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Citrus: Depends on species, but universal cues: fruit is heavy for its size, skin is fully coloured for the variety, and scratch-and-sniff gives a strong citrus aroma. Most citrus holds on the tree for months once ripe.

Lemon (Citrus): Uniformly yellow skin; heavy for its size. Can stay on the tree for months once yellow. Scratch the skin — a strong lemon scent confirms ripeness.

Lime: Persian limes are harvested green and mature green; Key limes turn slightly yellow when fully ripe and very juicy. Heavy for its size and yields to light pressure. Green limes are still at peak acidity and fully usable.

Orange (Citrus): Fully orange and heavy for its size. Skin yields slightly when squeezed. Fruit will hang on the tree well past colour development without falling — taste-test for sweetness.