Peaches are part of this category. Unlike fruits that are firm when ripe, a ripened peach is a risky possibility for transport. They bruise very easily, and they spoil quickly. Refrigeration can alter the texture of the fruit and affect the taste. Because of these characteristics, buying peaches out of season usually means spending more money to cover transportation costs, but receiving lower quality fruit.

To enjoy the juiciest, sweetest peaches, buy them when they’re in season in your region. While peaches can be picked before peak ripeness for transport, it is unpredictable whether or not the fruit will ripen well once off the tree. In most areas, peaches ripen between the end of July and the end of August. Local orchards make an effort to distribute peaches at this time to offer consumers the best quality their farms can offer. Also, because more peaches are available than at other times throughout the year, prices drop.