I work for myself http://efukt.fun/ e fukt If otherwise sound-looking cooking apples start falling off the tree, pick promptly. For dessert apples, pre-empt this by checking on a weekly basis. When cupped in the hand, a ripe apple should come away from the tree with just a gentle twisting action and be sweet but firm to the bite. If you plan to store your apples, pick them slightly underripe. Store them in a cool location, ideally around 2.5-4.5C (36-38F).