What signs indicate that a fruit might be overripe or spoiled when buying fruit in Mallorca?

When buying fruit in Mallorca, there are several signs to watch for that indicate a fruit might be overripe or spoiled. Visually, overripe fruit often shows blemishes such as dark spots, bruises, or mold, which suggest it is past its prime. The skin may look dull or excessively wrinkled, and in some cases, the fruit could be leaking juices, all clear indicators that the fruit is deteriorating. For fruits like peaches, nectarines, or melons, a fermented or sour aroma can also be a strong sign that the fruit is overripe.

Touch is another useful sense to employ. When gently pressed, overripe fruit tends to feel overly soft or mushy rather than firm yet yielding. While some softness is expected with ripe fruit, a very squishy texture typically suggests it is spoiled or close to spoiling. If the fruit leaves a sticky residue on your fingers, it is often a result of natural sugars breaking down, which usually happens as the fruit overripens.

In addition, pay attention to the fruit’s stem and surrounding area. If the stem is dried out, damaged, or absent, this could mean the fruit has been sitting for a significant amount of time and may be past its freshest. For citrus fruits, a shriveled or loose skin shows the fruit is drying out and losing flavor. By carefully observing these signs, shoppers in Mallorca can better ensure they select fresh, high-quality fruit to enjoy during their visit.