Apple Trees 101: Harvesting

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a freshly picked apple from your own tree. After months of care—watering, pruning, ensuring successful pollination, and protecting your tree from pests—it’s time for the ultimate reward: harvesting your apples! But when is the right time to pick your apples? How do you know when they’re at their peak? Follow along below as we guide you through the process of harvesting apples to ensure you get the best fruit possible.

When to Harvest 

The timing of your apple harvest can be crucial. Pick too early, and the apples may be sour or not fully developed. Wait too long, and they might turn mushy or invite pests. Apple trees typically have a harvest window of a few weeks, depending on the variety.

Once you’ve picked most of the apples, stop harvesting and give the tree some time to rest. If there are still unripe apples on the tree, you can leave them to ripen naturally or prune the tree to prepare for the next season’s growth.

 Here’s how to tell when your apples are ready to pick:

• Look for color changes- As apples ripen, their color deepens, but the exact color will vary depending on the variety. For example, Fuji apples turn a reddish-pink to light red color, while Granny Smith apples will remain green but may develop a slight yellowish tint. Familiarize yourself with the expected color change of your specific apple variety so you’ll know when it’s ready to harvest!
• Check for firmness- Pick an apple and gently squeeze it. A ripe apple should feel firm but give a little when you press it. If the fruit feels too soft, it might be overripe, while an unripe apple will feel hard and resistant.
• 'Twist-n-lift' method: Gently twist the apple while lifting it upward. If the apple comes off easily without breaking the stem, it’s ready to be harvested. If it resists, give it a little more time.
• Check the seeds: When apples are fully ripe, their seeds will change from white or pale yellow to a dark brown or black. You can check the seeds by cutting the apple open.
• Taste test! If you’re still unsure, the taste test is always a good final check. Harvest one apple and taste it. If it’s sweet and juicy, then the rest of the apples on the tree are likely ready for harvest as well.

How to Harvest Apples

While picking apples might seem like an easy task, handling them properly can prevent bruising and ensure your apples stay fresh longer. 

Use Gentle Pressure

Always handle apples gently to avoid bruising. Never yank or pull hard on the fruit. Instead, give the apple a gentle twist, and it should come off the branch with ease if its ready to harvest. If you need help reaching higher branches, consider using a fruit picker or a ladder to safely reach the apples.

Leave the Stem On

When picking apples, try to leave the stem attached to the fruit. Apples harvested with the stem intact last longer and have a better shelf life. Additionally, removing the stem can create a small wound in the fruit, which can shorten its storage life.

Pick in Batches

Instead of picking all the apples at once, harvest in stages. Start with those that are fully ripe, leaving slightly unripe fruit to ripen for a few more days. This ensures you get the best quality fruit over time and helps avoid overwhelming the tree all at once.

Storing Apples After Harvest

After you’ve harvested your apples, the next step is storing them properly to preserve their freshness. Before storing your apples, sort through them and remove any that are damaged or have visible blemishes. These apples should be eaten first, as they won’t store as well as the rest.

Use Apple Storage Bins or Boxes

If you’re harvesting a large batch of apples, place them in shallow bins or boxes in a single layer. Avoid stacking apples too high, as the weight could cause the lower ones to bruise or rot. Line the containers with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.

Cool, Dry Place

Store apples in a cool, dry, and dark place. Ideally, apples should be kept at around 32°F. A basement or cool cellar is perfect for this. If you don’t have access to a cold storage area, you can store apples in the fridge, but be sure to keep them in the crisper drawer to maintain humidity. 

Avoid Storing Apples with Other Fruits

Store apples separately from other fruits to help extend their shelf life.

Check Apples Regularly

Even when stored properly, apples don’t last forever. Check on them regularly and remove any apples that show signs of rotting or softening. This will prevent the spread of mold or spoilage to the other apples.

What to Do with Excess Apples