Juicy, Crisp, Perfect: Your Foolproof Apple-Picking Guide

There’s a lot more to apples than meets the eye. Some are crisp and juicy, some are sweet, some are tart enough to make your face pucker—but picking a winner? That’s an art. Lucky for you, a few simple tricks can help you grab the best every time.

1. Know Your Colors

Every apple variety has its ideal look when ripe. Sure, a red apple with a few green streaks might make you pause, but don’t worry—this can just be where the sun didn’t reach. The key is to compare apples to their “ready-to-eat” color. The more your apple resembles the picture-perfect version of its variety, the better the flavor is likely to be.

2. Give Them a Gentle Tug

If you’re at an orchard, grab an apple and give it a smooth, gentle pull. Ripe apples should practically fall into your hand without a wrestling match. If you’re twisting and yanking like it’s a tug-of-war championship, that apple is not ready for prime time.

3. Inspect for Blemishes

Bruises, punctures, blight, or tiny grub holes are all signals that an apple may spoil sooner than you want. Take a good look all around, from stem to base. A top-notch apple has smooth, tight skin that doesn’t give under gentle pressure.

4. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, it’s just about how an apple feels. Pick it up, give it a gentle squeeze, and sniff it if you’re feeling fancy. Crisp, firm, and fragrant usually means yes; soft, mushy, or funky-smelling means next.

Once you’ve nailed picking the perfect apple, don’t stop there—try pairing them with unexpected flavor hits like in these apple-and-cheese combos that will blow your taste buds away. And if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, check out these apple recipes that are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.