Apple is climacteric fruit. In climacteric fruits maturity of fruits does not happen in the tree. The fruits should be harvested at proper picking maturity.

The ease in separation of fruit from spur is one indication for harvest. The change in surface colour from green to pale is another indication. The seed colour changes to light brown on maturity

Apple fruits should be picked in such a way that bruising and stem punctures are avoided and pedicel must remain with fruit.

Picking of immature fruits results in poor quality fruits lacking flavour and taste which shrivel during storage. Over-mature fruits develop soft scald and internal breakdown with poor shelf-life.

After picking, the fruits should be placed in a cool and ventilated place to remove field heat before packing. Air cooler, cold water sprinkling or fruits washing with water also helps quick removal of field heat.

Keeping fruits over-night near the tree basins for cooling down is another practical way to remove field heat. Fruit surface must be free of moisture before grading, wrapping or packing in cartons.