The key to picking out the best apples is selecting firm bruise-free apples. The color of the apple will vary depending on the variety, but it's not really how you tell when an apple is ripe. Feel the apple and make sure it's crisp and firm.
You should ask the farmer which are ripe. He will know because it is calculated from the number of days since the trees flowered. Also, the farmer will know what characteristics to look for in the particular varieties that he is growing. Seeing several apples fallen below the tree could be a sign that the apples on that tree are ripe. They ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center.
Now that you know which apples to pick first, you'll want to make sure that you correctly remove them. Usually, you'll see two apples growing stem to stem. Place the palms of your hands on each apple, and gently use your fingers to twist and turn the two apples either upward or downward until they release. You should not have to apply a lot of pressure. Don't shake the trees or branches.
Once your bucket is full of delicious sweet crunchy apples, bring them home to enjoy!
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