Fruit With Flavor
Choose the tastiest fruits
We have all experienced the disappointment of biting into a beautiful piece of fruit to find that it is tasteless. We choose the best looking fruit only to take it home and be disappointed!
Today I ate a mango that was perfect in taste and texture. In addition, I enjoyed a peach that was juicy and sweet, just like a peach should taste.
There have been many times over the years when I took one bite of a fresh piece of fruit only to toss it in the trash because it was tasteless and grainy. Yuck!
How To Choose Fruit
Someone shared a secret with me several years ago that has helped me to purchase a better quality of fruit. Changing grocery stores was not the answer. Changing my selection process was necessary for my success.
There are a few basic principles to always consider when choosing your fruit. Is it the season for the fruit? In our stores today, we have fruit imported from various parts of the United States and other countries. This allows us to have fresh fruit for longer periods of time during the year. If you are unsure about the origin of the fruits, ask your grocer.
Is the fruit bruised? Don't buy it. In the grocery store just yesterday, an entire display of peaches were severely bruised. The peaches were ripening and the shippers probably threw the fruit into the bins, causing the bruises. Whatever the cause, bruises will create bad fruit. Look carefully to determine the condition of the fruit. Darker colors on the fruit usually signify bruising.
Once you have located a desirable piece of fruit, use your most valuable tool, your nose. Smell the fruit. If it smells like a peach, it has flavor. If it is odorless, it is most likely tasteless. You will find that fruits emitting a flavorful odor will be a tasty treat.
Now you know my secret about purchasing fruit. A side note, not all fruits have an odor that can determine the sweetness of the fruit, bananas being one of them. Use these methods whether shopping with your local grocer or at a farmer's market. Use it where you can and have a successful shopping trip!
