EXERCISE 62 



PACKING APPLES 



Statement. Fruit which reaches the consumer in perfect condition demands the highest price. To 

 obtain this price requires not only that good healthy fruit be grown but that it be so marketed that it 

 is not bruised and that it is uniform in size, color, and quality. This means that apples must be care- 

 fully packed. 



Object. To learn how to pack apples in boxes and barrels. 



Materials. Several bushels of apples graded for size and color, as explained under Grading, and 

 standard-sized apple boxes and barrels. 



Directions. Boxing. First line the box with paper, folding it at the bottom to prevent tearing. 

 Refer to the table for the style of pack that is adapted to the size to be packed. The 3-2 pack, which 



is adapted to the greatest number 

 of commercial sizes, and the one 

 best adapted to general require- 

 ments, is here described. The 

 principles involved, however, are 

 the same as for other diagonal 

 packs. Place an apple, stem end 

 down, in each of the two lower 

 corners of the box. A third apple 

 is placed midway between these 

 two. The location of the third 

 apple is important, since if incor- 

 rectly placed it will destroy the \ 

 regularity of alignment. In the two spaces formed by the three apples of the first row two other apples 

 are placed. These should slip part way between the first apples, but should not slip into line with them. 

 The next rows are alternately comprised of three and two apples each until the layer is completed. 

 These should fit snugly and the rows should be straight. Two apples are used for the first row of 

 the second layer, and they should be placed in the open spaces in the first row of the first layer. . 

 The layer is then packed as described for the first. The first, third, and fifth layers are started with 

 three apples, and the second and fourth are started with two. The last layer is packed stem end up ; 

 since this end bruises less readily than the blossom end. A well-packed box should have regular rows 

 that fit firmly. The apples at the ends should be even with the ends of the box and the apples in the 

 middle should be slightly higher. This bulge aids in maintaining a tight pack. The papers should now 

 be folded over and the cover nailed on, using a cleat at either end. The packed boxes should be turned 

 over and the top removed to show the appearance of the pack. 



Barrelling. Follow the approved practices of the community and whenever possible work under 

 the direction of an experienced fruit packer. 



Questions. Why should the box be lined with paper? Why should the paper be folded? Is the j 

 location of the apples in the first row important ? Why ? How many apples in the first row of the first, I 

 third, and fifth layers? of the second and fourth layers? Why is there less injury in the diagonal 

 than in the straight pack ? How high should the apples be at the end of the box ? What is the value of I 

 the bulge in the center? Describe the procedure in packing apples in barrels. 



Fig. 87. The standard apple packs 



At the left is shown the 3-2 box pack ; in the center, a straight box pack ; at the right, 



a good barrel pack 



References. Wilkinson, A. E. The Apple, pp. 293-312. 

 American Apple Orchard, pp. 165-171. Orange Judd Company. 



[1241 



Ginn and Company. Waugh, F. A. The 



