Selecting CALIFORNIA Fruit
Here, you’ll discover all the different citrus and tree fruit offered by Sunwest Fruit Company, and learn how to select fruit that truly satisfies!
Selecting California Tree Fruit
If you're buying fruit to eat the same day, it's best to look for fruit that is soft, gives to gentle palm pressure and has a sweet aroma.
The best indicator of high-quality fruit is color. When buying peaches and nectarines, look for deep yellow background color or creamy white for Summerwhite® (white flesh) varieties. The amount of red color varies by variety and is not an indication of ripeness or quality.
When buying plums, look for a slight “give” when squeezed and a fragrant plum aroma. Plums come in a large range of colors that vary by variety, so a little “give” and a good smell are better indicators of ripeness than color alone.
Remember, quality does not depend on softness. Go ahead and buy firm peaches, plums and nectarines-they will ripen to juicy perfection at home.
Selecting California Citrus Fruit
The two most familiar California citrus varieties are Navel and Valencia oranges. While these oranges are excellent, Sunwest Fruit Company also offers other varieties with the sweet, tangy flavor and juicy texture that make California oranges such a popular snack.
Selecting Oranges - Regardless of variety, look for oranges with a heavy weight, glossy exterior and appetizing aroma. As a rule, the rind should never feel puffy, except with certain varieties of Clementines (or Mandarins). Also avoid oranges that show spotting, shriveling or white patches on the rind.
Storing Oranges - Most oranges can be stored at room temperature for three or four days with no problem. If you don’t plan to eat your oranges immediately, refrigerate them in the crisper drawer or plastic bag, and they should keep well for one to two weeks.