Chumasande MatiwaneIt’s that season and, if the weather has been kind, you have found time for a bit of judicious fruit. Apples are just the fruit to go for. Just note that not everything will be ripe and ready just yet, but those that are ready can get harvested.
Here is a quick, simple three-step method for checking and harvesting your apples:
Timing is very crucial, so the first key step is to pick apples at the right time. This can vary depending on the type of apple tree, your climate, and also any particular apple’s location on the tree.
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Firstly:
If your apples tick all the right boxes and are ripe to pick, the first step is to grab your apple in your palm or, rather, cup it. Hold it, but not with excessive grip, just with your fingers, as this pressure can bruise the fruit. Cup the apple gently always.
Secondly:
Give it a slight twist and an upward lift. Any ripe apple will come away in your hand using this motion. If you need to force it, then your apple isn’t ready. Don’t excessively pull, as this risks damaging the fruit and the tree. As you can tear off the spurs that will carry next year’s fruit. Make sure you lift the apple gently towards the horizontal.
Thirdly:
This step is pretty straightforward. Detach the ripe ones and gently place the apple into a basket. Be careful with the apple, though, so you don’t drop it from a height, as you will bruise the fruit.
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Always keep a close eye out for wasps and any other insects that feed on apples. They can hide in holes in fruits and may sting if they are disturbed.
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