Hey, apple enthusiasts! Are you excited about the apple-picking season? We’ve got something that will make your apple harvest even more fruitful this year. We recently stumbled upon an incredible blog post by Benedict Venheems on Mother Earth News, and we just had to share it with you. The original post is a treasure trove of information on when to pick apples, how to store them, and even how to preserve them. But we’re taking it a step further by filling in some content gaps and adding more details to help you make the most of your apple harvest.
When to Pick Apples 🍏
- Color and Texture: Apples are ready to pick when the skin color deepens.
- Ease of Picking: The fruit should come away easily from the tree.
- Windfalls: The presence of windfalls is a good indication that fruits are ready to pick.
- Taste Test: If in doubt, taste one!
Extra Tips:
- Apples at the sides and top of the tree usually ripen first due to more sunlight exposure.
- Not all apples ripen at the same time, so keep an eye on individual clusters.
How to Pick Apples 🍎
- Cup and Twist: Cup the apple in your hand, lift, and twist gently.
- Handle with Care: Always handle apples gently to avoid bruising.
- Stepladder: Use a stepladder for those hard-to-reach apples.
Safety First:
- Never over-reach while on a stepladder; you could lose your balance.
Storing Your Harvest 🍏
- Early Season Varieties: Best eaten soon after harvesting.
- Midseason Varieties: Will store for a few weeks.
- Late Season Varieties: Good for up to six months.
Storage Tips:
- Store apples in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place like a shed or garage.
- Use slatted trays for good air circulation.
- Wrap apples in newspaper or ensure they don’t touch each other.
Preserving Your Apples 🍎
- Stewing and Freezing: Great for desserts and baking.
- Dehydration: Perfect for snacks.
- Jams and Jellies: Sweet spreads for your morning toast.
- Sauces and Syrups: Ideal for pancakes and waffles.
- Juices, Wines, and Ciders: Quench your thirst or enjoy a homemade brew.
Bonus Ideas:
- Apple butter for a richer spread.
- Apple chips for a crunchy snack.
- Apple vinegar for cooking and health benefits.
Additional Resources 📚
- Vegetable Garden Planner: Helps you map out your garden design.
- Crops at a Glance Guide: For advice on planting and caring for dozens of garden crops.
- Wiser Living Videos: For more videos on gardening techniques and other self-reliance topics.
We hope this expanded guide helps you make the most of your apple harvest this year. A big shoutout to Benedict Venheems for the original post that inspired us. Make sure to check it out for even more tips and tricks!
Happy apple harvesting! 🍏🍎
