Is It Ripe Yet?
Fruit (and, yes, I know, biologically speaking from a science viewpoint, fruit isn't actually a thing), is a healthy go-to. But it's ready to eat when it says it will be, but when is that exactly? Let's all get fruity ...
To be honest if you buy your fruit from a grocery store, they're probably ready for you to enjoy, but this isn't always the case. Apples tend to be fine (otherwise they wouldn't have been harvested), the same for citrus fruits (although give them a gentle squeeze and smell them). Pears can be a bit tricky though; that little stalk needs to give a little when pulled - if it comes right out easily, it's probably overly ripe.
This is similar with pineapple; grab one of the leaves and give a gentle tug. If it comes out easily, you're good to go, if not then wait another day.
Mangos and melons give them a smell; is it ripe yet, does it give off a sweet fragrance? I don't care that the woman stood next to you is complaining you are handling everything and lifting them up to your nose - she can go smell her own.
Berries should have a bright colour, and stop ripening as soon as they are picked; if you happen to have them growing in your garden - or find them in the wild - just go with the plumpest ones.
Bananas are the odd ones here, because unless you are going to eat them all immediately, it is better to buy when they are still green. This gives you plenty of time for them to turn yellow (or indeed mottled with dark spots for banana bread).
Any fruit that isn't peelable should be washed before eating. They may have been sprayed, had bugs crawling on them, or some strange person manhandling them and smelling them (weirdos).
One final thing, if I may, before I go - waxed fruit. Yes, it's safe, yes, it will help preserve the fruit a little longer, and yes, you can remove it by scrubbing under running water for a few seconds (the fruit, not you), but if you are only using the juice there's absolutely no need to.
Thank you for getting all fruity with me.
