Throw Your Fruit Away Immediately If You Notice This

Fresh fruit is one of life's simple pleasures. It cures a sweet tooth craving while also providing plenty of nutrients, antioxidants, and other vitamins our bodies need. Still, fresh fruit is a bit pricier than other grocery store items, which has us kicking ourselves when we open the refrigerator a few days later only to realize it's no longer as fresh — or appealing — as it once was. For that reason, canned or frozen fruit is not a bad option (and nutrient-wise, it's all relatively the same, according to EatingWell). Still, it's hard to beat the bright, strong flavor of fresh produce.

For the most part, fresh fruit is harmless if eaten when it's a few days old. However, there are certain things to look for that are tell-tale signs you should throw the sweet treat away. And there is one easy way to tell when the fruit is definitely past its prime.

A few factors can determine a fruit's freshness, but one clear sign of expiration is a difference in texture. Insider says if a once-fresh fruit is now soft or squishy, it is likely past its quality point. For fruits that are typically firm when ripe, such as apples or cantaloupe, that firmness is easier to gauge. But for naturally softer fruits, such as bananas, there are other ways to tell when it's time to discard them. The texture of the fruit's skin is important to note, too. If skin that was once smooth appears dry and wrinkly, it's another sign the fruit is getting too old.

If the texture isn't obvious, check for other red flags of age. Insider suggests that smell and any visual changes are strong clues, too. If a fruit's color has changed since purchasing, or if it shows any signs of mold, you should discard it.