How to pick apples

5 min read

The longest u-pick season in the country and the one with the most varieties, most of them ready on different weeks.

What to look for

1
Lift and twist rather than pulling down. The stem should part from the spur cleanly; pulling takes next year's fruit bud with it
2
Keep the stem attached. A stemless apple rots from the wound within days
3
Ripe apples come away easily when tilted horizontally. If you are fighting the tree, the tree is right
4
Look at the ground under the tree. A scatter of sound windfalls usually means that tree is ready, and none at all often means it is early
5
Colour is unreliable across varieties. Cut one open: brown pips mean ready, white or pale pips mean wait

Seasons are short and local. See which pick-your-own farms have apples on right now.