Knowing when are red delicious apples ready to pick is the key to enjoying their best flavor. Picking them at the perfect moment means a crisp, sweet harvest you’ll be proud of. This guide will walk you through the simple signs to look for.
Timing is everything. Harvest too early, and the apples are starchy and sour. Wait too long, and they become soft and mealy. By following a few easy checks, you can get it just right.
When Are Red Delicious Apples Ready To Pick
Red Delicious apples typically ripen for harvest in late September through October. The exact timing depends heavily on your local climate and the weather during the growing season. You can’t rely on the calender alone, though; you need to use your senses.
The Top Signs of Ripeness
Look for these clear indicators that your apples are ready. Using a combination of these methods gives you the most reliable results.
- Deep, Overall Red Color: A ripe Red Delicious loses any green streaks and develops a deep, uniform red skin. The base color underneath the red should be a creamy yellow, not green.
- Easy Stem Separation: This is a classic test. Cup an apple in your hand, lift and twist gently. If it comes off the branch easily with its stem intact, it’s likely ripe. If you have to tug hard, leave it for another week.
- Brown Seeds: Cut a sample apple open. The seeds inside a ripe apple will be dark brown, not pale or white. This is a very trustworthy sign.
- Firm but Not Hard Flesh: The apple should feel firm when you squeeze it, but not rock-hard. A slight give under the skin is a good clue.
The Taste Test (The Final Judge)
Your taste buds don’t lie. Pick one apple that looks ready and take a bite. It should be juicy, crisp, and sweet with that classic Red Delicious flavor. If it tastes starchy or tart, the others on the tree need more time.
Remember, apples on the same tree don’t all ripen at once. Start with the ones that get the most sun on the outside of the tree. The interior and shaded fruit will be ready later.
How Weather Affects Your Harvest Time
A warm, sunny growing season can push ripening earlier. A cool, cloudy summer will delay it. Don’t panic if your neighbors are picking and yours are still green—microclimates in your own yard make a difference too.
Also, a sudden heatwave can cause apples to ripen very quickly. Keep a close eye on them during warm spells.
What About Early Drop?
If a few healthy-looking apples start dropping from the tree, that’s nature’s signal that harvest is near. However, if many apples are falling prematurely, it could indicate stress from drought, pests, or disease and warrants investigation.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting
Once you’ve determined ripeness, proper technique ensures your apples store well.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a basket or bucket with a soft liner (like an old towel), and maybe a picking pole for high branches.
- Handle with Care: Always treat apples like eggs. Bruising leads to rot in storage. Never throw them into your container.
- The Correct Picking Motion: Don’t pull straight down. Cup the apple, lift it upwards, and give it a gentle twist. The stem should separate cleanly from the spur (the small twig it’s attached to).
- Leave the Stems On: Try to keep the stem attached to the apple. An apple without a stem will decay faster.
- Sort as You Go: Place any damaged, bruised, or bird-pecked apples in a separate container to use first for sauce or baking.
Post-Harvest Handling for Longevity
What you do after picking is just as important. Red Delicious can store for several months if handled correctly.
- Cool Them Down Quickly: Get your harvested apples into a cool, shaded place as soon as possible. Don’t let them sit in the sun.
- Curing (Optional but Helpful): Let them sit in a cool, garage or basement for about a week. This allows minor scratches to heal over and can improve storage life.
- Ideal Storage Conditions: Store apples in a cold, humid environment, ideally between 30-35°F with high humidity. A spare refrigerator’s crisper drawer works well. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as apples absorb odors.
- Check Regularly: Even in perfect storage, check your stash every few weeks and remove any apples starting to soften or spoil. One bad apple really can spoil the bunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Picking by Color Alone: Sometimes an apple can be fully red but still underripe underneath. Always use multiple tests.
- Harvesting All at Once: As mentioned, apples ripen in stages. Plan on 2-3 picking sessions over a few weeks for the best quality from your whole tree.
- Using a Ladder Incorrectly: Always have someone spot you. Make sure your ladder is on stable, level ground before you climb.
- Washing Before Storage: Don’t wash apples until your ready to use them. The natural bloom (waxy coating) helps protect them during storage.
FAQ: Your Red Delicious Harvest Questions
Q: Can you pick Red Delicious apples early and let them ripen off the tree?
A: Unlike some fruits, apples do not get sweeter after they are picked. They may become softer (often mealy) but their sugar content is fixed at harvest. For the best flavor, always ripen on the tree.
Q: My apples are still a bit green but frost is forecast. Should I pick them?
A: A light frost might not harm them, especially if it’s brief. But if a hard freeze is coming, it’s better to harvest what you can. These early-picked apples will be tarter and are best used for cooking.
Q: How long do freshly picked Red Delicious apples last?
A: On your kitchen counter, maybe 1-2 weeks. In the fridge, 4-6 weeks. In perfect cold storage, they can last 3-5 months. Their thick skin helps them store well.
Q: Why are my ripe Red Delicious apples not very crisp?
A: This can happen if they were left on the tree too long, or if the tree lacked enough water during the final swell in late summer. Over-mature apples become soft. Next year, try harvesting a little earlier and ensure consistent watering.
Finding the perfect harvest window for your Red Delicious apples is a rewarding skill. By watching the color, testing the stem, checking the seeds, and trusting a taste test, you’ll fill your baskets with perfectly ripe fruit every autumn. With careful picking and proper storage, you can enjoy the taste of your orchard for months to come.