How to Pick Apples Like a Pro

In case any of my readers are looking for a seasonal second job or a good way to incorporate a strenuous exercise regimen into crisp autumn days, this is a tutorial on how to pick apples like a pro (and live through it).   

Step 1: Come prepared.

• Consider the weather.  You may need to wear a jacket or raincoat.  Layer appropriately; you're sure to warm up while picking.
• Wear a hat or scarf to keep your hair from becoming entangled in branches.  If you have very short hair, you may still want to wear a hat to protect your head from falling apples.
• Fingernails must be very short with no sharp edges to avoid creating unpleasant markings on the apples.  If the weather is chilly, wear gloves.  
• Rubber boots are ideal for dewy mornings or wet weather.  Otherwise, tennis shoes are great.

Step 2: Pick gently and quickly.

• Some trees may need to be completely cleaned out; others will be picked for size and/or color.
• Treat the apples gently.  Bruised apples don't sell; they have to be juiced. Use both hands; if two or more apples are bunched together they may fall if you pick just one.
• Due to federal regulation, once an apple touches the ground it is off-limits. 
• Fill your sack and empty it carefully, lowering it into the bin and opening the bottom.  Picking sacks carry about a bushel of apples (40-50 lbs) but are designed to distribute the weight comfortably. 
• Remove any leaves from the bin.
• Don't take photos (at least for too long) while working.  It will slow you down considerably.

Step 3: Beware of falling apples, mice, mosquitoes and gunshots

• You're bound to have an apple fall on your head every once in a while.  It's not so bad.
• Last year I posted here about the dangers of mice in apples.  You don't have to be meticulous, but at least give a cursory glance at the apples before picking.  Some mice choose to make their homes in apple trees and even apples, and customers don't find mice in their apples appealing.
• Bring mosquito spray.  
• When using a ladder, only fill your sack halfway.  Do not overreach.  
• "Shot while picking apples" may not be the epitaph you desire.  If the orchard's next door neighbor happens to own a gun shop and use his backyard for a shooting range whenever a customer comes, be ready to get out of there fast.  The orchard's owners were once picking when bullets started wizing past them.  They had a good talk with their neighbor, but they warned us of him just in case.

Step 4: Enjoy the Perks

• If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, after a day of picking, I'm pretty well set to stay away from the doctor's office for a long time.  Apple pickers can eat as many apples as they wish.
• If you can talk your family into picking with you, it can be a great family experience.
• There's plenty of fresh air and invigorating exercise!
• You get paid! 
• And, if your employer is as nice as ours, there's also free apple cider and apples!

May the branches of the trees you pick always be low and may your picking sack always be full!

Some of the photos in this post are courtesy of my sister Charity.  Visit her blog here.