Avocados are a delicious fruit that are extremely healthy and packed with flavor. However, picking them from the tree can be a tricky process. Knowing how to pick ripe and perfect avocados from the tree can help you get the most out of your avocado tree.
In order to get the perfect avocado, it’s important to understand the maturity of the fruit on the tree. You should look for avocados that are a dark green-purple color for maximum ripeness. If the avocado is too green, it won’t be as flavorful and can be bitter. If the avocado is too ripe, it can be mushy and difficult to eat. You should also check the stem of the avocado, which should be slightly withered, and the pressure test – if the avocado yields slightly when you squeeze it, it’s ready.
Experts recommend looking for avocados with smooth skin, as these will be easier to peel. Additionally, you should give the avocado a gentle twist to see if it lets go from the branch. If it is still attached to the branch with some resistance, then the avocado is not yet ripe.
You should also pay attention to the branch that the avocado is attached to. An overripe avocado can lead to the branch breaking off its own. If the branch is relatively weak, you should avoid picking the avocado until it is a bit less ripe. The branch should be connected firmly enough to the trunk of the tree, so that you don’t have to worry about it breaking.
Picking avocados can be a difficult task, but learning the right techniques can make it easier. With enough practice, you should be able to pick perfect and ripe avocados from your tree in no time.
Identifying Good Quality Avocados
Selecting a good quality avocado is imperative to make the most out of the fruit. Avocados should be heavy for their size and must be free of blemishes, spots, bruises and indentations. You should also look for a dark green-purple color for maximum ripeness and the stem should be slightly withered- any part that is turning brown or black should be avoided. Once you’ve identified the perfect avocado from a tree, the next step is to pick it correctly.
Picking Perfect Avocado
When picking an avocado, ensure that you‘re using the right technique so that the branch doesn’t break off and the fruit doesn’t bruise. Try and avoid pulling at the stem as it might be difficult to rip and break the stem. Instead, hold the avocado lightly with your fingers and twist it gently and if that doesn’t work, you can try using a fruit picker if you have one. If however, the tree is tall and hard to reach, you can use a pole pruner to pick the avocado safely and securely.
Safety Tips
When picking avocados, it’s important to take safety into consideration. Never pick an unripe avocado as it can be difficult to handle due to its hard texture. If the tree itself is tall, use a ladder to climb, or a fruit picker to get the highest and ripest avocados out of the tree safely. Ensure that you’re wearing protective clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, and gloves to protect yourself from thorns.
Storing Avocados
When harvesting avocados from a tree, it’s important to store them properly. Once picked, store the avocados in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you’re looking for optimum shelf life, store avocados in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator. If stored correctly, avocados can stay good for up to two weeks. To prolong the shelf life of avocados, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Choosing Different Varieties
Avocados are available in various types such as Fuerte, Bacon, and Haas. Each variety has a unique flavor, texture, and ripeness. The Haas avocado, which is a dark purple-skinned fruit, is often considered the gold standard of avocados because of its creamy and buttery flavor. On the other hand, the Fuerte avocado is much larger and has a milder flavor while the Bacon avocado is a smaller and less-ripe variety.
Growing Avocados at Home
If you have a large backyard, you can even consider planting your own avocados. The ideal place for an avocado tree is in a place that gets plenty of sunshine and is sheltered from strong winds. Water the tree consistently to keep it healthy and provide additional nitrogen to improve production. Prune the tree in late winter or spring, removing any dead branches and water-sprouts to maintain an ideal shape and size.
Avocado Benefits
Avocados are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the body. Rich in fiber, minerals and essential fatty acids, avocados aid in the digestion process, help protect against heart disease, reduce cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and even aid in weight loss. Additionally, avocados are a great source of vitamin E, which can help fight against wrinkles and alleviate any signs of aging.
