Let’s talk signs. For both types, color matters: look for a deep, uniform orange without green shoulders. But texture is the real test. Gently squeeze—if it’s a Fuyu, it should give just slightly, like a ripe peach. If it’s a Hachiya, it should feel like a baby’s cheek after a nap: soft and yielding.
Another pro tip? Check the calyx—that little green cap on top. When it’s dry and starting to lift away from the fruit, that’s a green light. Also, if the fruit smells faintly of honey and autumn leaves, you’re golden.
