---
title: "How to Harvest Apricots for Best Flavor"
description: "Learn when and how to harvest apricots for peak sweetness and juiciness. Look for full golden color, a soft but firm feel, and a sweet aroma to pick them at their best."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/harvesting/apricots"
published: "2026-02-16T21:06:50.341Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:05:40.650Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/MnOSdQDQRLiCbEj0muQCNQ.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Harvest Apricots for Best Flavor

## Harvesting Apricots

Apricots are best harvested fully ripe on the tree. They do not sweeten significantly after picking, so timing is important for the best flavor.

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/bk1f_JJ-R96BRGqEbFWGjQ.webp?size=large)

## Care instructions

1. **Wait for full color.**  
   Apricots should develop their full golden-orange color for the variety. Any green tint means the fruit is not yet ripe.
2. **Check for softness.**  
   Ripe apricots yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should feel soft but still firm enough to hold their shape.
3. **Smell for sweetness.**  
   A ripe apricot has a sweet, fruity aroma. Lack of fragrance usually indicates it needs more time.
4. **Taste test if unsure.**  
   If possible, taste one. Apricots should be sweet and juicy when ready.
5. **Harvest during dry conditions**.  
   Pick apricots on a dry day to improve storage quality and reduce the risk of splitting.
6. **Twist gently to remove.**  
   Lift and twist slightly. Ripe apricots should detach easily from the branch.
7. **Harvest promptly.**  
   Apricots ripen quickly and can become soft very fast. Check trees daily as harvest approaches.
8. **Store properly after harvesting.**  
   Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator and use within a few days. Slightly underripe fruit can finish softening at room temperature.

## Frequently asked questions

### When should I harvest apricots?

Apricots are best harvested when fully ripe on the tree, showing a full golden-orange color and a sweet, fruity aroma.

### How can I tell if an apricot is ripe?

Ripe apricots will have a full golden-orange color, feel soft yet firm to gentle pressure, and emit a sweet, fruity fragrance.

### Do apricots continue to ripen after being picked?

Apricots do not sweeten significantly after picking, but slightly underripe fruit can finish softening at room temperature.

### What is the best way to pick an apricot from the tree?

Gently lift the apricot and twist it slightly; ripe apricots should detach easily from the branch.

### How should I store fresh apricots?

Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator and use them within a few days to maintain freshness.

## How to Harvest Apricots

1. Wait for the apricots to develop their full golden-orange color.
2. Check if the apricots yield slightly to gentle pressure, feeling soft but still firm.
3. Smell for a sweet, fruity aroma coming from the apricots.
4. Taste an apricot if you are unsure about its ripeness; it should be sweet and juicy.
5. Pick apricots on a dry day to improve storage quality and reduce splitting.
6. Lift and twist the apricot gently to remove it from the branch; ripe fruit detaches easily.
7. Harvest promptly, checking trees daily as apricots ripen quickly.
8. Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator or let slightly underripe fruit soften at room temperature.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_