Here’s what you better know about picking appleswhether its from a local orchard or your own backyard.
Armloads of freshly picked, perfectly ripeapples are an autumn treat.
So exactly when is apple picking season?
Credit: Au King
The answer is: it depends.
A number of factorsfrom the variety of apple to recent rainfall to average summer temperaturecombine to influence fruit ripening.
Your window for harvesting apples can extend for several weeks or even months with the right mix of varieties.
Use these 7 apple picking tips to enjoy thisharvest season to its fullest.
Use the variety name to research the harvest window for the tree.
This provides a general time when the fruit should be ripe.
Keep in mind that the harvest window can vary by several weeks, depending on the weather.
Often, there are only about 10 to 15 apple varieties commonly growing in a particular region.
It’s usually easy to figure out which one an unknown variety may be.
Find a Local Orchard
A local orchard is a wonderful place for an apple-picking adventure.
Pick Based on Orchard Recommendation
Local orchards often showcase the specific apple varieties that are ready for harvesting.
These are the apples that have developed their full flavor and texture.
Rely on Flavor, Not Color
When picking apples, don’t be swayed by eye-pleasing fruit.
Some apples develop their mature color before they ripen internally.
A taste-test is the best way to check ripeness.
Gently hold the fruit in the palm of your hand with your thumb near the stem.
Then twist and gently lift the apple upward to release the stem from the branch.
Aim to harvest apples with their stems attached.
An attached stem increases apple storage life.
Avoid picking up apples that have fallen to the ground because they may be overly ripe.
For fruit that’s out of reach, an apple picker can make the job easier.
Keep Harvested Apples Cool
After apple picking, your fruit can be stored for weeks.
Begin by setting aside any bruised or damaged apples.
Bruised apples will cause other nearby apples to degrade more quickly.
Refrigerate apples at 34 to 40F for long-term storage.
Place the fruit in perforated plastic bags to increase humidity around them, but still allow for air flow.
Note: apples release ethylene gas as they slowly ripen in refrigeration.
The ethylene gas will cause fruits and vegetables sharing the refrigerator to ripen and rot more quickly.
Go Back for More
Don’t limit yourself to a single apple-picking trip.
Apples that ripen later in the season often store well fresh.
Ortry canning applesorfreezing a fewso it’s possible for you to enjoy autumn fresh flavors all winter long.
Embrace a long apple season at home by planting varieties that ripen early, mid-, and late season.
Fall and spring are good times forplanting new trees.
