In cooperation with the Henderson County Master Pomology Program, we initiated an effort to monitor apple fruit maturity in commercial orchards in Henderson County, NC. The goal of this program is to provide timely updates regarding fruit maturity of several apple cultivars in the region. Data will be presented weekly to commercial apple growers via web-based updates to partly aid in harvest management decisions. Please note that the data presented is limited to the specific orchard block that we used for sampling. Do not assume that fruit at your location are at the same stage of maturity. To be clear, there is no substitute for regular monitoring of fruit quality parameters at your own operation.
Weekly Update (09.17.2025)
‘Red Delicious’ apples were harvested last week and thus at an appropriate maturity stage for fresh market even though soluble solids of 10.4 % were a little below target (Table 1).
Granny Smith Starch pattern index rating averaged 3.8 this week and soluble solids 12.2% (Table 2, Figure 1). Firmness is down 2.3 lbs this week at 20.3 lbs. A 25% increase in fruit weight and 10.5% increase in fruit diameter was observed this week. All fruit quality parameters suggest these apples will be ready for harvest for long term storage this week.
DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) Starch pattern index rating averaged 5.1, firmness at 17.7 lbs and soluble solids are quite high averaging 15.2% (Table 3, Figure 2). A 57% increase in fruit weight and 21% increase in fruit diameter was observed this week. All fruit quality parameters suggest these apples are mature for fresh market harvest. However, marketable blush coverage of 44% is less than ideal for some markets.
MAIA-1 (Evercrisp®) were evaluated as part of this report for the first time this season. Starch pattern index rating averaged 3.0, firmness at 19.3 lbs and soluble solids at 12.2 % (Table 4, Figure 3). Although most fruit quality parameters are on target for long term storage, marketable blush of 0.81% is extremely low and will require more time to develop sufficient red fruit color.
If of interest, please see the following posts for more detailed information on PGRs to manage fruit maturity and harvest maturity timing. Specifically:
Table 1. 2025 ‘Red Delicious’ fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC.
Date
Fruit Firmness(lbs.)
Soluble Solids(%)
Starch pattern(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight(g)
Fruit Diameter(inches)
Marketable Blush(%)
September 09
14.8
10.4
4.8
239
3.27
84.15
September 02
15.0
9.1
4.2
201
3.00
n/a
August 26
15.9
8.9
3.5
213
3.20
63.38
August 19
15.9
8.6
3.5
186
2.99
65.48
Granny Smith
Table 2. 2025 Granny Smith fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC.
Date
Fruit Firmness
lbs.)
Soluble Solids
(%)
Starch pattern
(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight
(g)
Fruit Diameter
(inches)
Septermber 16
20.3
12.2
3.8
199
2.94
September 09
22.6
12.7
3.7
154
2.66
September 02
22.3
11.6
2.9
171
2.84
Figure 1. Granny Smith superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.16.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
DT2 (Aztec® Fuji)
Table 3. 2025 DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC.
Date
Fruit Firmnesslbs.)
Soluble Solids(%)
Starch pattern(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight(g)
Fruit Diameter(inches)
Marketable Blush(%)
September 16
17.7
15.2
5.1
242
3.22
44.34
September 09
18.8
14.6
3.3
154
2.66
32.11
Figure 2. DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.16.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
MAIA-1 (Evercrisp®)
Table 4. 2025 MAIA-1 (Evercrisp®) fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC.
Date
Fruit Firmness(lbs.)
Soluble Solids(%)
Starch pattern(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight(g)
Fruit Diameter(inches)
Marketable Blush(%)
September 16
19.3
12.2
3.0
204
3.02
0.81
Figure 3. MAIA-1 (Evercrisp®) superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.16.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
Optimal harvest timing is dictated by multiple factors, especially the intended market. While one size does not fit all, please see this resource from Michigan State University for some general guidelines.
Acknowledgements
We are very grateful for the cooperation of the Pat Lancaster and the team at Grandad’s Apples for hosting this project. Thank you for your generous access to your farm and fruit!
This work would not be possible without my excellent colleague, co-author, and technician, Tatiana Zuber.
We sincerely appreciate the great work of Marvin Owings, Ken Olson, Ivy Olson, Don Schwartz, Gary Medere, John Masotti, Susan Hadden, Adam Ferrell, Bill Metts, and Leigh Siracusano, who make up the Henderson County Master Pomology Program. This dedicated team of volunteers are assisting with data collection and inspired the initiation of this pilot program.
