So I have a couple of Gold Rush trees, which have suffered some setbacks over the last few years. One is still regrowing after a deer attack a few years ago.The other has grown well the last couple of years and actually fruited and has 10 or so apples on it. Problem I am running into is I have no clue when to pick these nor how to deal with them after they are picked.
I suspect that Gold Rush is probably too long a season apple for here many years. But I would like to pick these few apples and treat them right and sample them. I have watched them turn from mostly green to mostly a yellow-brownish color. Not sure if that indicates ripeness, but the flesh is still hard, with no give to it. They could hang on the tree some more, as the weather is not all that cold yet. I suppose I could cut one open and check the seeds, but with so few I’d rather find some other indicator of ripeness.
Can anyone tell me how to tell when to pick Gold Rush. And what to do with them afterwards (I seem to recall that they might want to be held in storage before eating a while for best flavor).