Is It Ripe? How To Tell If A Fruit Is Ripe Or Not

Picked a mealy watermelon again? Picking out ripe fruit is an art which only some people can learn. As a fruit ripens it goes from hard, sour and inedible to sweet, juicy and aromatic. Colour alters, weight increases, texture changes to produce something truly juicy and mouthwatering. While each fruit is different, depending on the variety, there are a few general rules which can help identify ripe fruit.

How To Tell If A Banana Is Ripe?

Look for bright yellow coloured bananas. If there are small dots on their peel that means it is ripe. However, you shouldn’t store this type of banana for more than 2 days or it will start to decay.

Avoid buying bananas with big black spots as it’s a sign of decay. The size of the fruit doesn’t matter when buying bananas if you are not choosing between baby bananas and normal size bananas.

Season:Year-round availability

How To Tell If A Watermelon is Ripe?

The tastiest and sweetest watermelons ripen in the period from the second half of August until the end of September. Some producers spray early watermelons with nitrogen fertilizers and growth stimulants, which is dangerous for your health. Opt for a medium-sized watermelon. Bright, contrasting stripes and a shiny crust are the signs of its ripeness. A watermelon’s side should be a saturated yellow color, not the white and its size should be 2-4 inches. Knock a watermelon with your first- ripe fruits make a resonant sound.

Season: April to November

Best To Buy: May to August

How To Tell If A Pomegranate Is Ripe?

Choose fruits that are heavy for their size. Cracks are a good sign that the fruits are bursting with plump seeds, but make sure there isn’t any mold in the cracks.

Season: Year-round availability

Best Time To Buy: October To February

Also Read:Pomegranates-Know How To Enjoy This Healthy Fruit

How To Tell If A Pine Apple Is Ripe?

Lovingly known as the divas of fruits, this spiky fruit is surprisingly easy to tell when ripe. If there’s a sweet smell like a vinegary with a dark green colour leaves then it is ripe. If there’s no smell then it is underripe.

Season: Year-round availability

Best To Buy: April to May

How To Tell If Strawberries Are Ripe?

By now it's pretty clear that your nose doesn't lie when it comes to fresh fruit. The same goes for picking sweet strawberries. So choose berries that are fragrant, uniformly red, and shiny with fresh green tops. Also, check the berries bottom to make sure they aren’t crushed or spoiled.

Season: Summer

Best To Buy: April to October

How To Tell If A Mango Is Ripe?

There are many varieties of mangoes. Some go from green to red. Some go from yellow to orange. Choose fruits that are slightly soft to the touch and smell sweet. Check near the stem end, the smell should be stronger there. Choose fruit that is slightly soft and heavy.

Season: Summer

Best To Buy: May to August

So ladies, what are you waiting for? Just head straight to the grocery!

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