Apple Harvest Time

In the midst of fall, as the weather turns cooler, the excitement over apple picking season is also picking up. This classic fall treat brings families together in a festive spirit. If you are interested in participating in apple picking but are a first-timer, then you’ll find the following information useful.

Apple Picking Season Guide

Early-picked apples are tiny and acidic. Late-picked apples are more likely to be softer, taste floury, and deteriorate quickly, so it is crucial to find the right time to pick them. Apples mature at different rates depending on the variety such as early, mid, and late types. Apples are typically harvested between late summer and late October, with September being the preferred month.

Avoid being influenced when choosing apples by their visual appeal. Some apples ripen externally before they begin to ripen within. Even though the apple's rich crimson exterior shows ripeness, the fruit's interior is still transitioning from tart and starchy to sweet and crunchy.

The best tips to determine ripeness is to look at the following:

• Gently tug, it should not need a lot of force to pluck from the tree.
• The flesh is cream or white
• Seeds are brown
• Yellow peel inside the stem indentation
• The taste should be crisp and juicy
• Firm and not soft

After harvesting, you can store the apples for several weeks with proper storage. However, any apples that are bruised or damaged should first be set aside since they may deteriorate more quickly.

For lengthy storage, keep apples in the refrigerator at 34 to 40°F. To enhance the humidity around the fruit while still allowing for airflow, put it in plastic bags with perforations. Have a basin of water on the fruit crates to keep the apples from drying out and prevent them from losing moisture. Storage areas like garages and cellars are preferable.

Now, are you ready for your apple picking season? These tips will make sure that you are well-equipped and can enjoy your apples!