It’s that time of year when nectarines are at their peak, and we can’t resist buying a few to enjoy at home. But here’s the catch—not every nectarine we pick is going to be sweet and juicy. Some may be firm but bland, while others could be too soft and overripe.

Since fresh nectarines can cost a bit more during this season, picking the right ones is key to enjoying their full flavor. In this article, we’ll walk through six practical tips to help us select nectarines that are consistently sweet, juicy, and ready to eat.

1. Check for Scratches and Bruises

The first thing we need to do is inspect the fruit carefully. Avoid nectarines with cracks, scratches, or soft bruises. While a cracked fruit might look tempting, these areas often collect dirt and bacteria. Washing alone isn’t enough to make them completely safe. Bruised or damaged nectarines also spoil faster, which means they won’t last long at home. If we do accidentally buy one with minor damage, we should eat it immediately. Choosing nectarines that are intact and smooth ensures better flavor and longer shelf life.

2. Look at the Color

Color is one of the easiest ways to judge ripeness. The best nectarines are bright, rich red, orange, or golden depending on the variety. Even coloring shows that the fruit received enough sunlight while growing, which usually makes it sweeter and juicier. Pale, dull, or unevenly colored nectarines may not be fully ripe yet. When we’re selecting fruit, it’s a good idea to compare several options and choose the ones with the deepest, most vibrant hues.

3. Examine the Groove

Every nectarine has a vertical groove that runs from top to bottom, dividing the fruit into two halves. We should select nectarines with a clearly defined, deep groove because it usually indicates that the fruit has matured fully. Shallow or flat grooves may suggest the nectarine is still under-ripe. This small detail can make a big difference—ripe nectarines with deep grooves tend to be sweeter, softer, and more flavorful.

4. Smell the Fruit

A ripe nectarine always has a naturally sweet and fruity aroma. Bringing the fruit close to our nose and giving it a sniff is an easy way to check its ripeness. If it smells fragrant and fresh, it’s likely juicy and delicious when we bite into it. On the other hand, unripe nectarines usually have little to no scent, which often means they won’t be as sweet. Using our sense of smell makes picking nectarines faster and more reliable.

5. Check the Shape and Stem

When picking nectarines, we should go for round or slightly oval shapes. Avoid oddly shaped, wrinkled, or misshapen fruits—they often have uneven ripening and inconsistent sweetness. Also, check the stem area. A fresh green stem indicates the nectarine was recently picked and hasn’t been stored for too long. Fruit with a fresh stem is usually firmer, juicier, and more flavorful than nectarines that have been sitting in storage for days.

6. Look at the Top of the Nectarine

The top of the nectarine can reveal a lot about its flavor. We should look for fruit that has a slightly pointed or raised top—these are usually the sweetest and most mature. Round or flat-topped nectarines are often less ripe and may lack the full sweetness we want. Paying attention to this detail ensures we bring home fruit that is fully developed in taste and texture.

Extra Tips for Storing and Enjoying Nectarines

Once we’ve picked the perfect nectarines, storage is just as important. Keeping them at room temperature for a day or two allows slightly under-ripe fruit to soften naturally. For longer storage, refrigerating nectarines slows down ripening, keeping them fresh for up to a week. When ready to eat, washing them under cool water and slicing just before serving keeps the fruit juicy. We can also enjoy nectarines in smoothies, salads, or desserts—every method brings out their sweet and fragrant flavor.

Enjoy Every Bite

Lykkers, by following these six tips—checking for scratches, color, groove, aroma, shape, and the top—we can confidently pick nectarines that are juicy, sweet, and perfectly ripe. Paying attention to these small details helps us avoid disappointing fruit and ensures that every bite is delicious. With the right picking and storing techniques, we can fully enjoy this season’s nectarines and make each eating experience a flavorful delight. Let’s savor the sweetness together and enjoy every juicy bite of our perfect nectarines!