How to pick avocados from a tree
Avocados are one of the most popular fruits around the world, providing an array of different nutritional benefits and flavor options. Fortunately, it is quite simple to pick an avocado from a tree, though you should take care to ensure that you do not damage the tree or yourself when doing so. Read on for tips on how to successfully select an avocado from a tree.
What to Look for in a Ripe Avocado
The key to successfully picking an avocado from a tree lies in being able to identify a ripe avocado. In essence, a ripe avocado provides a gentle give when pressed but not too much give that it appears mushy. Additionally, a ripe avocado should exhibit a dark green or blackish color when it is ready for harvest. If the avocado undergoes significant color change after being picked due to exposure to sunlight, this is a sure sign that the avocado was not yet ripe.
Avocado Harvesting Tools
Though it is theoretically possible to pluck an avocado from the tree with just your bare hands, it is not recommended. Experts suggest that avocado pickers use specialized harvesting tools to ensure that the fruit is not damaged. Such tools include pole pickers, tree pruning shears, harvesting knives, and nylon bags with enclosure pockets. With these tools, you can safely remove the avocado fruit from the tree without causing any damage in the process.
How to Properly Pick an Avocado from a Tree
Once you have identified a ripe avocado, and you have all the harvesting tools needed, it is time to actually pick the avocado from the tree. First, use the pole picker or pruning shears to clip the fruit from the branch, ensuring that you cut it off as close to the branch as possible. If using the pruning shears, pay attention to the amount of pressure you apply to the branch so you do not snap it off. Next, insert the harvesting knife into the bitten from the top of the avocado and cut it open. Carefully pick off the flesh of the avocado so you do not cut or bruise it in the process. Finally, place the collected avocados in the nylon bag and carefully gather the enclosure pockets.
Storing Avocados After Picking
Once you have picked the avocados, you need to store them properly so that you can use them in future. Experts suggest that you wrap the avocados individually in grocery bags and place them in the bakerysection of your fridge. This will ensure that the avocados stay fresher, longer. Additionally, you can freeze avocados for several weeks if you are not intending to use them within the week. Simply mash the avocado, place it in resealable bags and freeze.
Avocado Tree Care
If you are harvesting avocados from your own tree, it is important to note that the tree needs to be properly taken care of in order for it to produce a bounty of avocados. First, maintain a regular watering schedule for the tree, but do not water it too much. Additionally, it is important to protect your tree from diseases and pests. If the tree begins to show signs of distress, use pest repellents and fertilizers to ensure that the tree stays healthy and vibrant.
What to Avoid When Picking Avocados
When attempting to pick an avocado from the tree, it is important to avoid certain actions. First, it is important to avoid plucking the avocado while the fruit is still attached to the branch. Doing this can cause significant damage to the branch and the tree itself. Additionally, avoid using too much force when cutting the avocado off the branch as this can also cause damage to the branch and the fruit. Finally, avoid using sharp objects as you can cut or damage the avocado in the process.
Impact of Avocado on the Environment
The production of avocados has grown tremendously over the last decade, which has raised concerns about its impact on the environment. Firstly, avocados require immense amounts of water to grow, leading to the drainage of groundwater sources in areas of production. Secondly, the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides has been linked to an increase in water pollution, groundwater contamination and soil erosion. Additionally, the cultivation of avocados has also been linked to deforestation, with vast swaths of rainforests being cleared to make way for more avocado production.
Health Benefits of Avocado
Despite its environmental impact, avocados are packed with nutritional benefits. Firstly, avocados are rich sources of vitamins B, C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc. Moreover, avocados contain 20 different types of carotenoids, which are essential for proper eye health. Avocados are also a great source of healthy fat, which can help to reduce levels of cholesterol. Lastly, studies have found that avocados can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Avocado Alternatives
If you are unable to access fresh avocados, there are several alternatives available to you. First, you can substitute fresh avocados with avocados in pasteurized form. Additionally, you can use other fruits such as mangoes, bananas or papayas to make avocado dishes. Finally, you can also use avocado oil in place of traditional cooking oils.
Avocado Recipes
The culinary possibilities of avocados are almost limitless, as the fruit can be used for a variety of dishes such as chips and dips, salads, sandwiches and desserts. For instance, the classic guacamole recipe is an example of a perfect dish for avocados. Additionally, you can make avocado salsa, mashed avocado sandwiches, and stuffed avocados.
Conclusion of Own Insights and Analysis on How to Pick Avocados from a Tree
In conclusion, although it may appear tricky at first, it is actually quite simple to pick an avocado from a tree when you know what to look for and what tools to use. Moreover, it is important to take care of an avocado tree to ensure a fruitful harvest. Finally, there are a variety of ways to enjoy avocados if you are unable to access fresh avocados, such as avocado oil and pasteurized forms of the fruit.
