Produce Picking 101: How to Pick the Best of the Bunch

While it’s a seemingly simple task, picking out produce at the grocery store can often be daunting. With so many different types of fruits and vegetables, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that you can follow to make sure you’re getting the ripest produce every time. If you are someone who is a bit freaked out about hiring a grocery delivery service in Charleston, you are not alone. But we are experts at finding the best of the bunch by using these pro tips!

Smell It 

Citrus is a great example of this one. You can usually tell if an orange or lemon is ripe by simply giving it a sniff. If it smells sweet, then it’s ready to eat!

Look at the Color

While color isn’t always indicative of ripeness (i.e., green bananas are actually ripe!), this tip applies more to produce like apples and tomatoes. If they look too pale or overly green, then they might not be quite ready yet. 

Feel for Firmness

This one works for almost any type of fruit or vegetable; just give it a gentle squeeze and look for firmness. If it’s too soft or mushy, then chances are that it won’t taste its best once you get home and try it out in your favorite recipe! 

Check the Stem Area

Apples have stems that tell you a lot about their ripeness—if theirs looks brown or withered, then chances are that the apple has been sitting around for a while and is no longer as fresh as its red-stemmed counterparts.

Look for Bruises or Soft Spots 

Brown splotches on your peaches? Soft spots on your potatoes? These areas indicate damage caused by pests or disease, so steer clear if possible! 

Avoid Produce with Excessive Wax Coating

Not all stores wax their fruits and veggies but many do, especially for organic options. Be sure to avoid buying these items if their outer coating looks too thick; waxing often masks rottenness underneath, so think twice before purchasing! 

Check for Freshness Dates

Many stores will place stickers with “best before” dates on their produce so shoppers know exactly when something should be consumed by. Make sure you check these dates before purchasing anything; otherwise, you might end up with something that’s past its prime!

If you are hesitant to hire a grocery delivery service in Charleston because you want to pick your own produce, fear not! Our grocery delivery experts are well-versed and trained to choose the best produce for all of our customers. We use the seven helpful tips above—from looking at color and feeling for firmness to avoiding excessive wax coatings—so you never have to worry about receiving unripe fruits or vegetables again! We offer the best grocery delivery services in Charleston because we go the extra mile to ensure that you get the best of every bunch, every time! Contact us today to get started!