Avocado, with their delicious buttery taste, is one of the most sought after fruits in the world. But how do you know when is the right time to pick an avocado off the tree?
For starters, it is important to understand the different stages in the ripening process avocados go through. An unripe avocado will feel rock-hard and be very difficult to even make an indent in the surface. As it ripens, it will gradually soften, eventually becoming easy to peel away the skin and make a dent when pressed with a finger. When it is a deep purple or black color and feels slightly squishy, that is when the avocado is ripe and ready to be picked.
Another tip to help in determining whether or not the avocado is ripe is to observe the stem. If the stem is still light green and waxy, it is not quite ready yet. On the contrary, if it comes off completely with the slightest amount of pressure, the avocado is likely to be soft, sweet and ready to be picked. Experts recommend going with a stem that is slightly darkening to get the perfect ripeness.
One of the most common mistakes associated with harvesting avocados is trying to pluck them too early. Not only does this prevent the fruit from attaining full maturity and sweetness, but it can also significantly damage the trees. It is important to allow the fruit to stay on the tree until it reaches full ripeness.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to picking the ideal avocado, there are a few tried and tested ways to help pick the best specimen. Firstly, it is advisable to approach the tree from the side with the most fruit, as these are more likely to be ripe. The fruit should also be checked for bruising or discoloration, as these can be signs of a sour or unripe avocado.
Additionally, it is important to harvest the crop regularly in order to be able to maintain the right balance between harvesting and the health of the tree. Studies show that the best results come from picking the fruit when it is at its peak ripeness and turning it into something delectably and fruity.
Though picking a ripe avocado off the tree is an art in itself, with a few tricks up your sleeve and knowing the ripening process, any amateur can become a pro. So next time, when you’re ready to pluck an avocado, remember that the best kind is one that is ripe and ready.
Choosing the Right Tree
Before you can even think about harvesting avocados, you need to first choose the right tree for your needs. One of the most important factors to consider is the variety of avocado being grown. As each variety of avocado has its own unique ripening period, it is key to source a tree suited to the timeframe of when they need harvesting.
Location is also another factor to consider, as a site needs to be chosen that has good soil, drainage, and available sunlight. Once this is taken into account, any avocado tree that has been appropriately planted in the right climate should produce a good crop of fruit.
Finally, the age of the tree should also be taken into consideration. It takes up to four years for an avocado tree to start producing fruit, so if you’re looking for a tree that will produce a high yield sooner, a mature tree is preferable over a younger one.
By taking all of these important factors into consideration, growing and picking the best avocados can be a fun and tasty experience that everyone can enjoy.
Storing Avocado After Picking
Once a ripe avocado is picked from the tree, the clock is ticking. To ensure the delicate fruit stays at its best, understanding proper storage techniques is key. As many types of avocados begin to oxidize quickly, it is important to learn how long it takes for avocados to remain fresh.
There are a few options when it comes to storage: either in the fridge or on the countertop. If the avocado is left out on the counter, it will last for a few days until its peak ripeness, which is generally referred to as the ‘perfect’ stage. For those looking to extend the shelf life of the avocado, placing it in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process.
It is also essential to remember that ripe avocados do not have to be eaten immediately. While an avocado is best at its freshest, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week to extend its life. For those looking for an even longer shelf life, freezing avocados is another great option. Though the texture does change after being frozen, avocados can still be used for a variety of recipes, including guacamole and smoothies.
Therefore, to make the most of a ripe avocado, it is always best to understand the best storage methods to maximize its life and flavor.
Benefits of Eating Fresh Avocado
Avocados are a unique fruit in the sense that they offer a wide range of nutritional benefits to its eaters. Rich in dietary fiber and healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids, avocados are deemed a superfood for its plethora of enticing qualities.
In addition to helping improve digestion, avocados are also known to aid in weight loss through its high-fiber content. Studies have also found that the natural fats found in avocados help improve heart health and reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
On top of that, multiple studies have shown that avocados can help boost the body’s antioxidant defenses, helping to improve the skin and protect against certain illnesses. Plus, their unique taste and texture make avocados highly versatile and enjoyable to eat, with it being used in countless recipes.
Therefore, eating avocados whilst they are freshly picked can make a huge difference in how they taste and how you feel afterwards. That’s why understanding when and how to pick them is key to getting the best of this beloved fruit.
Harvesting & Replanting Avocado
Harvesting avocados is a tricky process that requires patience, technique, and knowledge in order to ensure the fruit is fully ripe and the tree doesn’t suffer any damage. It is important to take the time to learn proper harvesting techniques as it will go a long way in ensuring a successful crop.
Avocados are a valuable crop and for those who wish to enjoy them for a prolonged period, replanting the seeds is an excellent option. To do this, wash the seed and dry it off with a paper towel. Then, you can insert the seed in the soil with the embryo facing upwards. Leave it in a warm and sunny spot and water the seed regularly. With enough patience, your avocado tree should begin sprouting in a few weeks.
If you want to further invest in your avocado crop and maximize your yield, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching are all ways to help achieve this. There is also some evidence that suggests pruning and thinning your crop can help to increase overall avocado size.
Avocados are a delicious fruit that is full of nutritional benefits and growing them at home can be very rewarding. So why not give it a try today and see what the fruit of your labor tastes like?
