Melons don’t usually make their way into my grocery basket. I simply don’t know how to pick them. (Plus, a watermelon is just a tad unwieldy on a bicycle.)

The Seattle Times has an article on summer fruit, including health perks, nutrition information, and the ever pressing question: how do I tell if the fruit is ripe?

Watermelon

• Look for firm, juicy, red flesh without white streaks and a rind free of cracks, bruises or mold. The seeds should be dark brown or black
• Watermelons should have a uniform shape. Ripe fruit will have a slight give on the end opposite to the stem and a slight yellowing of the rind on the lightest part of the outside
• Tap the melon in the middle with your palm: If it’s ripe, you should hear a hollow sound

Cantaloupe

• Look for fragrant, symmetrical melons, heavy for their size, with a yellow or cream undertone and no bruises
• If it still has a stem and it won’t come off easily, chances are it’s not ready to eat
• The skin color between the netting should be yellowish-buff, yellowish-gray or pale yellow — not green

Peaches

• They should be soft to the touch
• Make sure that the stem end is yellow or cream-colored.
• Look for a well-defined crease and a pleasingly sweet fragrance

Cherries

• Look for firm and dark red cherries, with bright, lustrous, plump-looking surfaces and fresh-looking stems

Link (via That’s Fit)

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