When to pick apples?
The timing of the apple harvest is crucial to guaranteeing the quality of your fruit and its optimal flavor. In France, the organic apple season varies according to region, variety and weather conditions. However, there are precise criteria for determining the best time to pick your apples.
Understanding the apple growth cycle
Apples, like all fruit, follow a precise ripening cycle. This cycle begins with flowering in spring, continues with fruit formation and ends with harvest, which generally takes place between late August and November, depending on the variety.
Apple ripening is influenced by several factors: temperature, sunshine and variety. Some apple varieties ripen earlier than others. For example, early summer apples such as “Gravenstein” or “Golden Delicious” are ready for picking as early as the end of August, while autumn and winter apples, such as “Reinette” or “Jonagold”, need a little more time to reach full ripeness.
How do you know when apples are ready to be picked?
To know when to pick apples, it's essential to observe several signs.
Fruit color and appearance
One of the most obvious indicators is the color of the fruit. Depending on the variety, apples take on their final color at the end of the ripening process. A red apple will be darker, while a green apple, such as a Granny Smith, will take on a lighter hue, but will harden more.
Fruit firmness
Firmness is another key criterion for determining the ideal harvesting time. A ripe apple should be firm, but not too hard. When lightly squeezed, it should yield gently under pressure, yet remain solid enough to detach easily from the tree.
Tree fall
Another oft-used indicator is the natural fall of apples. If you lightly shake the tree or test a fruit with your hand, a ready-to-pick apple will come off easily, without excessive resistance. However, it is advisable not to wait until all the apples have fallen, as they may be damaged or attacked by disease.
Harvesting your apples
Once you've determined that your apples are ready to be picked, it's essential to adopt the right gestures to preserve their quality.
Use gloves or a basket to pick gently
To avoid damaging the skin, it's best to pick apples by hand, turning them gently in the opposite direction to the stem. You can also use a basket to prevent shocks that could damage the quality of the apples. If you're harvesting in large quantities, there are tools such as fruit poles that allow you to pick without damaging the trees.
Never pick apples in the rain
It's best to pick apples in dry weather. If the apples are wet, they risk deteriorating more quickly, and developing mould or post-harvest diseases. It is therefore advisable to wait until the rain has stopped and the apples are dry before harvesting them.
