This is the second Honeycrisp maturity update for the example regions. With two weeks of data now available, we can begin tracking changes in maturity indicators over time and compare this season's progress with observations from 2022, 2023, and 2024 (2025 excluded due to extreme weather).
Important Note - The following information is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour. Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides but not from the interior of the canopy where maturity is expected to be delayed and is most likely targeted for a second pick timing.
Current Maturity (Sept 8 to Sept 9, 2026)
Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Sept 8, 2026 in Rockland and Lakeville, and Sept 9, 2026 in North Medford. Values are compared with the samples taken one week ago on Aug 31 & Sept 1, 2026.
Current Maturity - Table 1 Discussion:
- Starch is just beginning to convert into sugars, resulting in starch index values that are slightly above the baseline of 1.0. This is typical for this time of year. Current starch index values remain well below the harvest target of 5.0.
- Soluble solids levels appear normal for this stage of the season. Honeycrisp apples in our region typically reach about 11% Brix at harvest maturity, although values can vary depending on factors like crop load.
- Average DA meter values currently range from 0.95 to 1.06. Based on the current rate of change, harvest at the monitoring sites is estimated to be approximately 2.5 weeks away, around September 26. Predictions are subject to change.
- Fruit maturity is relatively consistent across locations and blocks. This contrasts with last year, when drought conditions led to substantial differences in maturity between sites.
Historical Comparison
Table 2: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit relative to the average of combined years 2022, 2023, and 2024 sampled on a similar calendar date. The year 2025 is not included in the comparison due to extreme weather conditions. Rockland is not included because a new site is being monitored and there is no data for comparison.
Historical Comparison - Table 2 Discussion:
- Remembers that 2022, 2023, and 2024 growing seasons were among the warmest in recent history.
- DA meter values are higher this year, indicating that fruit maturity is slightly less advanced than the DA meter would predict at this time in recent history.
- Starch index values are slightly lower than historical averages but are generally in line with previous years.
- Soluble solids are similar to historical values, although they can vary depending on crop load.
More Observations
- Red color improved noticeably over the past week as cooler nighttime temperatures promoted color development.
- Red color is improving but remains less intense than at the same time in strong coloring years such as 2024. Local study data suggests that red blush coverage is typically around 30% at this stage of the season.
- The average fruit weight in the sampled blocks was 222 g, with individual block averages ranging from 183 g to 281 g. Differences were largely driven by crop load. For comparison, local study data indicates that a fruit weight of about 205 g is typical for this time of year.
- Average fruit diameter was 80.3 mm (3.16 inches), increasing by approximately 4.5 mm over the past week. Honeycrisp fruit are generally within the ideal size range and still have time to grow further before harvest. Average diameter ranged from 76 mm to 86 mm among blocks, largely reflecting differences in crop load.
About each maturity measurement:
Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.
Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block taken on the blush side of each fruit. Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% brix at harvest maturity.
DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp. Values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree.
Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist
