STORING FRUIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1939, Page 9

STORING FRUIT

SOME SIMPLE METHODS. It is npt always easy to tell when fruits are .ready for harvesting, but a few simple tests will serve as a guide to the novice. In the case of apples, one of the best methods of gauging the state of the crop, is to lift an average fruit gently, without making any effort to drag if from the tree. If the stalk parts easily and readily from the tr£e, the fruit may be picked .at once. There is no point in leaving apples any longer, for they will only get blown down by the first gale of wind. If the fruits are not ready for gathering, it will be found difficult to separate them from the tree. The stalk will bend or tear, instead of breaking off cleanly at its junction with the branch.

The same test can be applied to pears, but it is also advisable to press the neck of the fruit very gently with the thumb, and so ascertain whether it is soft or not. If still quite hard, it will be advisable to leave the pears a few days longer, even though they appear to be ready in other respects, for the flavour of these early pears- is best when they are allowed to ripen fully on the tree. This latter point is one of considerable importance in the case of almost all early fruits. Such varieties are not suitable for storing, and should always be eaten as soon as possible after gathering. Once fully ripened, their quality deteriorates rapidly. The actual process of storing is quite different in the case of apples and pears. The former keep best, in a cool and even, moist temperature, and can be stored satisfactorily m a building, with an earfhern floor. Pears tend to rot under these conditions, and do better in a drier and airier atmosphere. Laid in a single layer on shelves in a cool, well-ventilated room, they should be examined frequently, so that any that are fully ripe and soft around the neck may be removed for use. Always handle pears with particular care, for the flesh is soft and liable to bruise very easily. When testing for ripeness, only press very gently near the stalk, taking care not to squeeze the body ofj the fruit.

On account of their preference for a rather moist atmosphere and not too much ventilation, it is often convenient to store applies in cases. It is advisable to place a couple of pieces of wood between each pair of cases to keep them a little apart, and allow some air to pass between.