Knowing when are apricots ready to pick is the secret to perfect fruit. It’s the difference between a bland, hard apricot and one that’s incredibly sweet and juicy right off the tree. This guide will give you the clear, simple signs to look for so you can harvest your apricots at their absolute peak.
Picking too early means the sugar hasn’t fully developed. Picking too late means the fruit can become mushy and may attract pests. Let’s look at the key indicators that tell you it’s time.
When Are Apricots Ready To Pick
This is the main question. Unlike some fruit, apricots do not continue to ripen well after they are picked. They get softer, but they won’t get any sweeter. That’s why harvesting at the right moment is so crucial for flavor.
The Three Main Signs of Ripeness
Use your senses of sight, touch, and taste. Together, they give you the full picture.
1. Color is Your First Clue
A ripe apricot loses all traces of green. Look for a uniform, rich golden-orange hue. The background color, not just the blush, should be fully yellow-orange. Some varieties have a red blush, but that’s not a reliable sign of ripeness on its own.
- Unripe: Greenish-yellow or pale yellow skin.
- Ripe: Deep, golden-orange color all over.
- Overripe: May develop dark spots or a dull, darkened color.
2. The Gentle Squeeze Test
Gently press the fruit with your thumb. A ripe apricot will yield slightly to pressure, feeling softly firm but not hard. It should have a little give, similar to a ripe peach. If it’s rock hard, it’s not ready. If your thumb sinks in easily, it’s overripe.
3. Taste is the Final Proof
This is the best test. Pick one fruit that looks ripe from a sunny part of the tree. Taste it. It should be sweet, flavorful, and juicy. If it’s starchy or tart, give the rest of the tree a few more days.
Other Helpful Indicators
Look beyond the fruit itself. The tree and stem give you hints too.
- Ease of Picking: A perfectly ripe apricot will detach from the stem with a gentle, twisting lift. If you have to tug hard, it’s not ready.
- Fragrance: Ripe apricots often have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end.
- Shape: The fruit should be fully rounded and plump, not shriveled.
A Simple Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Once you’ve determined they’re ready, follow these steps for the best results.
- Plan Your Harvest: Pick in the cool of the morning after the dew has dried. This ensures fruit is firm and stores better.
- Be Gentle: Handle each apricot like an egg. Their skin bruises very easily, which leads to quick spoilage.
- Use the Right Technique: Cup the fruit in your palm and give it a slight twist. If ripe, it will come away easily with the stem attached. Don’t pull straight down.
- Use a Container: Place them directly into your picking basket or tray. Don’t drop them in from a height. A shallow container prevents crushing.
- Sort as You Go: Separate any bruised, damaged, or overripe fruit to use immediately. Don’t let them spoil the others.
What to Do After Picking
Post-harvest care is just as important. Apricots are perishable, so have a plan.
- Don’t Wash Immediately: Moisture speeds up decay. Only wash what you’re about to eat or process.
- Storage: For short-term storage (2-3 days), keep them at cool room temperature, spread out in a single layer. For a few extra days, refrigerate them in a breathable container.
- Preservation: If you have a large harvest, consider drying, canning, or making jam. They also freeze well when pitted and sliced.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what might happen.
Birds or Pests Getting Them First
Birds love apricots. Use protective netting over the tree if this is a consistent problem. Secure it well at the trunk.
Fruit Dropping Early
A small amount of natural “June drop” is normal. If many ripe fruits are falling, it could be a sign of over-ripeness, lack of water, or pest issues. Try to harvest a bit sooner.
Apricots Not Ripening Evenly
Fruit on the sunny south side ripens first. Harvest in stages, taking the ripest fruit every couple of days. This extends your harvest period.
FAQ: Your Apricot Harvest Questions Answered
How long does it take for apricots to ripen on the tree?
Once color starts to change from green to yellow, ripening happens quickly, often within a few days. Check daily during this period.
Can you pick apricots when they are green and let them ripen?
No. Apricots picked green will remain hard and tart. They need to ripen fully on the tree to develop their sugars and flavor.
What month are apricots usually ready?
This varies by climate. In most temperate regions, apricots are ready for picking in late spring through early summer, typically from May to July. Your local conditions are the best guide.
How can you tell if an apricot is sweet?
The only sure way is the taste test. A good aroma and deep color are strong indicators, but flavor is the final proof. A ripe apricot should taste distinctly sweet, not sour.
Why are my apricots mealy or flavorless?
This can happen from irregular watering, poor soil nutrition, or most commonly, picking them too early. Letting them reach full ripeness on the tree is key for good texture and taste.
With these tips, you’ll be able to confidently pick your apricots at the perfect moment. The reward is fruit at its very best, full of the sweet, sunny flavor that only a tree-ripened apricot can provide. Remember to check color, feel for softness, and when in doubt, taste one. Your patience will be well worth it.