North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Claude Jolicoeur <cjoli@gmc.ulaval.ca>]

Another factor to take into account for this is the intended use of this 
apple:
If for long time storage, better pick it a bit before full maturity.
If for eating right after picking, leave it longer to ripen on the tree.
If for cider making, wait until about 25% have fallen to the ground 
before harvesting...
Claude

Sherwin Dubren wrote:
> There appears to be several criteria around for determining
> when to pick an apple.  The most prevalent one is when the
> seeds turn dark brown or black.  My experience is that I get
> more sweetness if I leave the apples on the tree beyond this
> point.
>
> Another theory is lift the apple gently and if it comes off, it
> is ready for picking.  This generally works for me, but some
> apples will stubbornly hang on no matter how ripe they get.
>
> One theory that I usually follow is to wait for a few apples
> that are not damaged to fall.  This works for mid and late
> season apples, but could lead to over ripeness in early apples.
>
> Of, course, tasting the apple is the ultimate test.
>
> I'm interested in other people's thoughts on this.