How Do You Know When To Pick Apricots

You know when to pick apricots by waiting until they are fully mature on the tree but still slightly firm to the touch.
 
It’s a delicate balance that can feel tricky at first, but once you learn the signs, you’ll never second-guess yourself again.
 
Apricots don’t ripen well off the tree, so knowing when to pick apricots is the single most important step for getting that juicy, sweet flavor you’re after.
 
If you pick them too early, they’ll stay hard and sour, and if you wait too long, they’ll turn mushy and bland.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly when to pick apricots, how to tell if they’re ready, and what to do after you harvest them.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Pick Apricots For the Best Flavor

The simplest answer for when to pick apricots is when they’ve changed from green to a rich golden-orange and give just a little when squeezed.
 
You want to pick apricots at the “mature” stage, which means they’ve stopped growing and have reached full size but haven’t turned overly soft yet.
 
At this point, they’re still attached firmly to the branch, but they’ll come off with a gentle twist and a slight tug.
 
If you have to yank hard, they’re not ready, so leave them on the tree for a few more days.
 
Let’s break down the specific signs so you know when to pick apricots every single time.
 

1. Color Change Signals Ripeness

The most obvious clue for when to pick apricots is the color.
 
A ripe apricot will have a deep, uniform orange or golden-yellow hue with no green patches left on the skin.
 
Green undertones mean the fruit is still immature and won’t sweeten after picking, so wait until that green fades completely.
 
Some varieties develop a red blush on the sunny side, but that doesn’t always mean they’re ready, so check the overall base color too.
 
When you see that full, warm orange color, it’s a solid sign that it’s time to pick apricots off the branch.
 

2. The Gentle Squeeze Test

Another reliable way to figure out when to pick apricots is by feeling their firmness.
 
Gently cup an apricot in your palm and press with your thumb, not your fingertips, to avoid bruising.
 
If it yields slightly under pressure, like a ripe peach but a bit firmer, it’s ready to harvest.
 
If it feels hard as a rock, give it more time on the tree, because apricots won’t soften much once picked.
 
If it feels mushy or squishy, you’ve waited too long, so you’ll want to pick apricots a little earlier next time.
 

3. The Easy Twist Test

When you’re wondering when to pick apricots, try the twist test for a quick answer.
 
Hold the apricot gently and give it a slight upward twist while pulling away from the branch.
 
If it comes off easily with the stem attached, it’s at the perfect point of ripeness.
 
If you have to pull hard and the stem tears from the fruit, it’s not ready yet, so leave it on the branch.
 
This simple method works because ripe apricots naturally detach from the tree when they’re mature.
 

Timing Your Harvest Based On the Season

Beyond the physical signs, you also need to know when to pick apricots based on your local climate and the tree’s bloom time.
 
Generally, apricots ripen in late spring to early summer, usually between May and July depending on where you live.
 
In warmer regions, you might start picking apricots in late May, while cooler areas may not see ripe fruit until June or July.
 
The key is to track when your tree flowers, as apricots typically ripen about 100 to 120 days after full bloom.
 
So mark that date on your calendar and start checking your fruit daily as that window approaches.
 

1. Harvest in Stages, Not All at Once

One thing you’ll notice is that not all apricots ripen on the same day.
 
This means you shouldn’t pick apricots all at once, instead, harvest them in stages every two to three days.
 
Start by picking the fruits on the outer, sunniest parts of the tree, as they ripen first.
 
Then work your way inward, checking the lower and shaded branches on your next pass.
 
Staggered harvesting ensures you know when to pick apricots at their peak rather than rushing and losing flavor.
 

2. Early Morning Is the Best Time

If you’re asking when to pick apricots during the day, aim for early morning after the dew has dried.
 
Apricots picked in the morning are cooler and firmer, which means fewer bruises during handling.
 
Avoid picking apricots in the hot afternoon sun because the heat makes them soft and more prone to damage.
 
Cooler harvest times also help preserve the natural sugars and acidity balance, giving you a much better-tasting fruit.
 

What Happens If You Pick Apricots Too Early or Too Late?

Understanding when to pick apricots is critical because the fruit stops ripening once it leaves the tree.
 
Unlike peaches or plums, apricots won’t continue to sweeten on your counter, they only soften slightly.
 
If you pick apricots too early, you’ll be stuck with sour, hard fruit that never develops its signature aroma.
 
On the flip side, if you pick them too late, the flesh becomes mealy, flavorless, and overly soft within a day.
 
So timing is truly everything, and it’s better to pick apricots a little under-ripe than overripe, as they’ll still soften at room temperature.
 

1. How to Ripen Slightly Under-Ripe Apricots

If you accidentally picked apricots a day early, don’t panic, you can still improve their texture.
 
Place them in a single layer on your counter at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
 
They’ll soften slightly over 24 to 48 hours, though they won’t gain much sweetness.
 
You can also put them in a brown paper bag to trap ethylene gas and speed up the softening process.
 
But remember, this won’t work if you picked apricots way too green, so always err on the side of color ripeness.
 

2. Refrigeration for Ripe Apricots

Once you’ve nailed when to pick apricots and they’re perfectly ripe, store them in the fridge.
 
Ripe apricots will keep for about three to five days when refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag.
 
Just make sure you bring them to room temperature before eating, as cold dulls their flavor.
 
If you have a big harvest, you can also freeze or dry apricots for long-term storage.
 

So, How Do You Know When to Pick Apricots?

You know when to pick apricots by checking for full golden-orange color, a slight give under gentle pressure, and an easy twist from the branch.
 
Keep an eye on your calendar based on bloom time, and always harvest in stages to catch each fruit at its peak.
 
Pick apricots in the cool morning hours, and never rely on off-tree ripening for sweetness.
 
With these tips, you’ll pick apricots at perfect ripeness every season and enjoy that sweet, honeyed flavor you can’t get from store-bought fruit.
 
Happy harvesting, and enjoy every juicy bite of your hard-earned apricots.