How to Pick Apples

Learn the proper way to pick apples with these tips and you'll have a grand old time at the orchard.

Step 1: Contact the orchard Contact the apple orchard to confirm the apples are ripe and ready for picking.
TIP: Bring a ladder if the trees are full-size.
Step 2: Select ripe apples Select firm, crisp, ripe apples without bruises.
TIP: Ask the farmer for advice on what apples are ripe.
Step 3: Twist the apple stem Twist the stem upward until the apple breaks from the branch. Do not pull the apple downward from the tree.
Step 4: Place apples in a container Gingerly place your apples in the bucket. Bruised apples will rot more quickly.
Step 5: Store apples in a cool place Store your apples in a cool, dark place where they will not freeze, ideally in a spot with high humidity. Properly stored apples will provide healthy snacks for weeks.
FACT: Apples are a member of the rose family.