How to Choose an Apple
Look for obvious bad spots., Look for cuts., Examine the color., Check the apple for firmness., Sniff the apple to detect foul odor.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look for obvious bad spots.
If you see spots that are rotten, dark brown, or too soft, the apple has likely already gone bad.
Blemishes or lack of shininess do not automatically mean the apple is bad.
Blemishes are a natural part of growing and are not the same as bruises or rotten spots.If you see a spot, gently wipe at it to see if it is just dirty or is a bad spot.
Bruises may be small and not very deep, so these are fine because you can cut around them.
If the apple has a large bruise or is mushy, it’s probably rotten deeper into the apple and not just on the surface.
These deeply rotten ones are the ones you want to avoid. -
Step 2: Look for cuts.
Besides bruises, apples sometimes get small nicks or slices during picking and transport.
This causes some of the flesh to be exposed and turn brown.
Apples with excessive cuts should be avoided as a lot of the flesh will be exposed and bad.
Again, a small cut here and there is nothing to worry about.
You just want to make sure the whole apple isn’t covered in cuts. , In general, apples tend to be a full red or slightly orange color when they are fully ripe.
Granny Smith and Golden delicious are green and yellow, respectively, but otherwise an apple with a lot of green on it is probably not very ripe.
You usually want to get the most red you can find.
Apples with a full color have absorbed a lot of sunlight, so they tend to be more flavorful than dull looking apples.
Apples won’t always be one solid color, but if half of the apple is still green (when it should be red) it has not ripened evenly and may not be the best choice. , Hold the apple between your thumb and your index finger.
Squeeze the apple gently.
You don’t want to squeeze too hard or you will bruise it.
If you give it a light squeeze and it doesn’t squish, this is a good apple.
Squeeze a couple of spots around the apple to make sure the majority of it is firm., If an apple is getting past its prime freshness, you can often tell by the smell.
Give the apple a sniff and if it smells bad, it probably is.
Good apples will have a pleasant aroma, while apples that have gone bad will smell rotten.
It’s not an exact science but the smell is a strong indicator of quality. -
Step 3: Examine the color.
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Step 4: Check the apple for firmness.
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Step 5: Sniff the apple to detect foul odor.
Detailed Guide
If you see spots that are rotten, dark brown, or too soft, the apple has likely already gone bad.
Blemishes or lack of shininess do not automatically mean the apple is bad.
Blemishes are a natural part of growing and are not the same as bruises or rotten spots.If you see a spot, gently wipe at it to see if it is just dirty or is a bad spot.
Bruises may be small and not very deep, so these are fine because you can cut around them.
If the apple has a large bruise or is mushy, it’s probably rotten deeper into the apple and not just on the surface.
These deeply rotten ones are the ones you want to avoid.
Besides bruises, apples sometimes get small nicks or slices during picking and transport.
This causes some of the flesh to be exposed and turn brown.
Apples with excessive cuts should be avoided as a lot of the flesh will be exposed and bad.
Again, a small cut here and there is nothing to worry about.
You just want to make sure the whole apple isn’t covered in cuts. , In general, apples tend to be a full red or slightly orange color when they are fully ripe.
Granny Smith and Golden delicious are green and yellow, respectively, but otherwise an apple with a lot of green on it is probably not very ripe.
You usually want to get the most red you can find.
Apples with a full color have absorbed a lot of sunlight, so they tend to be more flavorful than dull looking apples.
Apples won’t always be one solid color, but if half of the apple is still green (when it should be red) it has not ripened evenly and may not be the best choice. , Hold the apple between your thumb and your index finger.
Squeeze the apple gently.
You don’t want to squeeze too hard or you will bruise it.
If you give it a light squeeze and it doesn’t squish, this is a good apple.
Squeeze a couple of spots around the apple to make sure the majority of it is firm., If an apple is getting past its prime freshness, you can often tell by the smell.
Give the apple a sniff and if it smells bad, it probably is.
Good apples will have a pleasant aroma, while apples that have gone bad will smell rotten.
It’s not an exact science but the smell is a strong indicator of quality.
About the Author
Alice Scott
Brings years of experience writing about cooking and related subjects.
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