Skip the pale or white-tipped berries. The sweetest strawberries are fully red, all the way to the tip, with no green or white spots.
Ripe, sweet strawberries have a natural sheen. If they look dull or matte, they’re likely overripe or bland.
Give them a sniff! Sweet strawberries give off a strong, fruity fragrance. If there’s no scent, there’s probably no flavor either.
While big berries look appealing, smaller strawberries often pack more flavor and sweetness.
Seeds that are slightly sunken into the skin indicate a ripe and juicy berry. If the seeds stick out too much, they may not be fully ripe.
The green top (called the calyx) should be fresh, vibrant, and firmly attached. Wilted or dried tops are a sign of age and less sweetness.
Gently squeeze the berry. It should be firm but not hard. Mushy berries are past their prime, and too-hard ones aren't ripe yet.