How To Pick Out Ripe Berries At The Store Every Time

A perfectly ripe berry is one of nature's jewels — deeply saturated, bursting with juice, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. But with food prices these days, buying berries can feel like a gamble. One bad batch, and you've got moldy fruit within a day. Or maybe you shelled out ten bucks for organic, but the raspberries still taste like cardboard. Here's our guide to navigating the berry aisle like a pro whether you're after strawberries for shortcake, blueberries for clafoutis, or blackberries for a summer cobbler.

Seems obvious, but it bears repeating: buy in season. Local and seasonal berries are more likely to be fresher, riper, and better tasting. You should be able to smell most berries. First, check the bottom of the container to make sure there's no mold, moisture, or squished fruit hiding. Then, flip the clamshell or plastic carton to make sure the berries move freely and don't stick to the carton. Once home, store berries in the fridge in a single layer in a large, airtight container. When it comes to either washing now or washing just before you eat, it depends on the berry. 

There are specific characteristics to look for in every berry. Strawberries should be bright red; white or green at the tip means they're underripe. If they don't smell like anything, they won't taste like anything. And don't assume bigger is better — sometimes the little guys have the most concentrated flavor.

When it comes to blueberries, look for a deep blue with a silvery sheen; that coating is natural and protects the berry. Now shake the container very gently — the berries should move freely. Avoid wrinkled skin and red or green tinges which are signs of unripeness. Fun fact: It's a New Jersey town that calls itself the "Blueberry Capital of the World," but Washington state is the biggest producer.

Blackberries should be almost black with a subtle shine. These berries should look juicy and plump with no signs of collapse or softness. Raspberries are some of the most delicate of the berry bunch because of their hollow core and lack of a protective skin. Treat these fuzzy little guys like a newborn and make sure they have a nice fragrance. Otherwise, they'll be tasteless.

Berries come into season in stages, so keep an eye on your calendar to maximize juiciness. Strawberries are the frontrunners, appearing as early as April in the South. Blueberries and blackberries peak from June to August, while raspberries are late to the party, not arriving until late August.

If you're serious about berries, consider a pick-your-own berry stand. Picking your own berries means you can hand-select (and taste) the juiciest berries straight from the plant, ensuring minimal bruising and maximum sweetness. Yes, it's highly likely these will be more expensive than the store, but it's totally worth it for the taste.