Imported fruit: how to choose and store apples, grapes, cherries, kiwi, pears and citrus

Imported fruit is increasingly common on Vietnamese dining tables, from crisp, sweet apples and plump grapes to deep red cherries and bright green kiwi. To buy imported fruit that tastes good and stays fresh, though, it helps to know a few simple tips for choosing and storing it. This article covers how to choose each popular fruit, along with general notes on seasons and storage at home.

General rules for choosing imported fruit

Whatever the fruit, a few basics apply:

• Look: taut skin, natural color, and no bruises, dark spots or cracks.
• Smell: ripe fruit usually has a light, characteristic aroma; a fermented or odd smell suggests it is overripe.
• Feel: fruit that is firm and slightly heavy for its size is usually juicier than fruit that feels light and spongy.
• Pick ripeness to match your plans: choose just-ripe fruit to eat now, and slightly firm fruit if you will keep it a few days.

You can browse the whole range on the imported fruit page of Hoa Nắng Fruit.

How to choose and store each fruit

Apples

Choosing: look for glossy skin, a fresh stem, a firm feel and no dents. Skin color varies by variety, so do not worry if colors differ slightly between apples. Storing: apples keep fairly well in the refrigerator's cool compartment. Keep them apart from other fruit that ripens easily, because apples give off ethylene gas that can make nearby fruit ripen faster. See the varieties under apples.

Grapes

Choosing: pick bunches with even, plump berries that cling firmly to the stem; a fresh green stem suggests newly picked grapes. Storing: do not wash before storing. Keep the bunch whole in a ventilated container or a perforated bag in the cool compartment, and wash only just before eating. See grapes.

Cherries and berries

Choosing: good cherries usually have glossy skin, green stems and firm flesh; avoid shriveled or leaking fruit. For strawberries and other berries, choose evenly colored fruit and check the bottom of the box for crushed ones. Storing: soft fruit is delicate, so refrigerate early and eat within a few days. Handle gently and wash only before eating. See cherries, strawberries and berries.

Kiwi

Choosing: press gently; a slightly springy kiwi is ripe, while a hard one needs a few more days. Avoid fruit with mushy spots. Storing: leave firm kiwi at room temperature to ripen gradually, then move it to the cool compartment once ripe. Placing kiwi beside apples can help it ripen faster. See kiwi.

Pears

Choosing: pick fruit with smooth, unbruised skin; if you want to eat it right away, the area near the stem should give slightly when pressed. Storing: keep unripe pears somewhere cool and airy; once ripe, refrigerate and eat soon, since ripe pears soften easily. See pears.

Oranges and mandarins

Choosing: pick fruit that feels firm and heavy, with taut skin and no mold or soft spots. Storing: citrus tolerates room temperature for a short while; for longer storage, refrigerate and keep it dry. See citrus.

Imported fruit seasons: how to think about them

Imported fruit comes from many countries with different harvest periods, so some kinds appear more often at certain times of the year. For example, many temperate fruits are widely available toward the end of the year. The exact timing, however, changes with the source and from year to year. The best approach is to ask the shop which fruit is at its best and in stock when you buy, instead of relying on a fixed calendar.

General storage tips for fresher fruit

1. Do not wash before storing: extra moisture spoils fruit faster, especially grapes and berries.
2. Remove bruised fruit: one spoiled piece can affect the whole box, so take it out early.
3. Keep ethylene-heavy fruit apart: such as apples and ripe pears; they make other fruit ripen and soften faster.
4. Use a ventilated box or bag: avoid sealing fruit completely, which traps condensation.
5. Buy what you need: buying for a few days instead of stockpiling means you always eat fresh fruit.

Imported fruit as a gift

Thanks to its attractive, even appearance, imported fruit makes a great gift. You can choose a fruit basket or a fruit gift box for visits, housewarmings, shop openings or festivals. Hoa Nắng Fruit can design baskets to your request and includes a card or banner. For fruit baskets in Ho Chi Minh City, the shop offers fast delivery in about 2 hours.

Buy imported fruit at Hoa Nắng Fruit

Hoa Nắng Fruit sells imported fruit and premium gift baskets, wholesale and retail. Call or message us on Zalo at 0888.822.798 to ask what is in stock and get advice on choosing, or visit the shop at 59 Đỗ Xuân Hợp, Phước Long A, Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City to pick fruit in person. More information is on the contact page.