We are definitely nearing tree fruit harvest time in our part of the country. Our orchard includes apples, Asian pears, and European pears. Yum! The only problem is what to do with the blessing of so much bounty. It is a bit intimidating to look around and see ten or more 5-gallon pails of fruit awaiting your attention. What to do? Well, one can share with family, friends, or food pantries for the needy. Hmmm, there is the cold cellar and refrigerator. But, you still want to have some after the fresh fruit is gone so that leaves drying, canning, freezing, and cider production. You, however, want to wait until the fruit is ready for picking. When is that?
Is It Ready Yet?
Our apple trees include Enterprise, Liberty, Arkansas, and Arkansas Black varieties. Each will ripen at its own rate. Occasionally check a windfall apple. Sample it to see if it peels easily and has developed sweet, juicy, flavorful flesh. If not, wait longer. If yes, get to work. There is also the “oh my goodness” test of seeing apples dropping from the tree like rain in a light wind. That tells you that picking time is a rush job *today*.
Useful equipment to have on hand is the following: a sturdy A-frame ladder, an apple picker (metal cage device on the end of a long pole), several clean 5-gallon pails, a smaller bucket, and a helper to serve as your go-for when you are up on the ladder. It is helpful to also have a pick-up truck to stand the ladder in to enable picking the highest fruit! Designate one pail to hold any fruit that falls off the tree as it will be bruised and needs to be used quickly. How to pick the apples? Grasp one in your hand and pull up gently so as to preserve the branch to produce next year’s fruit. Pick apples and carefully place them into the smaller pail. When full, pass it to the helper to gently empty into the larger pails.Continue reading“Apple and Pear Harvest, Oh My!, by K.B.”