Buying Good Citrus Fruit: Say So Long to Dried Up Sub-Par Oranges

From the confused looks I get in the produce department, I'm going to venture to guess that most of the world didn't learn the finer points of selecting delicious, juicy citrus fruit. There are several subtle hints to the quality of what's under that peel. The first mistake I see people making is picking their oranges based on color. Certainly, a nice glowing orb is more pleasing to the eye, but subtle shade variations in the peel do not always mean a substandard snack. Is it a smell? No, not that I know of. Then a sixth sense, something otherworldly points out the tasty fruits amidst the dried up and stringy ones? No, but you'll think so if you see me buying a bag of navel oranges.

The first thing I consider when selecting citrus is it's weight relative to it's size. Does it feel heavier than one would think for it's size? That's because it's full of juicy goodness. A lighter weight piece of citrus isn't as full of juices, so it's not going to taste nearly as good, regardless of it's coloration. After finding a few of the heavier pieces, give one of them a gentle squeeze. It should be firmly resistant to the pressure, not squishy. Go over the entire surface of the fruit in this way, lumpy or mushy spots don't taste as good, though it's a trait of natural things to vary. Color can indicate ripeness, though a small variation in the surface coloration does not always mean a difference it the fruit inside. Perhaps that orange was tucked beneath a leaf and did not get exposed to the sun on that part. This method works for lemons, limes and all other types of citrus fruits. The weight of the citrus fruit is the key to it's wonderful flavor, the juice.

Special thanks to my mother who taught me the finer points of selecting produce, who I believe was taught by her father, my grandfather, now passed on. That's why I feel it's my duty to share this trick with others, because if you're going to spend good money on fruit, you should be able to get the best fruit for your money. It can be horribly disappointing to look forward to that orange in your lunch bag only to find out that it's dried out and stringy. You too can impress your friends by putting together a most delightful snack tray with the finest fresh fruits. Having the best orange slices might not make the soccer team win the game, but it'll help them enjoy a snack full of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Delight in the wonderful zing from a fresh, juicy citrus fruit, because you'll never have to eat another sub-par orange again.