Picking Fresh Fruit

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Picking Fresh Fruit

 

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Have you ever passed a shopper sniffing a cantaloupe or holding up a tomato to

the light?

 

People have the strangest methods to

try to determine what's ripe and ready to buy in the produce section.

 

If you never know what produce to pick, read on; Here are some helpful tips on

finding out how to tell when your favorite fruits and veggies are ready for your

shopping cart.

 

==> Bananas: Two sections of bananas usually are available at your grocery

store. In one section, they usually look more yellow and may have brown spots.

 

These are the more ripe bananas. Bananas are at their best when they are yellow

with small brown spots. If you're doing your shopping for the coming week or

two, look in the other section.

 

These bananas look yellow to bright green. Bright green bananas are not ripe;

you'll need to let them sit for a couple of days --until they turn yellow.

 

==> Peaches: Choose peaches with a yellowish or creamy color. A red tinge to the

fruit doesn't mean the fruit is ripe.

 

Peaches should be firm or have a slight " give. " Don't buy green, brownish or

wrinkled peaches.

 

==> Apples: Apples should feel firm. If you can dent one with your finger, it's

too soft. Large apples are more likely to be overripe. Don't buy apples with

bruises, rotten spots or a brown core.

 

Bananas, apples and peaches can be stored on your countertop while they ripen.

 

==> Grapes: A good way to tell if you have a bunch of fresh grapes is to look at

the side of the bag that was facing the table or display where the bag was

resting.

 

If you see mushy grapes or the beginnings of soft mold, those grapes are too

old. Pass them up for a firm bunch. A grape should hold its shape if you squeeze

it slightly. Choose grapes with good color that are firmly attached to the stem.

 

==> Strawberries: Choose berries that are a moderate to deep red, firm, and have

leaves attached. Check the bottom of the basket for smashed or moldy berries.

Don't buy any containers that are stained and leaking.

 

Strawberries often come in a plastic container; keep that container in your

refrigerator.

 

For the grapes to last longer, thoroughly wash them in your sink with lukewarm

water.

 

Then place them in a strainer basket (your pasta strainer will do) line with

paper towel.

 

Store the strainer in your refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

 

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My Special Thought To You:

Success Is Getting What You Want--Happiness Is Liking What You Get!