Top 6 things to get it right – Harvest for optimum quality of COSMIC CRISP^®

Written by Ines Hanrahan, WA Tree Fruit Reseach Commission, 26 sep 2019.

If nothing else, do the following to ensure the success of your COSMIC CRISP^® harvest.

1. Read the documents:
   • Starch scale: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/developing-a-cv-wa-38-starch-scale-for-the-washington-state-apple-industry/
   • 2019 Marketing and quality standards: https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/treefruit.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/25135642/2019-WA38-Marketing-Quality-Standards_3-4-19.pdf
   • Stem clipping, splitting: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/wa-38-stem-punctures-packout/
2. Slow down. There is no reason to pick early. No fruit will be sold before December 1, 2019.
3. The best indicator for maturity is starch degradation.
   • Start picking at 2.5 (1-6 scale).
   • Cut through the core and not above it.
   • Starch staining takes longer than with other varieties.
4. This apple’s starch patterns are unique. Use the COSMIC CRISP® starch chart.
5. COSMIC CRISP^® can be a single pick variety. Sample throughout the canopy to determine possibility for your orchard.
6. Stem clipping: do your math when debating to stem clip or not.

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Contact

Ines Hanrahan
Executive Director,
WA Tree Fruit Reseach Commission
email: hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com
Phone: 509-669-0267