Apples

Peak Season: September to May

Perfect Pick: Firm and heavy for its size with smooth, matte, unbroken skin and no bruising. The odd blemish (read: worm hole) or brown "scald" streaks do not negatively impact flavor. The smaller the apple, the bigger the flavor wallop.

Handle with Care: Keep apples in a plastic bag in a crisper away from vegetables. Here, they should remain edible for several weeks.

The Payoff: Quercetin, a flavonoid linked to better heart health, plus the soluble fiber pectin, which keeps cholesterol in check.