Fruit Tips

May

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-May
Bananas
Pineapples
Rhubarb
Strawberries

Selecting Grapes

To pick good grapes...eat one. Also look at the bunch, the grapes should be firm, not soft. They should be attached to the stalks, not hanging by a thread. Avoid bunches with signs of mold.

Picking Avocados

Overripe avocados dent when you apply a little pressure with your thumb; it should only give a little and then return to its original shape.

Selecting Bananas

Choose bananas according to your family's needs. Look for yellow skins, with no spotting. You can ripen green bananas faster by placing in a paper bag with an apple. As the fruit turns a deeper brown, it is better suited to cooking and baking.

January

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-January
Grapefruit
Oranges
Quinces
Tangerines

Choosing Lemons

Look for lemons that have a mostly smooth skin. Shape doesn't affect taste. Some bumps are okay as long as they are not brown spots. The color should be a bright yellow. Stay away from ones with green-tinged skin, hard skin, or wrinkled skin.

December

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-December
Apples
Grapefruit
Oranges
Quinces

August

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-August
Blackberries
Blueberries
Limes
Melons
Peaches
Pears

April

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-April
Avocados
Bananas
Grapefruit
Pineapples
Rhubarb

Choosing a Melon

Sometimes it's hard to pick out the best melon from the produce stand without opening, here's some ideas.

Unless you have acute hearing, thumping is not always the best way to tell if the fruit is ripe. If you are unable to open the melon on site, look for a firm fruit that has a fragrant "melon" smell where the vine attached to the fruit. If it or the fruit smells earthy like dirt, avoid it.

July

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-July
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Lemon
Limes
Melons
Peaches
Watermelon

Selecting Nectarines

Choosing a nectarine is similar to choosing a peach. Look for brightly-colored, plump fruit. I look for a bright-red to reddish-purple color in the skin. It should feel slightly soft to the touch and have a smooth skin (no wrinkles). Make sure you don't mistake bruising for softness. Also, avoid any that are hard (a sign of being picked too early.) You can soften it a little at room temperature but it will not ripen any further. Nectarines will stay a few days longer if refrigerated.

March

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-March
Avocados
Bananas
Grapefruit
Oranges
Pineapples

February

The fruits below are listed according to when they are at their peak supply and taste in North America. During these months they are readily available and should be selling at lower prices. Some fruits may also be available during other times of the year, but they probably are shipped in from other parts of the world. Prices for those fruits will probably be higher due to the costs associated with importing.

Peak Season-February
Grapefruit
Oranges

Pineapple Storage

You can keep pineapples in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keeping it at room temperature will further soften, but not ripen it.

If the pineapple is cut open, tightly wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay for 3-4 days.

Selecting Peaches

When looking for peaches, look for brightly-colored, plump fruit. I look for a bright-red to reddish- orange color in the skin. Peaches need to be ripe when picked so look for ones that feel slightly soft to the touch. Make sure you don't mistake bruising for softness. Also avoid any that are greenish (a sign of being picked too early). You can soften a peach at room temperature but it will not ripen any further. Peaches can be kept at room temperature, but will stay a few days longer if kept in plastic and refrigerated.

Pineapple

Pineapples should be picked when ripe, as they do not ripen further afterwards. Look for a yellow or golden color in the skin and a body that is slightly soft when touched.

If selecting a cut or cored pineapple, look for flesh that is a deep golden yellow. The lighter yellow tends to be less ripe and hence, less sweet.