There is something I like about the end of summer as much as the milder temperatures: it is the time when the apple trees begin to show their fruit production in all its splendor.

If you have a tree in the garden or a small fruit tree on the terrace, it is normal to ask yourself: Will the apples be ready yet?

The key is to wait for the fruit has received enough sun to develop all its flavor. Harvesting too early means getting pieces with little sweetness, while too much waiting can cause apples to lose their natural crunch.

How to know if the apple is ripe

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There is no universal date for collection, since It depends on the climate, the hours of sunshine, the variety of the apple tree and even its location.. There are many varieties of apple: some are early and are ready in August, such as the gala, the akane or the August, from Galicia, while others, the majority, are harvested in October, such as the golden, red delicious or the granny smith.

The most effective trick to check maturity is twist test. You just have to hold the fruit underneath and gently turn it at an angle of about 90 degrees. If the stem comes off easily, the apple is ready. If it is difficult to separate it, it is advisable to wait a few more days.

Choose only the best pieces

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If the intention is to save part of the harvest, it is advisable to select only perfectly healthy apples, no bumps or cuts. Small cracks in the skin or bruises quickly become sources of rot.

To avoid damage to the fruit, it is best to place the apples directly in a padded basket or in a box lined with paper.

They should never be dropped from the branch to the ground. And if ladders or a fruit picker are used, they must be handled gently so that they arrive home intact.

What to do with fallen fruit

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The so-called «natural failure» is common in apple trees: some pieces come off on their own ahead of time. These apples can be used for homemade jams or the classic apple compote, but they should be consumed as soon as possible. Keep in mind that it is not advisable to store them together with healthy pieces, as they accelerate their deterioration.

It suits Check the soil every few days and remove what has fallen. This prevents the remains from fermenting or attracting insects and small animals.

The role of weather in the harvest

In addition to the point of maturity, the weather influences the quality of the harvest. The dry and mild days They are the most recommended for going out to the garden with the basket.

• Avoid the rain: Water adhered to the skin causes the fruit to deteriorate faster.
• Do not pick up during hours of extreme heat: Hot apples retain their qualities less well and are not suitable for storage.
• Bet on cool mornings or mild afternoons: This way the pieces will be at the ideal temperature to be stored.

How to store correctly

Once collected, Apples should be kept in a cool, dry and ventilated place. The ideal is to arrange them in wooden or plastic boxes with a single layer of fruit so that they do not crush each other.

If the harvest is abundant, You can insert sheets of newspaper or thin cardboard between layers, always making sure there is no moisture. Under these conditions, many varieties can last weeks or even months.

Additional tricks for good use

In addition to the basic tips, you can follow these recommendations:

• Vary pickup times: On the same tree, not all apples ripen at the same rate. A review every two or three days ensures pieces are in perfect condition.
• Do not pluck the fruits from all the branches at once: It is better to go little by little so as not to stress the tree or damage future production.
• Clean the growing area: Keeping the soil free of debris favors the health of the apple tree.
• Wear thin gloves: They help manipulate the fruit without leaving marks on the skin.

A tradition that lives on

Apple picking is much more than an orchard task. For many families, it is an annual tradition in which adults and children participate. Following a few simple guidelines allows you to enjoy sweeter, juicier and longer-lasting pieces.

With patience, a good eye and a little practice, any hobbyist can get his small apple tree to bear fruit. quality fruits worthy of the best homemade pastries. Remember that after the harvest, with the cold of December, The time has come to prune your apple tree so that next year you can enjoy your apples again.