Now Forage

Apple: Background colour changes from green to yellow or cream (variety determines final colour). Seeds inside should be brown. Flesh yields slightly to thumb pressure. A ripe apple releases with a gentle upward twist — no pulling. Check the ground for natural drops.

Asian pear: Round, yellow-bronze skin. Unlike European pears, eat when still firm — they do not soften at room temperature. Ripe when colour develops fully and a sweet fragrance is detectable. Crisp, juicy flesh.

Peach: Background skin colour shifts from green to yellow; red blush is variety-dependent and not a reliable indicator. Fruit yields to gentle pressure near the stem end. Fragrant aroma at the base. Harvest when it detaches with a slight twist — no tugging needed.

Pear: Unlike apples, pears ripen from the inside out. Harvest when the skin colour lightens and the fruit separates with a gentle upward twist. Ripen off the tree at room temperature — leave on a counter until the neck yields to thumb pressure.

Persimmon: Non-astringent types: eat when orange and firm. Astringent types: wait until very soft and wrinkled. Both fully orange when ripe.

Sour cherry: Bright to deep red, slightly translucent. Firmer than sweet cherries when ripe. Strong tart flavour — avoid if still pale or streaked green. Harvest before birds; fruits hang briefly after colouring.

Sweet cherry: Dark red (or yellow for golden varieties) with a glossy skin. Stem stays green and pliable. Flesh is firm but yields to pressure; taste is sweet with no bitterness. Harvest promptly — birds follow the same cues.