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2. The Harvest Hustle
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The harvest season starts in real force when apples reach their best maturity. For orchardists, this is a crucial period as, when it comes to apple picking, timing counts. Depending on the type of apple and the local temperature, harvest usually falls in late summer through October. Harvesting apples is a science as well as an art; it calls for talented individuals who can rapidly and precisely identify which apples are ripe for consumption. To evaluate ripeness, pickers search for signals including color, size, and hardness. Many orchards still rely on handpicking; workers meticulously remove every apple from the tree to prevent damage or bruises. Although they are mostly utilized for apples headed for processing rather than fresh market sales, mechanical harvesters may be used in bigger commercial operations to hasten the process. Usually kept in big bins or crates, apples are picked, ready for delivery to packing factories. Workers sometimes labor long hours to guarantee that all ripe apples are gathered before they turn overripe, so the harvest period can be rather demanding. Harvest circumstances can be greatly influenced by the weather; rain or excessive heat might postpone picking or compromise fruit quality. Additionally, orchardists have to closely control their personnel to guarantee adequate qualified pickers during the height of harvest. A few orchards let customers enjoy picking their own apples by opening their fields for "U-Pick" events. Families can enjoy this entertaining pastime as well as learn about the apple-growing process from a public perspective. Whether picked by hand or machine, every plucked apple is now ready for the next fascinating phase of its life.
