The Chinese proverb "Peaches nourish people, plums harm people" speaks to the peach's nutritional value. However, many people often make mistakes, buying bland, unripe fruit. A few key observations can reveal a peach's sweetness.

These tips will help you choose the best peaches.

Look at the top

The top of the peach reveals its ripeness. A pointed top indicates an unripe peach with a bland flavor. A round, flat top shows the peach has reached full size and is beginning to ripen. The best peaches have a slightly indented top, a sign of full ripeness and sweetness.

A pointed top indicates an unripe peach (right). A round, flat, or indented top shows the peach is ripe and sweet (left). Photo: M.F

A pointed top indicates an unripe peach (right). A round, flat, or indented top shows the peach is ripe and sweet (left). Photo: M.F

Check the bottom and stem

A fresh, green stem indicates a recently harvested peach. A dry, dark stem means the peach has been stored for a while, losing moisture and nutrients. A white or light pink bottom signifies ripeness, while a distinct green indicates the peach is still unripe.

Examine the seam

Most peaches have a natural seam running from the stem to the bottom, considered the fruit's "growth line." A deep, distinct seam shows the peach received ample sunlight, ripened evenly, and will be sweeter. A faint, shallow seam often indicates a bland, lower-quality peach.

The deeper and more defined the seam, the sweeter the peach. Photo: ELLE

The deeper and more defined the seam, the sweeter the peach. Photo: ELLE

Color indicates natural ripeness

Many mistakenly believe that the redder the peach, the better. However, uniformly red, shiny peaches may have been treated or artificially ripened. Naturally ripened peaches have uneven coloring. Sun-exposed areas will be dark red, while shaded areas remain yellow or creamy white. This blend of yellow-red or white-red is the mark of a delicious and safe peach.

Peaches with a blend of yellow-red or white-red are delicious, sweet, and safe. Photo: Aboluowang

Peaches with a blend of yellow-red or white-red are delicious, sweet, and safe. Photo: Aboluowang

Don't overlook the fuzz

For fuzzy peaches, the fuzz is a natural protective layer that helps the fruit stay fresh. A good peach has thick, even fuzz. Peaches with little fuzz and a smooth skin may have been stored for a long time or rubbed during transport, reducing freshness and flavor.

Shape, weight, and aroma

Choose symmetrical, evenly round peaches without bruises or blemishes. When comparing two similar-sized peaches, the heavier one is juicier. Aroma is key. A ripe peach has a distinct sweet fragrance. A lack of aroma, or a slightly acrid, unusual smell, suggests the peach is unripe or chemically ripened.

Minh Phuong (According to Aboluowang, 163.com)