North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Ed Fackler" <efackler@woh.rr.com>]

Fluff---you wrote........

Gang:

Question on Liberty apple…

I have run across incongruent sources in terms of the ripening time of 
Liberty apple, its storage length in general, and its storage time for 
optimal flavor development.

I am located in the suburbs of Chicago about ½ way between Chicago and DeKalb 
and I am curious as to Liberty’s ripening date out here.  A couple hit the 
ground already but that could be premature.  They seemed to have a little 
starch left and I am not so sure the squirrels did not bring them down.   

Source I have read state the apple stores 3-6 months, but one Liberty apple 
expert gives it 4-6 weeks.   All sources seem to agree it needs a bit of time 
off the tree to develop full flavor but neglect to mention how long that 
mellowing time should be.

Any insight would be most appreciated.

My response----------

Best estimate on proper maturity dates for Liberty in your area is Sept. 
28-Oct. 3 or 10-14 days prior to Delicious.  And since your season during the 
last 20-30 days prior to maturity is much cooler than ours, flesh density 
remains a bit better and therefore storage length of time would be extended 
somewhat.

My best guess is it would still be no more than 6-8 weeks.  Also storage 
temperature is critical.  In a home refrigerator, the likely maximum low 
would be around 36-38 degrees which is some 6-7 degrees shy of optimal for 
any long term storage.  Also storing them in plastic bags will enhance 
storage time a bit.

Hope this helps.

Ed, So. Ohio cool, much rain, fall-like