Apple picking is an integral part of maintaining a thriving orchard. Knowing when to pick apples off your tree will ensure that you get the most out of your harvest and avoid any risk of losing fruit due to overripe apples falling from the tree. This guide provides you with some essential tips and guidelines on when to pick apples off your tree for optimal fruit yields.
Generally, you should pick apples when they have a distinctive red hue. Apples that are greenish in color have yet to ripen and are not ready to be picked. In addition, apples should be firm to the touch when you lightly press your finger into the fruit. If the apple yields too easily, it is overripe and should be discarded.
After determining that apples are ready to be picked, you should then inspect the fruit for any signs of damage or bruising. If there are blemishes or any marks on the apple, it is best to pick those off the tree first. Apples that are in pristine condition can be harvested later on.
You should also pick apples on a regular basis. Leaving apples on the tree for too long can lead to decay and ultimately a lower yield. Try and pick apples as soon as they are ripe to maximize the harvest.
Finally, avoid picking apples from the ground as these may have been contaminated with bacteria or may have been eaten by animals. Additionally, damaged apples can transmit disease to healthy fruit, resulting in a lower yield. It is thus best to harvest apples from the tree branch.
How to Pick Apples off the Tree
When it comes to picking apples off the tree, there are specific steps that one should follow to ensure that no apples are damaged or wasted. Firstly, shake the tree gently and see if any ripe apples fall off. Be sure to have baskets ready and keep the apples in the refrigerated part of the fruit section until you have time to inspect and clean them.
Next, inspect the apples for any bruising or rotting. If there are any blemishes, pick those off the tree first and put them into a separate basket for disposal. Remember to gently twist the apple off the tree to avoid any unnecessary damage.
As you are picking apples, you can check their ripeness using the thumbnail test. Gently press the apple with your thumbnail and observe if it yields easily, which indicates the apple is ripe. If the apple is too hard and resistant to the thumb, it is not yet ready. You can also pierce the apple’s skin to feel whether it is ripe.
Finally, clean the picked apples as soon as possible, ideally within a few days of picking. Dirt and debris can quickly spoil the apples, so the sooner they are washed the better. Additionally, storeripe apples in a ventilated container to maintain their freshness.
Storing Apples After Picking
Once you have picked the apples off your tree, you will need to store them effectively to retain their freshness. Apples should be washed thoroughly with a mild detergent as soon as possible and then stored in the refrigerator. If you plan to store the apples for a few weeks or more, you should wrap them in non-absorbent materials including wax paper, plastic wrap, and newspaper.
You should also be careful when placing apples in the refrigerator. Apples should be stored away from foods with strong smells like onion, garlic, and cheese, as this flavor could be absorbed by the apples. Similarly, try to separate apples from vegetables like asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower to avoid them absorbing any of their flavor.
When storing apples, you should also inspect the apples regularly to make sure they are free from blemishes, mold, or any other signs of deterioration. If you find any of these, it is best to discard the fruit immediately. Apples can also easily absorb a lot of moisture, so make sure to check them every few days for any signs of moisture.
Other Considerations for When to Pick Apples
When picking apples off the tree, there are several other factors to consider. Firstly, you should check the weather forecast to ensure that you are picking the apples at the right time. Rain or strong winds could damage the fruit, which could ultimately lead to a lower yield or quality harvest.
In addition, you should also make sure you pick apples in the morning rather than in the afternoon as this will reduce the risk of brown patches in the apple’s skin due to sun exposure. You should also take into consideration the size and shape of the apples, as this could indicate when they should be picked.
Finally, you should also monitor the tree carefully for any signs of disease. Too much water, wind, or fungus can damage apples and reduce your overall harvest. If you notice any healthy branches barren of apples, it may be a sign of disease, so it is important to take action quickly.
Benefits of Picking Apples
Picking apples off the tree offers a number of benefits. Firstly, you get to enjoy the fresh taste and aroma of the fruit that only comes from picking apples straight from the tree. This is especially important if you plan to make jams and jellies.
In addition, picking apples provides you with a chance to inspect the tree health and fruit quality. You can spot any potential diseases or problems, and take action to prevent any further damage. This will help you maintain a healthy tree, allowing you to enjoy your apples for many years to come.
Also, picking apples off the tree is an excellent way to reduce food waste as it avoids any apples from overripe or damage falling from the tree and going to waste. Finally, it is an ideal activity for families. It is fun, easy and allows you to bond and share quality time together.
Conclusion
Picking apples off the tree is essential for a successful harvest. Apples should be picked when they have a inviting red hue, and be firm to the touch. Inspect the fruit for any signs of damage and gently twist the apple off the tree. To retain freshness, apples should be stored in the refrigerator and inspected regularly.
In addition, you should also consider the weather, size, and shape of the apples, as well as the tree’s overall health. Picking apples off the tree not only offers a number of benefits, it’s also an enjoyable activity for everyone.
