Time between harvest and packing

• An interval between picking and packing will be required to reduce grader damage and will be influenced by variety and weather at picking time.
• Heavy rain prior to harvest will result in turgid fruit, which will bruise easily if graded too quickly.
• Depending on the grading equipment, it may require up to a week for fruit to reach a condition allowing satisfactory handling, without drastically reducing grade-out.
• If uncertainty about a batch exists, it would be good practice to either grade a small batch or, if possible, simulate fruit grader movement to evaluate the probability of damage occurring.
• The later varieties like Braeburn require a period of storage before fruit is eating at its best, therefore regular sampling is required to decide when fruit is ready for grading