At Betko, quality is at the core of everything we do. Our dedicated quality team ensures that every apple and pear packed in our facilities meets the highest standards before reaching markets around the world. But how do we determine when fruit is at its optimal ripeness for harvesting?
Apples: The Iodine Test & Firmness Check
Apples begin their growth cycle with low starch levels, which increase as the fruit matures. As they near ripeness, the stored starch gradually converts into sugars, affecting both taste and texture. To determine the perfect harvest time, our quality team uses two key tests:
1. The Iodine Test
This test helps assess the starch-to-sugar conversion:
- The apple is cut open and dipped into an iodine solution.
- If the apple still contains a lot of starch, it turns dark blue or black.
- As the apple ripens and starch converts to sugar, the reaction becomes lighter, with fewer dark areas.
- A fully ripe apple shows little to no reaction, indicating most of the starch has turned into sugar.
2. The Firmness (Pressure) Test
A specialized device applies controlled pressure to measure how firm the apple is. Apples need to be firm enough to withstand storage and transport, yet mature enough to develop full flavor and juiciness.
By combining these two tests, we can determine the optimal harvest window—ensuring apples are picked at the right texture, sugar balance, and shelf life for fresh consumption and export.
Pears: A Different Approach
Unlike apples, pears don’t fully ripen on the tree. Instead, their ripeness is determined by:
- Sugar levels – Measured to ensure the fruit has developed the right sweetness.
- Firmness (Pressure Test) – Just like apples, pears are tested with a pressure device to check if the flesh has softened to the right stage for harvesting.
Since pears continue to ripen after picking, they must be harvested at just the right stage—firm enough for transport and storage, yet mature enough to develop full flavour and juiciness when ready to eat.
By carefully testing apples and pears before harvest, we help our producers make the best decisions for picking their fruit at the perfect stage. This ensures that when Betko apples and pears reach retailers and consumers worldwide, they are packed with flavour, freshness, and the quality we are known for.