When buying apples, the key is to look for fruits with vibrant color, a smooth glossy skin, and no rough or gritty texture when you touch them. Keeping a few simple tricks in mind can help you bring home apples that are sweet, crunchy, and full of nutrients.

Below are the best tips to choose high-quality apples at the market or supermarket.

---

1. Look at the Color

Many people assume that the redder the apple, the riper and sweeter it is.
But that’s not entirely true.

A delicious, naturally ripened apple usually has a red color with a slight golden or yellow tint. The side of the apple that was exposed to sunlight will typically be redder than the shaded side — this is completely normal and actually a good sign.

Avoid apples that look pale, whitish, or washed out, as these often grow deep inside dense foliage where sunlight can’t reach. Without enough sunlight, the apple tends to taste more sour and lacks natural sweetness.

Also remember:
A perfectly bright, uniformly red apple can sometimes indicate artificial ripening, not natural maturity.

---

2. Examine the Skin’s Texture

Gently run your fingers over the apple’s surface.

• If the skin feels too smooth or overly polished, the apple often has a tangier, more sour flavor.

• If the skin feels slightly rough or subtly textured, those apples tend to be sweeter and more flavorful.

Many people mistakenly think that apples with a slightly rough exterior are lower quality.
In reality, these apples often have a stronger aroma and richer taste.

---

3. Check the Apple’s “Belly Button” (the Blossom End)

At the bottom of the apple, you’ll see a small natural opening — commonly called the “navel” or blossom end.

You’ll notice two types:

• Large, deeper blossom ends

• Small, shallow blossom ends

Choose apples with a large, deep blossom end, as these usually ripen more fully and naturally. The flavor is typically sweeter and the flesh more aromatic.

Apples with small, shallow blossom ends tend to be less sweet and not as flavorful.

---

4. Smell the Aroma

A ripe, high-quality apple gives off a distinct, pleasant fragrance.
If the apple has little to no aroma, it may not be fully ripe yet. These apples often taste sour, slightly bitter, and lack juiciness when eaten.

A fragrant apple is usually a sweet apple.

---

5. Touch and Feel the Firmness

Good apples are:

• Nicely round

• Firm to the touch

• Heavy for their size

If you hold the apple and it feels surprisingly light, it may be dry inside or past its prime.

Another great test is to lightly flick the apple with your finger:

• A clear, echoing sound indicates crisp, juicy flesh.

• A dull sound can mean the apple is soft or mealy inside.

This simple trick is often used by experienced fruit sellers.

---

In Short

When buying apples, look for:

✔ Bright red with some golden tint
✔ Slightly rough skin
✔ A deep blossom end
✔ Sweet aroma
✔ Firm texture and heavy weight
✔ A clear, ringing sound when tapped

With these tips, you’ll always pick apples that are fresh, crispy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients.