Do you want a ripe piece of fruit ready to eat now? Find fruit that has a good give to it.  Place the fruit in the palm of your hand and give it a gentle squeeze. Don't rolf it! That will just get your produce person a little ticked off at you. Just a gentle squeeze will do. If the fruit gives in to gentle pressure, it is ready to eat.

If you want fruit to last a week or a few days, select the amount that you want ripe as described above. Then select some firm fruit. Avoid fruit that is green around the stem area. Try to get full colored fruit, but firm. Place this fruit in a paper bag at home and it will ripen in a few days. Fully ripe fruit will hold up just fine in the refrigerator. Do not place firm fruit in the refrigerator it will not ripen properly.

Special Note: We are now into the late season varieties for September & October. This time of year your peaches and nectarines should be eaten FIRM not soft. Softer fruit in the late season tends to be less juicy. They are perfect for pies and tarts.