Think you can pick a ripe banana? Everyone has their own opinion on what's "ripe," and the 10-Minute Merchandiser has some advice for the "Subjective Top 3" items that are the biggest stumpers for personal shoppers.
Scrutinize everything, Especially the ‘Subjective Top Three' Produce Items:
Each customer's ‘ideal' banana color will vary. That's why you see shoppers hesitating over the display, like they're contemplating a move in a game of checkers. Bananas are one of the top three, what I call ‘subjective' purchases. The other two are tomatoes, and avocados. So it's a good idea to explain to the online shopping clerk how ripeness is defined, perhaps by referring to banana, avocado or tomato ripening charts, which are readily available
#3: Bananas
For example, banana ripening charts are listed as 1=all green, 3.5=half green/ half yellow, 6=all yellow.
Probably the safest banana selection (or strive to this degree as close as possible) is a 3.5 to 4 stage. This is yellow fruit with green tips. This ripeness degree will provide the customer with ripe enough fruit to enjoy right away, while still providing a few days shelf life at home.
#2: Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a similar ripeness chart and are the second, top three subjective items that an online shopper has to keep in mind. The best selection will feel firm to yielding slight pressure when held, and will have an even color.
Strive for a 4.5 to 5 on this UC Davis tomato ripeness chart:
At this level, a customer will find it is firm enough to slice for salads or into sandwiches, yet have enough shelf life to last on the counter a few days.
#1: Avocados
Avocados are the last-but-not-least of my ‘top three' subjective list. Ideally, your customers should be able to specify variety and ripeness degree on their online order guide. Even it's as simple as we informally kick around in produce circles; descriptors such as ‘green, breakers, or ripe.' Because that's what every customer considers as well, even if they don't express the terminology.
If selecting bananas is like a checkers game move, then avocado selection is closer to a chess move. Coach your online shopper that ripe avocados are for immediate use, breakers work well for salads or in sandwiches, and green is for later use. Need something more specific? Here's a chart from the California Avocado Commission:
