Handling of Apples.

Mt Benger Mail, 15 April 1914, Page 3

Handling of Apples.

IMPORTANT POINTS.

Remember that the proper selection, grading and packing are vital poiLts in marketing of apples. Take care that the fruit is well matured before packing ; green fruit, shrinks.

See that the apples separate easily from the fruit-spurs or that the pips are beginning to turn brown, before picking the crop. Do not pick fruit in wet weather. Make several pickings from each tree ; all apples do not mature together. Take care of the fruit-buds ; they will be needed for next season's crops.

Apples bruise easily ; handle them as carefully as eggs. Pick into old boxes, thus keeping your packing-boxes clean. Pad your picking pail or box, thus* minimising bruising.

Keep apples out of hot sun after picking ; overheating injures keepingqualities. Fruit cannot be handled properly without a convenient packing-house. See that it is well lighted and ventilated ; packers cannot work in the dark.

Provide a packing-table; you will get through more work.

Pad the edges of the packing table ; apples are often bruised through noled of this precaution. Clean up the table every hour . do not, continue tipping on those at the bottom of the table- remove leaves and dirt often.

Wrap all apples for shipping. Apples are more easily ind cuickly pucked when wrapped. Commence the culling of the apples in the orchntrd : separate the good from the bad. This saves time when packing. Pay strict attention to grading ; it ensures good packing, and well-graded apples sell themselves. Always u.-e the diagonal pack. It in easy, the fruit carries better. Pack into a clean box ; dirty boxes are unsightly. Don't use more wood-woo) than is necessary t 0 form a pad for the fruit. If the apples on the packing-table are not up t<> i/iade l.tfing packed set the case down and start another. Pack tight h ; slack boxes open up badlv.

Be honest ; pack only sound and ■dean fruit at bottom, top and centre of the Case. Practice make- perfect : nevej misc a„ opportunity to improve. Tho better the pack, the better the price.

Remember there are other competitors in the fruit-growing industry, and the most reliable always come out on top.