Introduction
The avocado is a subtropical fruit native to south-central Mexico and is a major crop throughout the world. Rich in healthy fats and minerals, the versatility of the avocado has made it one of the most popular food items on restaurant and grocery store shelves. Avocado orchards have recently become commonplace and many amateur gardeners are seeking out tips on when to pick avocados off the tree. With a delicate harvesting process, and avocados of all shapes and sizes, knowing when to pick avocados can be confusing and intimidating.
Ripening & Maturing Process
All avocados have a specific ripening time that can vary between a few days or weeks. Avocados go through a maturing process shortly after they are harvested that affects their ripeness and flavor. To harvest an avocado that will be ripe in a day or two, select a green fruit that has a hard skin, firm flesh, and seems like it has no give when you squeeze it. If you want avocados that will be ripe in a few days, choose fruits that have become a bit soft, but with still a bit of resistance when you squeeze them.
When an avocado is fully ripe, the skin will appear slightly wrinkled and will give in when you press gently with your fingers. However, even when you are certain that the fruit has reached its prime ripeness, you still have to pick it off the tree. There are many techniques that can help you understand how to properly pick your avocado.
Observation
The first method is to observe the natural shedding of the avocado. When a fruit is ready to be harvested, it will naturally fall off the tree. This is the time to collect the fruit and bring it home to ripen or prepare your meals straight away.
However, sometimes an avocado is almost ready but has not yet fallen off the tree. In this case, gently wiggle the fruit, if it comes off easily you can harvest it. If it isn’t ready yet, leave it be. If the fruit is not coming off, do not to tug too hard on it; you could damage the tree and the fruit itself.
Tools & Technique
Another more reliable and popular method for picking avocados is to use a special tool for the job. Poppers and picking poles are the most common tools used for harvesting and collecting this fruit. Simply insert the tool around the stem and twist the fruit off the tree.
Once the fruit has been successfully picked from the tree, you should then inspect the fruit for any external damage. If there are any marks or bruising on the exterior of the avocado, either discard the fruit or use it right away and don’t wait to ripen it.
Harvesting Fruit at Different Stages
It is important to remember that the ripeness and flavor of the avocado can differ depending on the stage of the harvest. If the fruit is harvested green, it will not be as sweet and will take longer to ripen. If the fruit is picked when too ripe, the flavor and texture of the fruit may not be satisfactory.
Harvesting avocados at the ideal stage of ripeness will ensure the best flavor and texture. Additionally, you’ll want to store the fruit properly to maintain its perfect texture and flavor. Once the fruit is ripened and ready to eat, store them in a dark place and/or place them in an airtight container and use them as soon as possible.
Proper Handling and True Ripeness
When harvesting avocados off the tree, it is important to be gentle and not use too much force to remove them. Also, you should be mindful of the damage that can be done to the fruit due to improper handling.
Finally, you should always check the true ripeness of the fruit so that you can determine how best to store and use them. Never use a fruit that is bruised, moldy, or past its prime.
Knowledge of Avocado Varieties
Before harvesting any avocados, it is important to know the varieties that grow in your area and the ripening time required for each one. Also, when selecting the fruit, you should be aware of the specific size and shape that this variety takes. It is important to harvest the fruit at the correct stage of ripeness for the variety.
What Season Is Best?
Avocado harvest times vary greatly depending on the part of the world you are in, but typically avocados will ripen in the summer to early fall months. It is best to check with your local agricultural extension office or local farmers to know the best time to harvest in your area.
Knowing How to Pick Avocados
Knowing when and how to properly pick avocados off the tree is essential in maintaining the health of the avocado tree and reaping the rewards of its sweet, fruit. With the right knowledge, even novice gardeners can pick the perfect avocado with minimal effort.
Important Considerations for Picking
When picking avocados, it is important to consider the variety and temperatures. Some varieties of avocado will ripen faster than others and some thrive in cooler climates while others require warmer climates. Additionally, it is important to make sure you pick the fruit at the correct stage of ripeness.
Harvesting with Care
Lastly, whatever method you decide to use for harvesting the avocado, be very gentle. Too much force can damage the tree and the surrounding fruit. Always keep in mind that the trees need to be handled with care in order to continue producing the wonderful fruit.
Storing and Preserving
In addition to harvesting with care, you should also store the fruit correctly to ensure its quality and freshness. With proper storage, you can store avocados for a few days or even weeks. To store avocados, you can keep them in a cool, dry place or in an airtight container.
Preparing and Eating
Finally, once the avocados are stored, it is time to prepare and eat them. Avocados are wonderfully versatile, so you can prepare them in a variety of ways. Popular dishes include guacamole, salads, and avocado toast. Enjoy responsibly.
