Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell when an apple is ripe?

THE BEST WAYS TO DETERMINE AN APPLES RIPENESS are by tasting it; observing the color of its skin; or checking its seeds (they are dark brown or black when the fruit is ripe).

What is the proper way to pick an apple?

WRAP YOUR HAND AROUND EACH APPLE, placing your fingers on either side of the stem. Roll the apple upward and give a slight twist to keep from removing the fruit spur inside the cluster of leaves at the base of the apple, which contains the following year’s bud.

What is the best pie apple?

ALMOST ANY APPLE CAN BE USED IN A PIE, and many chefs like to combine several varieties for flavor, texture, and aroma. But some apples excel in pie by themselves.

Among the outstanding early season pie apples are Gravenstein, followed by mid-season varieties like Cortland or McIntosh. Late-season pie apples include Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Rome, and the heirlooms Baldwin and Northern Spy.

How should I store apples?

KEEP YOUR APPLES COLD TO MAINTAIN CRISPNESS. If left at room temperature, most varieties will begin to soften in a few days. For best results, store apples in a bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Are GMO apples being grown in New England?

NO. The New England Apple Association supports science-based biotechnology that protects consumer health, the environment, and the marketplace. At this time, there is no demand for GMO apples, and no consensus about GMO produce, and no New England growers are planting GMO apples, to our knowledge.

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