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Intermediate1-2 weeks

Orchard Harvest Timing Guide

Learn orchard harvest timing from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.

pick-your-ownmarket growers

Workflow

  1. Starch Iodine Test Apples

    30 min

    Cut apple iodine stain clear starch gone indicates maturity.

  2. Refractometer Brix Check

    20 min

    Measure soluble solids target brix for cultivar at pick.

  3. Pick in Multiple Passes

    season

    Pick ripest first return 5-7 days same tree.

  4. Cold Storage Rapidly

    ongoing

    Cool within hours CA storage home fridge humidity.

Checklist

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Planning

Preparation

Safety

Execution

Quality

Documentation

Reference Materials

Apple Maturity StandardStandard

Industry best practices for apple maturity.

Apple Maturity FormulaFormula

Starch clearing 80%+ and brix cultivar specific; pick before full soft drop.

Apple Maturity Reference TableTable

Key benchmarks for apple maturity.

TestReady signTool
Starch80% clearIodine
Brix12-14Refractometer

  • Pro Tip

    Taste always final test.

  • Time Saver

    Pick cool morning extends shelf.

  • Warning

    One tree varies — sample multiple.

Safety Notes

  • Ladder bins heavy — team lift.
  • Wasps in fallen fruit — gloves.

Related Scenarios

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Orchard Management