This article will show you the best time of year to purchase your fruits and how to tell if those are ripe

Apricots

Best in season: May - July (summer fruit)

Ripe test: High fragrance 

Cantaloupes

Best in season: June - September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Firm, gives on flower & stem ends

Cherries

Best in season: Late May - August (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Easy decision by looks and feel 

Grapefruit

Best in season: September - May (winter fruit)

Ripe test: Softness - should feel soft

Honeydew

Best in season: June - September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Rhind should be white or light yellow - don’t let the green ones fool you

Mango

Best in season: May - September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Should feel slightly soft, avoid firm of overly soft ones

Nectarines

Best in season: June - Early September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Should feel soft but not too soft, avoid firm-feeling fruits (same rule for peaches)

Oranges

Best in season: November - January (winter fruit) (Note: oranges can be sold at other times, despite this being the best season for them.)

Ripe test: Thinner, vibrantly colored skin 

Peaches

Best in season: June - Early September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Should feel soft but not too soft, avoid firm-feeling fruits

Pomegranates

Best in season: Late September - Nov/Decemeber (fall fruit)

Ripe test: Easy to mark with fingernail 

Quince

Best in season: September - November (fall fruit)

Ripe test: Floral scent

Watermelon

Best in season: June - September (summer fruit)

Ripe test: Should have large yellow spot; deeply colored & fairly heavy for size

Note: Not all fruits are included due to availability to be

 sold at an ideal stage year-round.