APPLE PICKING AND STORAGE

Apples are perishable items and should be handled with care during picking. The methods used to store your apples will enhance their shelf life.

When to pick your apples? Picking times depend on the variety and the use you have in mind. Most early ripening apples are usually best when picked slightly underripe as they tend to go soft as they reach full ripeness. The best time to pick is when they first taste good right off the tree. I will pick all my Norlands at this point and store them in the fridge. When stored this way they will keep for about 8 weeks. If left on the tree they will probably be soft and mushy within two weeks. Later ripening varieties are picked when the fall frosts become a problem. Even if the fruit does not taste ripe it will ripen in storage. Haralson for example is quite hard and tart when first picked but after being stored for a couple of months it is a lovely sweet eating apple.

When picking, the fruit should be handled carefully so it is not bruised. Avoid dropping into a container or banging against other fruits.

Apples can be stored in a fridge, a manual defrost type is the best or in a cold room. Place in plastic bags with ventilation holes.

Drying is becoming a more popular method of storing fruit. Fruit should be dried before they are over ripe for the best flavor. Apples may be frozen. Wipe them off and place them in bags whole. Thaw slightly and peel off skins when ready to use.

Amanda Chedzoy

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