Apples are a very tasty and nutritious fruit. It is important for us to know how to choose the right apples, we will give you a guide. This is because there are so many types of apples, there are about 7500 varieties of apples worldwide. So, once the apples brought to the market we must know how to get the best among the many types. So, we think this guide on how to choose apples is important to know.
Ok, below we will explain to you about one by one how to choose the best, healthy and delicious apples fruit for you to consume.
Some of the best ways to pick apples include:
- Buy local apples
- Choose apples that still have stems
- Check apples firmness
- Check for signs of spoilage
- Choose the apples with the deepest color
- Take a heavy apples
- Choose organic apples
Those are some of our explanations on how to choose the right apples. Now we will explain one by one. It is hoped that you can understand everything so that you can choose the best apples.
Also see: 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING VEGETABLES
By mastering some of these apples picking guide points, you can get healthy and fresh apples. Whenever you go to the supermarket to choose fruits, don’t forget to apply these important points.
How To Choose Apples Correctly
1. Buy local apples
Why should choose local apples? Buying local apples first can improve the local economy and you will get the freshest and most juicy apples. So, buying apples directly at the apple orchard or at the local supermarket is recommended.
Local apples do not experience as much storage or storage time, are not transported further as imported apples. Likewise, it does not undergo much temperature changes and does not cause the apples to lose its nutrients.
Another reason why it should be local apples is because it’s FAST. Local apples you can most likely get after 24 hours of picking. This allows you to find fresh and healthy apples. Unlike the case with imported apples or apples sold in non-local supermarkets. Apples usually reach supermarket shelves after 9 to 12 months of shelf life. That is why buying local apples is very good and provides the best experience for you.
Why do apples last months? This is because farmers pick them before they are ripe and use certain chemicals to prevent oxidation. If not through this process, apples can only last a few weeks. Imported apples that have been coated with chemicals to maintain the crispness of the apples are certainly not good for consumption, these are not healthy anymore to eat.
Buying apples locally will give you the best apples. These are healthy and crunchy apples and still have a lot of nutrients, usually only 24 hours after harvest you can get them.
Also see: How To Pick Apples from Tree Correctly
2. Choose an apple that is still stemmed
Why should there be still fruit stalks? Apples that still have stalks will be protected from decay longer because it can prevent microorganisms from entering the fruit quickly. In addition, the stalk will slow down the apples to wither so that it will still be able to maintain its freshness. In addition to apples that have stems, pay attention to the stems so they don’t wilt. If the stalk has withered, it indicates that the apple has withered too. Take apples with stems that are still fresh or hard.
An apple without a stem is like a house without a door, so avoid choosing apples without a stem.
3. Need to check the firmness of the apples
The next thing that becomes important for you in choosing apples is to check the firmness. Apples that are still firm or hard certainly have a crunchy and fresh texture. This indicates that your apples are still healthy and fresh for consumption or indicate that the apples have not been picked from the tree for a long time.
How to check the firmness of an apple? This is very easy, try to press gently, if the apples feels soft and easily dents, this is not a hard apples, not a fresh apples and avoid choosing apples like this.
Next, try to tap the apples with your fingertips, if the sound is loud then the apples is loud, the louder the sound, the louder the apples. If the sound is dim it indicates that the apples is mushy.
So, pay attention to the apples one by one, which are still hard and not dented when gently pressed. Do not press hard as this may cause the apples to crack inside and this may cause the apples to break.
Also read: The Best Wood for Wooden Shelves
4. Check for signs of spoilage
Take apples that are free from signs of decay, choose apples that have no signs of bruising, no dents and no defects.
How do you know if an apple is rotten? Pay attention to the following signs:
Healthy and fresh apples do not have such signs
- Dents
- Blemishes
- Bruises
When you eat a mushy apples, it will taste bland and not crunchy, or it’s like you are eating foam. This type of apple is not flavorful at all and you should avoid it because the nutrients have also been reduced.
However, if you have already bought it, you can still eat apples by removing only the bruised part. It’s just not fresh and has reduced nutrition.
To avoid choosing rotten apples, pay attention to:
- Brown in color
- Liquid coming out of them
- Holes
- Wrinkly skin
- Mold
Never choose apples with this character because it is not only not fresh but it is a rotten apples that can make you sick if you eat it.
5. Choose the Apples with the Strongest Color
The apples with the deepest color are the best tasting, healthiest and usually larger in size. So, this is an important thing to pay attention to, not only the firmness but also how the color is. We always find the apples with the best taste in the apples with the deepest color, so don’t neglect the apples picking guide.
The apples with the deepest color indicates that it is facing the sun, meaning that this fruit is known to have more sun and this is a sign that it is full of nutrients. Apples that grow facing the sun are better than those that grow slightly in the sun. This is also an important thing to note for those of you who want to get the best apples.
Quality apples are strong in color because they are exposed to more sun than pale apples.
However, if you choose apples in supermarkets, especially non-local supermarkets, avoid shiny apples because it is feared that these have been coated with a layer of wax to prevent spoilage. This is usually applied to imported apples, to maintain their quality, the apples are coated with a layer of wax considering the length of travel or transportation time from one country to another. Always avoid apples that look shiny. So, choose apples with the deepest colors but less shiny, these are usually safe from wax materials.
See too: Apple Cider Vinegar: Health Benefits and Side Effects
6. Choose heavy apples
One important guide in choosing apples is the weight of the apples. Look for apples that are heavy on the fruit shelf, because these apples still contain a lot of fluid and the texture of the flesh is still fresh or not dry. If the apple feels lighter than its size, then it is a sign that the apple has dried and no longer has its original taste.
So, big apples do not guarantee that the apples are good and still fresh. Sometimes a large apple feels lighter than its size, this is not a good choice for you. If you have picked up a lighter apples, then just return it to the fruit shelf, and grab another heavier apples.
7. Choose organic apples
Next, an important guide in choosing apples is to choose organic fruit or organically grown apples.
Non-organic apples are not good for consumption because these apples are treated with pesticides to ward off insects. This is bad for health and is not classified as healthy apples, pesticides that are sprayed will leave an imprint on the apples so that it will affect the health of those who consume them.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually publishes a list of the dirtiest fruit due to contamination with pesticides. This worst fruit is the fruit of conventionally grown plants and contains the highest amount of pesticide residue. This fruit is usually a type of fruit with a thin skin and no protective skin which makes the fruit rather comfortable and safe from pesticide sprays.
Also see: Organic Bananas vs Regular Bananas: Which is Better?
So, organic apples are the best choice for good health. If there are organic apples then choose it but this apple has a more expensive price.
FAQs about Apples
Q: Tell us how are the signs of a good quality apples?
A: To indicate good quality apples, choose apples that are deep in color, have a good weight and are firm or crunchy. Apples of good quality have no dents, free from bruises, fungus, stains, and no flowing liquid that you will find.