking juice |
| Honeydew | Delicate, pleasant aroma; creamy yellow rind; soft, velvety texture | Green, smooth, hard rind; very sweet, pungent aroma |
| Nectarines/Peaches | Plump; firm, with a slight cushion; white or yellow color with a red blush | Very cushiony; shriveled or prunelike |
| Oranges | Heavy; firm, smooth texture | Rough texture; lightweight; dull; dry or spongy |
| Watermelon | Cream-colored underside; symmetrical shape | Misshapen, with cushiony spots |
| Vegetable | Signs they’re fresh | Signs you shouldn’t buy |
| Asparagus | Straight, green stalks; closed tips | Open tips; curved or rough texture |
| Bell Peppers | Thick; bright; glossy skin; firm | Soft spots; shriveled |
| Broccoli | Firm; deep green color; closed florets | Yellow color; open florets; soft; slippery; water-soaked spots |
| Carrots | Bright orange; smooth; firm | Rough texture; green roots; wilted; soft spots |
| Green Beans | Long pods; straight; firm; crisp | Bent pods; blemishes; wilted or loose pods |
| Onions | Dry; papery; smooth skin; small necks | Green spots; leathery depressed spots |
| Potatoes (white) | Firm; oval shape; smooth | Odd shape; shriveled or green-tinged; bruised |
| Tomatoes | Plump; rich overall red color; slight cushion; smooth | Shriveled, with blemishes; water-soaked spots; depressed areas |
From: Good Housekeeping
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