As summer begins to gently turn towards fall, my orchard is putting on its best show. Today, August 27th, 2025, the apples and pears are finally ready for picking, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of gathering fruit you’ve nurtured all season.
This year has been particularly good. The trees are heavy with fruit, a testament to good watering, a bit of pruning, and a lot of patience. My backyard isn’t huge, but it’s home to a few beloved varieties that thrive in our Midwest climate.
Apples of My Eye
I have a mix of apples, including a reliable ‘Honeycrisp’ that’s always a crowd-pleaser with its crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor. They’re perfect for eating fresh, but also hold up well in baking. Then there’s the ‘McIntosh’, a classic for a reason. These are softer, juicier, and have that wonderful aromatic quality that makes a fantastic applesauce. Their readiness is usually signaled by a slight blush of red and an easy release from the branch.
Pearfect Picks
My pear trees are yielding a good crop this year too. The ‘Bartlett’ pears are coming in, recognizable by their characteristic bell shape and sweet, buttery flesh when ripe. I tend to pick them slightly before they’re fully soft on the tree, as they ripen beautifully indoors. I also have a ‘Kieffer’ pear, known for its firmness and slightly gritty texture, which makes it excellent for canning and cooking, especially when poached or baked.
Harvesting Tips
When it’s time to harvest, the key is to check for ripeness. For apples and pears, a gentle lift and twist motion usually does the trick. If the fruit detaches easily from the branch with a slight upward turn, it’s likely ready. Avoid pulling straight down, as this can damage the fruiting spurs for next year.
It’s also helpful to look at the color. While color can vary by variety, a deepening of the natural hues is a good indicator. For pears, you can also try the ‘neck test’ – gently press near the stem. If it gives slightly, the pear is likely ripe.
From Orchard to Table
What to do with this bounty? First, a simple tasting is in order – nothing beats a freshly picked apple or pear! For preserving, I’m planning on making a batch of applesauce from the ‘McIntosh’ and perhaps some pear butter from the ‘Bartletts’. Canning is also on the agenda; the ‘Kieffer’ pears are ideal for this.
If you’re lucky enough to have a surplus, don’t forget the simple joy of sharing. A basket of fresh fruit is always a welcome gift.
Happy harvesting, everyone!