Fruit is an integral component of every diet and is only edible when ripe. The good news is - if you're looking for the freshest fruit at the grocery store, you don’t need to be a farmer. Here are five tips to follow:

1. Check for signs of damage or bruising on the fruit

Fresh fruit can occasionally become infected by pathogens, which are hazardous bacteria or viruses. Salmonella, E. coli, and Hepatitis A are examples of pathogens. Produce can be infected at any stage along the way, from the farm to your plate.

When purchasing fresh fruit, look for ones with a nice form, texture, and colour. Fresh fruit that is mouldy, bruised, wounded, or those that displays evidence of insect damage, should not be purchased. Bruises and cuts can expose fruit or vegetables to microorganisms, causing them to spoil quickly.



2. Fruit Weight

Heavy is preferable. Weight is an excellent sign of ripeness. The phrase "heavy for its size" is frequently used to describe fruit. It normally indicates that the fruit is entirely grown, which is well on its way to ripeness.




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3. Colour of the Fruit

Colour is a hint, but it is not always entirely reliable. There are some fruit colours that indicate when they are ripe. For instance, the green chlorophyll degrades when the pH varies. Some fruits, such as bananas and apples, contain bright colours behind the green chlorophyll layer; and when the chlorophyll diminishes, the colours show through. Colour change is a great indicator of ripeness for several fruits: bananas, apples, tomatoes, and cherries.



4. Smell the Fruit

Aroma strongly suggests taste. Smell is especially essential when colour isn't a reliable predictor of maturity, as it is with most melons. Ripening fruits undergo chemical changes that lead them to create sensual, luscious-smelling volatile compounds. Sniff the blossom end of the fruit (opposite the stem) and only choose fruit that has a rich, fruity scent.



5. Feel the Texture

Look for a softer feel. The chemicals that keep the cells together (hemicelluloses and solid pectic compounds) break down and convert to water-soluble pectins as fruits ripen, causing the fruit to become softer and softer. Therefore, a gentle squeeze is a good test for maturity. A plum is not ripe if it is rock hard. Squeeze the pears, kiwis, and avocados to see if they have a firm or thick rind. This doesn't work well with melons or pineapples, but a little give is a positive indicator even with these rough-coated fruits.

And now you know how to inspect and select fresh fruits like an expert! However, with BELI e-Mart, you don't have to remember all of these suggestions since we handle the selection for you. Besides, we provide online fresh fruit delivery so that you don't have to go to the grocery store - we will send it to your front door instead! Make life easier for yourself and order online with us today!