Robbie’s Produce Tips: Apples

• Fall (September-November) is the perfect time to buy apples. You’ll get the most delicious apples from the best areas, including many local heirloom apples from Vince Gizdich in Watsonville and also, new crop varieties are in from Washington.
• Choose those that are free of bruises and are fairly “clean” in appearance.
• The best way to tell if an apple is ripe is to check its background color. It should be light green to yellow. Green apples, even if hidden by the red blush, won’t be too sweet. It’s typical for early apples to be picked too early.
• Fresh apples, as with all produce, have a certain healthy vibrant shine to them. As they begin to age, they will appear dull and lackluster.
• Stay away from apples that have a sticky, tacky surface. Usually these have been stored for some time and could be mushy.
• Apples should have a good weight for their size. This way they will be dense and juicy.

– Robbie Sigona is our produce buyer. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.