How to Pick a Good Apple

The flavor of apples depends on the variety.

An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but it will provide you with a good source of fiber and Vitamin C, according to NutritionData. When eaten fresh, apples provide a quick snack that is both crunchy and sweet. A medium apple has less than 100 calories, making this fruit a favorite among those watching their weight. Knowing what to look for in apples helps you pick the best apples from produce stands or farmer's markets.

Instructions

1. Look for firm apples. As apples age, the flesh softens and flavor diminishes. A fresh apple should feel solid in your hand when you grasp the apple.

2. Examine the apple for any spots or bruises. This is especially important when purchasing apples from a roadside stand or farmer's market, as untrained workers or teens may have picked the apples and placed them directly in the bags. Dropping or tossing apples into bags or crates bruises their tender flesh.

3. Look at the stems and any attached leaves. Bags of apples at the produce stand may sit for a day or two. Freshly picked apples have firm stems and fresh leaves. If leaves are wilted or dried, the apples have been sitting for a day or more.

4. Taste test an apple before purchasing the entire bag. Each variety has its own distinct flavor and texture. Taste to be sure the variety is one your family enjoys.

References

• Nutrition Data: Apples, Raw With Skin
• Iowa State University Extension: Snack for Fitness and Fun

Resources

• UC Davis Horticulture: Apple Varieties