Prairie Fruit Cookbook:The Essential Guide for Picking, Preserving & Preparing Fruit

How to Harvest Apples Start by removing any fallen apples to keep them separate from the fresh ones you pick. Any fruit that falls while you’re picking can be used, but apples that have been on the ground for a while are at risk of contamination and should be composted.

Pick apples from the lower branches first to avoid bruising from ladders or fruit falling from upper branches.

When picking, place your hand underneath the apple, roll the apple toward the branch and twist gently. The stem should break free from the spur. Avoid jerking or pulling the apple as this may remove the fruit spurs that are critical to next year’s crop. Your apple should have a stem, but the spur should remain on the tree.

Two or more apples may be joined on one spur. They usually come off at the same time, so be prepared to catch them all.

Place the apples in a bag or basket gently to avoid bruising.

Empty your container frequently to avoid spilling or bumping apples.

Place any heavily bruised or damaged fruit in a separate container. If left, they’ll quickly cause other apples to spoil. Damaged fruit should be used right away.

Do not wash your apples until you’re ready to eat them. Unwashed apples keep longer than washed apples.

Store in a cool dark area until ready to use.

Apples and Crab Apples 31