In evaluating fruit at the market, which sign indicates acceptable quality?

• A. No bruises, wilting, and under-ripe condition.
• B. No bruise, no wilts, and its degree of ripeness.
• C. Very soft texture.
• D. Dull color.

Answer: (B)

Fresh fruit should show signs of good condition: no damage, no dehydration, and the right level of ripeness. The best sign is having no bruise, no wilts, and the fruit at an appropriate degree of ripeness. No bruising means the skin is intact and the flesh underneath is not damaged, which helps prevent early spoilage and indicates the fruit will taste its best. No wilting shows the fruit hasn’t lost too much moisture, so it’s still fresh and juicy where expected. The degree of ripeness part matters because you want fruit that’s mature enough to eat now but not so ripe that it’s past its peak.

Very soft texture points to overripe fruit that’s likely mushy and past its prime. Dull color can signal underripe fruit or one that’s starting to spoil, depending on the type. A combination of no bruises and no wilts with proper ripeness best reflects fresh quality.