Knowing when to pick apricots is the secret to the best flavor. Picking them at the perfect moment makes all the difference between a bland fruit and a sweet, juicy treat. This guide will show you exactly how to tell when your apricots are ready for harvest, ensuring you get the most from your tree.
When to Pick Apricots0 – Perfectly ripe and ready
Getting the timing right is crucial. Apricots are climacteric fruits, which means they ripen after being picked. However, they only develop their full sugar and flavor potential if harvested at the precise stage of maturity. Pick too early, and they’ll be tart and hard. Pick too late, and they might be mushy or already fallen.
The Key Signs of Ripeness
Forget the calendar. The best way to know when to pick apricots is by using your senses. Look, touch, and smell your way to a perfect harvest.
Color is Your First Clue
A ripe apricot undergoes a distinct color change. Look for a rich, golden-orange hue all over the fruit. The blush of red you often see is not a reliable indicator of ripeness. Most importantly, the fruit should have no trace of green. Green means the fruit is still immature and will not ripen properly off the tree.
The Gentle Touch Test
Gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand. A perfectly ripe apricot will yield slightly to gentle pressure. It should feel plump and firm, but not hard as a rock. If it feels soft or bruise easily, it is likely overripe. Practice this test carefully to avoid damaging the fruit.
Smell and Taste
Bring the fruit close to your nose. A ripe apricot will have a distinctly sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end. If it smells like nothing, it’s not ready. If you’re still unsure, you can pick one fruit that looks ready and taste it. The flavor should be sweet and tangy, not starchy or sour.
Ease of Harvest
A ripe apricot will detach from the tree with minimal effort. Lift the fruit and twist it gently. If the stem separates cleanly from the branch, it’s ready. If you have to tug hard, the fruit needs more time on the tree. Never yank or pull, as this can damage the spur that produces fruit next year.
A Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Follow these simple steps for a successful and gentle harvest.
- Check the tree in the late morning after the dew has dried. This gives you the best fruit condition.
- Gently cradle the fruit in your hand and lift it upwards.
- Twist it lightly. If ripe, it will come away easily.
- Place each apricot directly into your harvesting container. Don’t drop them in, as they bruise easily.
- Use shallow containers or trays. Stacking fruit too deep will crush the ones at the bottom.
- Move your harvested fruit into shade or cool place as soon as possible.
What to Do After Picking
Post-harvest handling is just as important as picking at the right time. Apricots are perishable and need care.
- Sort Immediately: Separate any bruised, damaged, or overripe fruit. Use these first for cooking or eating.
- Don’t Wash Yet: Wait to wash apricots until just before you eat or use them. Moisture speeds up decay.
- Storage for Ripening: If some fruit need a little more ripening, place them in a single layer in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
- Cold Storage: For fully ripe apricots you won’t eat right away, store them in the refrigerator in a breathable container. They’ll keep for 3-5 days.
- Preservation: For longer storage, consider drying, canning, or freezing your bounty. Apricots freeze exceptionally well when pitted and sliced.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to handle common issues.
Birds and Pests
Birds love ripe apricots as much as we do. If they’re a problem, use bird netting over the tree as the fruit begins to color. Make sure the netting is secure at the trunk to prevent birds from getting trapped underneath.
Fruit Falling Prematurely
A certain amount of fruit drop is natural as the tree thins itself. But significant drop before ripening can be caused by drought stress, nutrient deficiency, or pest issues. Ensure consistent watering during fruit development and have your soil tested if it’s a recurring problem.
Uneven Ripening
Apricots on the sunny side of the tree will ripen first. Harvest in stages, picking the ripe fruit every couple of days. This allows the shadier fruit more time to develop its sugars.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Unlike some fruits, apricots have a very short shelf life once ripe. Their peak flavor occurs for just a brief window on the tree. Commercial growers often pick them firmer for shipping, which is why homegrown apricots, picked at the perfect moment, taste infinitely better. You have the advantage of harvesting for flavor, not transport.
Patience really is a virtue here. Waiting those extra few days for the full color and aroma to develop results in a spectacular difference in taste. The texture will be meltingly tender, and the juice will be abundant.
FAQ: Your Apricot Harvest Questions Answered
How long does it take for apricots to ripen after they turn orange?
Once an apricot has turned a full orange-gold color with no green, it is usually ripe or within 1-2 days of being perfect for picking. Use the touch and smell test to confirm.
Can you ripen apricots off the tree?
Yes, but with a big caveat. Apricots picked when they have just started to color (a hint of yellow-orange) can ripen off the tree in a paper bag. However, they will never achieve the same sugar content or complex flavor as tree-ripened fruit. They may soften but can remain tart.
What time of day is best for picking apricots?
Late morning is ideal. The dew has evaporated, so the fruit is dry (reducing mold risk), but the heat of the afternoon hasn’t made them too soft or warm. Avoid picking wet fruit.
How can you tell if an apricot is sweet?
The best indicators are a deep, even color and a strong sweet smell at the stem. Sweetness develops fully only when the fruit is left on the tree long enough. A taste test is the only surefire method.
My apricots are soft. Are they overripe?
They might be. Apricots that are very soft to the touch, especially if they have wrinkles or are leaking juice, are past their prime. They’re still excellent for jam, sauce, or baking, but should be used immediately.
Why are my apricots splitting on the tree?
Splitting is usually caused by irregular watering. A sudden heavy rain or deep watering after a dry period can cause the fruit to swell too quickly and crack. Try to maintain consistent soil moisture during the final ripening stages.
Harvesting your own apricots at their peak is one of the great joys of gardening. By focusing on color, feel, and fragrance, you’ll master the timing. With careful handling, you can enjoy the incredible, sun-warmed flavor of fruit that’s been picked perfectly ripe and ready from your own tree. There’s truly nothing else like it.