Choose fruit with bright, even skin color
Look for slightly soft skin when gently pressed
Pick fruit with fresh, green-tipped scales
Avoid fruit with many dark spots, bruises, or cracks
Select fruit that feels heavy for its size
Smell for a mild, sweet aroma near the stem end
Avoid fruit that is very hard or shriveled
Check that the stem area is dry but not moldy
Choose ripe fruit based on variety color: pink, red, or yellow skin depending on type
Buy fruit that gives a little under gentle pressure, not mushy