dc24a0b0cf7fd18d574bbac9d6ed097d.jpeA starch scale specifically for Honeycrisp apples is now available for growers in Washington State to help them assess the fruit maturity.

Dr. Ines Hanrahan, project manager with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, developed the 1-6 scale based on actual starch patterns observed with iodine tests on fruit grown in Washington State.

Until now, growers have had to use a scale developed for other varieties, such as Golden Delicious, or scales from other regions. Cornell University in New York State has a Honeycrisp scale of 1-8.