CHAPTER XXII 

 Storing Fruits 



THE only fruits that can be kept for any considerable period in 

 a natural state (with the exception of Nuts) are Apples, Pears 

 and Grapes, and of these the Apple is of chief importance. Care 

 in gathering is necessary : even in dealing with a comparatively 

 hard fruit like the Apple, bruises will show quickly if the fruits 

 are roughly handled. 



A simple way of ascertaining when Apples are ready to gather 

 is to cut open one or two fruits and examine the pips ; if these 

 are black, it may be assumed that the fruits are ready, but if 

 they are still white, gathering ought to be postponed. Another 

 plan which enables the gardener to come to a decision on this 

 point is to lift the fruit gently upwards, to find out whether or 

 not the stalk parts easily from the branch. If it does the fruit 

 may be considered ready, but if it does not then the fruit 

 should be left longer on the tree. 



Apples ought to be gathered when they are dry, if possible. 

 Only sound fruits are suitable for storing ; those which have been 

 damaged by wasps or birds, or show signs of having been bruised, 

 should be set aside for immediate use. If stored with sound fruits 

 they will be liable to spoil them. If Apples are to be stored in 

 bulk, in layers one on top of another, it is of importance first to 

 spread them out for a week or two. If this is done it will be 

 noticed that the fruits become quite moist to the touch : they 

 are then said to " sweat." If stored in bulk before " sweating " 

 has taken place, they are not likely to keep well. 



Apples are best stored in a cool and somewhat moist place, 

 such, for example, as a cellar or shed having a north aspect. A 

 thatched fruit room with proper means of ventilation is, of course, 

 ideal, but unfortunately all fruit tree growers are not able to 

 build such a store-room. Apples do not keep well in a dry, 

 airy loft, though that is just the place in which they are often 

 placed. They may be stored in deep boxes or barrels, kept in a 



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