In order to obtain the highest quality fruit, apples, apricots, pears, and plums must be harvested at the proper stage of maturity. Once harvested, proper storage is necessary to maximize storage life. Harvest apples when the fruit are mature. There are several indicators of apple maturity.
Mature apples are firm, crisp, juicy, well-colored, and good flavored.
Fruit harvested too early are astringent, sour, starchy, and poorly flavored. Apples harvested too late are soft and mealy. When harvesting apples, pick and handle the fruit carefully to prevent unnecessary damage. Sort through the apples prior to storage. Remove bruised or cut apples and use promptly.