Thereâs something special about walking through an apple orchard and finding the one.
Maybe itâs perfectly red. Maybe itâs hanging right at eye level. Or maybe it just looks too good to leave on the tree.
But what actually makes an apple ready to pick?
Whether youâre visiting Kimmel Orchard for U-Pick or harvesting apples from a tree at home, picking the perfect apple is about more than finding the biggest or brightest fruit. A few simple tricks can help you choose a great apple while also taking care of the tree it came from.
Look Beyond the Color
Itâs tempting to assume that the reddest apple on the tree must be the ripest, but that isnât always the case.
Different apple varieties have different colors, characteristics and harvest times. Some develop a deep red color, while others stay green, yellow or a combination of colors even when theyâre perfectly ripe.
Thatâs why knowing which variety youâre picking, and whether itâs currently in season, is one of the best places to start.
At Kimmel Orchard, different apple varieties become ready throughout the season. Before heading into the orchard, check which varieties are currently available for U-Pick so you know what to look for.
Give It a Lift and Twist
Once youâve found an apple that looks ready, resist the urge to pull!
Instead, gently hold the apple, lift it upward and give it a slight twist. A ripe apple should release from the tree fairly easily.
If you have to tug hard, it may not be ready to come off just yet.
This technique isn't just about getting the apple into your bag. Pulling or yanking fruit from the tree can damage branches and cause nearby apples to fall. A little extra care helps protect the tree and the apples that still need more time to ripen!
Don't Worry About Finding a "Perfect" Apple
Apples grown in an orchard don't always look exactly like the ones lined up in the grocery store. That's part of the experience!
You may notice variations in size, shape or color. When choosing your apples, look for fruit that feels firm and is free from significant bruising or damage.
And remember: bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Sometimes one of the best apples on the tree is the smaller one hiding behind a few leaves.
Handle Your Harvest With Care
You found the perfect apple. Now don't drop it!
Apples can bruise more easily than you might expect, and dropping them into your bag or tossing them into a basket can damage the fruit.
Gently place each apple into your container as you pick. Think of it this way: if you wouldn't toss an egg into your basket, don't toss your apple either!
Taking a little extra care in the orchard means your apples will be in better shape when you get them home.
Keep Your Apples Fresh
Your apple-picking technique doesn't stop once you leave the orchard.
If you're planning to eat your apples within a few days, keeping them on the counter is perfectly fine. For longer storage, the refrigerator is your friend. Cooler temperatures help slow the ripening process and keep apples crisp longer.
Before storing them, take a quick look through your haul. If an apple is bruised or damaged, enjoy that one first rather than storing it alongside the rest.
And, of course, there's always the option of turning your freshly picked apples into a pie, crisp, applesauce or another fall favorite!
The Perfect Apple Is About More Than the Apple
For generations, apple picking has given families an opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand.
When you walk through the rows at Kimmel Orchard, you're seeing the result of months of care long before harvest ever begins. Every apple starts with a blossom in the spring and depends on healthy trees, pollinators, weather and plenty of work throughout the growing season.
So, what's the secret to picking the perfect apple?
Find one that's ripe, give it a gentle lift and twist, and treat both the fruit and the tree with care.
Then comes the best part: taking that first bite.
Ready to put your apple-picking skills to the test? Come join us at Kimmel Orchard!
