A Teaching moment!
The proper way to pick apples is to be gentle so you don't bruise the fruit or damage the tree.
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Check if the apple is ripe
- It should come off the tree easily.
- The color should match the variety's ripe color.
- Ripe apples often feel firm and smell sweet.
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Hold the apple gently
Cup it in your hand rather than squeezing it.
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Lift and twist
Lift the apple slightly upward and give it a gentle twist. A ripe apple should separate from the branch with the stem attached.
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Don't pull hard
Pulling can break branches or remove fruiting spurs, which affects future harvests.
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Place apples carefully
- Don't drop them into a bucket or bag.
- Set them down gently to avoid bruising.
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Use both hands if needed
For clusters, hold the branch with one hand and pick with the other.
A good rule: twist, don't yank.