Apples and pears are plentiful in home orchards this fall. Several late apples such as Winesap, Rome, Fuji and Granny Smith are harvested this month. Pears do not ripen on the tree, so late varieties should be pulled from the tree when outdoor temperatures under 25 degrees F are predicted.

Apples can be stored for 4-6 months if harvested before they are fully ripe. The ideal apple storage temperatures are 31-33 degrees F with a relative humidity of 90 percent. Stored apples are best packaged in closed plastic bags to retard moisture loss. The home frost-free refrigerator is not an ideal spot to store temperate (non-citrus) fruits because humidity levels are too low.