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hi they are ready to pick when you dont have to pull them off the tree when a twist helps them off
Everyone gets loads of windfalls at this time of year so don't worry, stew them up with some blackberries. The ones left on the tree are ready to pick, when you can cup an apple in your hand and it comes easily off the tree when you lift you hand gently upwards, without having to tug at it, the pips in the middle should be brown. A bramley will keep til March in store if you are lucky and store sound apples.
Any tart tasting windfalls could be used to cook with or to add body to soft fruit preserves - sugar's the key. If you've got any mint in the garden, apple and mint jelly might be a winner.
If they're bramleys, wait till they turn sweet enough to eat on there own, then harvest the ones left on the tree.
We've just started picking ours - thought can't be sure what type they are.