Apples, Apples, Apples

18 years ago

I have six different apple trees on my property, all different varieties. How do I tell when they get ripe? I believe one of the trees' apples are ready, but I want to make sure--I've got big plans for them, and don't want my Christmas gifts to be made from unripe apples! : )

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Comments (5)

cinsay
18 years ago
I went picking at an apple orchard last year. The man running the farm said to give the apples a quarter to half turn and pull. If the apple came off easily then it was ripe. If it was stuck in place it wasn't ready yet. Worked for me and him...

Cindy
ksrogers
18 years ago
Pick one from each tree and taste.. Sometimes apples can ripen at diferent times even on the same tree. I had a couple that were a bit dry and mealy, but most were nice and crisp and juicy. The two trees I have do ripen at slightly different times, and most are always green with just a red blush on the exposed side. I picked all from one tree and most from the other so far, and have already made a big batch of apple pie filling. The spices used were cinnimanon, nutmeg, ginger, and some cardamom. These apples remained firm even after the whole batch was brought to a boil. I use some added acid too, because I prefer a thicker filling, and had used Splenda as the sweetener. Love that hand crank apple peeler, corer, slicer. Turn the crank and your apple is all done in 3 seconds or less..
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weddingdance
18 years ago
I'm so excited to see this thread, because my neighbor just gave me permission to raid her beautiful apple tree! I went over and also couldn't tell if they were ripe or not, so I twisted about 3/4 turn and it came right off. I'm so glad that's a good way to tell ripeness. Now I'd better get all set for canning on Friday.
rachelellen
18 years ago
It isn't quite apple season around here yet, but it's coming. Last year, I went on a binge putting up apple sauce for adults.

I made brandied braeburn with pecans, granny smith with cardamom, fuji with cranberries (very pretty, polka dots!)I even made some bartlet pear sauce with fresh ginger.

Applesauce is wonderful, not only to have around to dress up winter dinners, but as little gifts for friends...something a bit different from the usual jam.
msafirstein
18 years ago
Summer apples will be coming in in Aug/Sep. You also have to be careful with which side of the tree you are picking. The North side will ripen last so do test as you pick.

Personally, I think the early summer apples make the best sauce.

Michelle