Fall Apple and Pear Harvest

Apples Ready For harvest

Apples (Malus spp.) and pears (Pyrus communis) are plentiful in home orchards this fall. Several late apples such as Winesap, Stayman, Rome, Fuji, Cameo, and Granny Smith are harvested in late September. Pears do not ripen on the tree, so late varieties should be pulled from the tree when outdoor temperatures under 25°F are predicted.

Apples can be stored for 4-6 months if harvested before they are fully ripe. The ideal apple storage temperatures are 31-33 °F with a relative humidity of 90 percent. Stored apples are best packaged in closed plastic bags to retard moisture loss. Modern day frost-free refrigerator is not an ideal spot to store temperate (non-citrus) fruits because humidity levels are too low. A storm cellar or unheated garage is adequate at temperatures between 37-45 °F. 

Asian pears are ready to eat when harvested off the tree; fruits can be held refrigerated in plastic bags for several months.