APPLE PICKING AT THE RIGHT TIME

The time of picking apples is extremely important in determining the storage quality of the fruit. Removing the fruit while in an immature condition will give a product that is very susceptible to wilting in storage; that is, susceptible to storage scald, and which is of poor dessert quality. On the other hand, allowing the fruit to remain on the tree too long may result in the fruit becoming ripe and mealy relatively early in storage. Heavy loss from dropping may also result from delaying picking too long.

There is no one test which, taken alone, is entirely satisfactory for determining the time of picking apples. The ripening process is a combination of many changes going on in the fruit and no one change is entirely satisfactory for determining when to pick the fruit.

The tightness with which the fruit is holding on the tree is one of the most dependable tests for time of picking. Most varieties should not be picked before the fruit is in such condition that the stem separates from the spur very easily. The fruit should generally separate from the spur when lifted and given a slight twist, or when the stem is turned at right angles to the spur. Most varieties when ready to pick may be harvested with very little breaking of the spurs.

The ground color, or color of the unblushed portion of the fruit, is also an excellent index to the condition of the fruit, especially red varieties. In practically all red varieties the unblushed portion should have a distinct yellow cast when the fruit is ready to pick.  The Department of Agriculture has prepared a color chart showing the change from green to yellow-green color through which apples pass prior to proper picking condition. This yellowing of the unblushed portion of the fruit is one of the most dependable tests for time of picking many varieties.

A third test of much value in determining the proper picking condition is the firmness of the flesh. As the fruit ripens it softens and this softening can now be measured by a mechanical tester, somewhat similar in principle to a tire gage. This is particularly valuable as an indication of when certain varieties are becoming too ripe on the tree to be good storage fruit.

of time between the date of full bloom and the picking date. An early blooming season usually indicates an early harvest and late blooming is generally followed by a late harvest.

The color of the seeds and amount of red color on the fruit are not of much value in determining the time of picking of winter apples. No chemical test has been found that is of any real value.  The manner in which the fruit is adhering to the tree, the degree of yellowing in the ground color, and the firmness of the flesh appear to be the most dependable indexes to picking condition. A recent Department Bulletin discussed in detail the proper time of picking most of the important commercial varieties.