When it comes to harvesting lemons, timing is key. To ensure a high-quality crop, you need to know when to pick lemons off the tree. Generally, ripeness is determined by a number of factors, including color, softness, and taste. Usually, lemons are ready for picking when they’re a vibrant yellow, slightly soft to the touch, and sweet to the taste. If an overripe lemon is picked, the juice is watery and it’s difficult to get much out of it. On the other hand, under-ripe lemons yield less juice and have an overly acidic taste.
The best way to tell if a lemon is ripe is to give it a light squeeze. If it yields a bit and then springs back, it’s a sign that the lemon is ready to be harvested. In addition, lemons should easily separate from the stem on the tree. If it’s too difficult to pull away, that likely indicates it’s not ripe yet. Determining ripeness can vary from season to season, so it’s important to pay close attention during harvest time.
Taking measurements of the lemons’ size and diameter can also help with determining ripeness. This step requires a jumbo ruler, which will display the relevant metrics. Make sure to measure a few before harvesting, because the longer a lemon is on the tree, the larger it will be.
The use of ladders and picking poles is advised when harvesting lemons. This is a safe, efficient way to harvest fruit without risking falling off a tall ladder. Picking poles are designed with a slot at the end, which is used to grab the lemon, twist it off the stem, and gently place it into the waiting bag. This tool is great for harvesting any citrus fruit, but be sure to wear protective equipment such as gloves, a face mask, and safety glasses.
The size of the crew also matters when harvesting lemons. If the harvest season is underway, it’s best to enlist the help of two to three people to pick the lemons effectively and efficiently. Dedicating too many people to the task can cause a loss in labor costs.
Picking lemons off the tree is a delicate process, and understanding the various factors is essential for a successful harvest. Choosing the right time, determining ripeness, taking measurements, using the proper tools, and having the ideal number of harvesters can ultimately contribute to delivering a good quality crop.
Picking Containers
The proper containers are necessary for harvesting lemons. Picking buckets are the standard containers used during the process, and they need to be deep enough to support multiple layers of lemons. The best types of picking buckets won’t produce too much noise when they’re moved or shook, allowing harvesters to pick quickly and quietly. Typically, specially designed picking containers are better than homemade or improvised solutions.
In addition, the containers should be easily accessible and should not impede the picking process. The most efficient way is to purchase one or two-handled buckets with a carrying strap, ensuring harvesters can easily grab and carry them when necessary. Containers should also be scaled to the size of the harvester, to avoid having to move the bucket multiple times during the process.
Vents in the bottom of the buckets can come in handy for aerating the lemons and preventing them from spoiling. These vents also allow for better drainage of moisture, which is important for keeping the lemons fresh during storage. It’s also recommended to line the bottoms of the buckets with a few sheets of newspaper, which will minimize damage from the weight of the lemons and act as an acidic absorber.
After the lemons are harvested, they should be stored in a cool, dry place. Keeping them in the shade and at a temperature lower than 80°F is ideal. Additionally, the humidity should be below 70%, in order to prevent mold or rot. Then, the lemons should be transported to a cooler where they can remain uninterrupted until they are sold.
Protective Gear
Protective gear is a must-have when harvesting lemons as it allows harvesters to do their job in safety. Wearing protective gloves will protect the hands from sharp thorns and branches. It’s important to choose gloves that are comfortable, flexible and snug. Long sleeve shirts and pants are advised, to avoid cuts and scrapes from any sharp objects.
Safety glasses are also recommended, as they will shield the eyes from any branches or debris that may fly up during the harvesting process. Steel-toed boots are ideal, as they will protect the feet from any falling objects or slips on the ladder. Last but not least, you should always wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the hot summer months.
Harvest Methods
When it comes to harvesting lemons, there are two main methods that are used: sweating and sorting. The “sweating” method is helpful in softening the lemons and making them easier to remove from the tree. This process involves covering the branches of the tree with a blanket to trap in the heat and moisture. Once the temperature rises, the lemons are more likely to separate from the stem with ease.
The “sorting” method involves harvesting the lemons one-by-one, with the help of ladders or picking poles. This method is best used when the lemons are ready to be picked, and the crew is dedicated to picking the right ripeness and size. Sorting allows the crew to carefully handpick each lemon without causing any damage.
Whatever the method, handling lemons with care is important to avoid breakage and bruising. Crushing them or slamming them against the ground is not recommended, as this causes the fragile skin to become highly susceptible to rotting.
Harvest Frequency
A lemon tree can produce fruit multiple times a year, depending on the variety and weather conditions. Generally, lemons are harvested every 3 to 4 weeks, and the season could run from April to August. In addition, ripe fruit can last on the tree for up to a week before it begins to decline. Remember, lemons should never be plucked off the tree too early, as this can affect the quality of the crop.
To keep costs low and profits high, it’s important to determine the most efficient way to harvest lemons. Timely and accurate evaluation of the tree is essential for determining the optimal time for picking, as well as the amount of fruit to pick. This long-term process needs to be monitored in order to get the best yield.
Cleaning After Harvest
After the fruit has been harvested, it’s essential to properly clean the tree and surrounding area. As with any agricultural practice, debris and dirt should be removed to eliminate the risk of disease and pests. First, any fallen or rotting fruit should be removed from the tree, as this can attract rodents and other harmful pests. Then, the area should be thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure hose in order to remove any remaining dirt.
Once the tree and area have been cleaned, the harvested lemons should be taken to the packinghouse for storage. It’s important that these lemons are not left outside for too long, as the sun and heat can cause them to rapidly decline in quality. They should also be regularly inspected for any illnesses or defects, to ensure the lemons are in perfect condition for sale.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices should be implemented when harvesting lemons in order to reach environmental goals, as well as meet safety requirements. Water wastage should be minimized by using proper irrigation techniques, such as a drip irrigation system. This system also relieves the trees of any unnecessary pathogens in the water, and provides better access to nutrients and minerals.
Using compost and natural fertilizers is an excellent way to minimize the use of synthetic products. Additionally, these natural materials help to maintain a healthier tree and reduce pest infestations. Lastly, reducing the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides should be a priority, as they can be hazardous to farmers and the local environment.
Harvesting lemons is a crucial step in the life cycle of this amazing fruit, and it’s important to be aware of the various factors involved in order to ensure a successful crop. By following the proper guidelines, any grower can confidently and efficiently pick lemons from their own tree.
