When testing the maturity of Granny Smith apples, which reading from the starch test indicates maturity?

The starch test measures the starch content in apples, which is an indicator of their maturity. As apples mature, starches in the fruit are converted into sugars, and a higher number indicates a more mature fruit. In the case of Granny Smith apples, a reading of 2.5 is typically recognized as the point of maturity. This number reflects a balance between the remaining starch content and the sugars developed during the ripening process.

A reading of 1.5 would suggest the apples are still immature, while a reading of 3.0 often indicates over-ripeness or possible spoilage, meaning that it is beyond the preferred harvesting point. Thus, the reading of 2.5 is optimal for determining the right time for harvesting Granny Smith apples, ensuring they are at the perfect maturity for both flavor and storage quality.