Fruit sellers urge buyers to look beyond size when choosing produce

Customers often pick the largest fruit, assuming bigger size means better taste and more flesh. Experienced fruit sellers, however, say size is only one factor and evaluate five additional details before recommending a piece. They first inspect the stem, checking that it is intact and shows natural coloration, which indicates the fruit was recently harvested and handled gently. Next, they examine the skin for cracks, splits or abnormal blemishes, as a sound outer layer helps preserve quality. They also assess the fruit’s firmness by gently squeezing it; a fresh fruit feels firm yet yields slightly under pressure. Additional checks include the overall color consistency appropriate to the variety and the presence of any soft spots that may signal overripeness or damage. By using these criteria, sellers aim to guide buyers toward fruit that is truly fresh and flavorful, regardless of its size.