Growers need to be aware of advice being provided on the best time to harvest Braeburn. This will be available through the Quality Fruit Group (QFG) and other sources.
Maturity criteria for picking for storage are: starch cover of 85-75 (% black) for air storage until December and CA storage until January. Contrary to common practice fruit intended for long-term (March) CA storage should be harvested slightly more mature, starch cover of 80-75%, in order to reduce the risk of superficial scald. Picking at the higher end of these ranges for starch is likely to provide the longest storage potential.
Picking Braeburn at too immature a stage will result in an inferior appearance and eating quality and a heightened susceptibility to superficial scald.
·Picking too late can result in a greasy skin and poor texture of the flesh.