How to Pick Apricots

Golden yellow apricots (Prunus armeniaca) ripen on the tree in midsummer. These tree fruits feature velvety skin and juicy flesh with a sweet but tart flavor. Apricot trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardines zones 5 through 7. Apricots are delicate and bruise easily, so they require careful picking to ensure the best quality. The fruits don't continue to ripen once picked. They must reach their peak maturity before you begin to harvest the fruits.

Box or tray

Instructions

- 1
  Gently squeeze the apricot when the skin has turned yellow. Apricots are ready to pick when they still feel firm and only yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- 2
  Grasp the apricot in one hand and lift it toward the branch above, twisting slightly until the fruit breaks free from the stem. Avoid yanking or pulling downward on the apricot, as this can break the branch or tear out the stem, which minimizes the fruit's storage life.
- 3
  Place the apricots in a wide box or tray as you pick them. Stack the apricots no more than two layers deep to prevent bruising. The fruits bruise easily, so handle them gently and do not drop them into the box.
- 4
  Store the apricots in the refrigerator for up to three weeks after harvest. Maintaining a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit results in the longest storage life.

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