When it comes to picking avocados in Australia, there’s no hard and fast rule as to when the ideal time to do so is. Each variety of avocado will have a different time of ripeness and a different method of knowing when they are ready to be harvested. So, understanding when to pick avocados off the tree in Australia can be a tricky procedure and should be done with care.
The first step to figuring out when to pick avocados off the tree is understanding the seasons. In Australia, the main avocado season is from July to March. The peak months for avocados tend to be between August to February. As the seasons progress, the avocado will go from green and hard to ripened, yielding to pressure and being full of flavour and buttery soft.
Once the season has been established, it is important to determine which specific variety of avocado is being harvested. Different varieties can have different ripening times and under different timing, so it’s essential to be sure. Avocados are typically either summer or winter-bearing fruits, and the time of year will determine when to harvest the individual variety.
For summer-bearing varieties, such as the Hass, the trees will take approximately six to eight months to bear fruit. When picking avocados that are summer-bearing, it is best to wait until the fruits turn green, which happens later in the season. For winter-bearing varieties, such as the Fuerte and the Shepard, the trees will take about five to seven months to bear fruit. When picking avocados from these trees, it is best to wait until the fruits turn yellow, which happens earlier in the season.
The next step to figuring out when to pick avocados off the tree is understanding the texture of the fruit. Depending on the variety, the fruit will feel hard, soft and buttery, or slightly yielding to medium pressure when it is ready to be picked. If the fruit is too soft, it is likely too late to be harvested and will have a shorter shelf life. It is important to pick the fruit when it is just right.
It is also important to make sure that the stem is still attached to the fruit. If the stem can easily slide off the fruit, then it is past its prime and could have a shorter shelf life. When harvesting the fruit, it is best to carefully place it in a bowl or reusable bag to carry, as the avocados can be quite delicate.
In order to best determine when to pick avocados in Australia, it is important to identify the variety, consider the season in which it is grown and examine the texture of the avocado itself. With the right care and knowledge, the ideal ripeness of the fruit can be determined and the perfect avocado can be enjoyed.
Environmental Impact
When harvesting avocados, it is important to keep in mind their environmental impact. Avocados can be labour and water-intensive crops, making it important to ensure a responsible and sustainable harvest. Over-harvesting or harvesting too early can be detrimental to the crop and the environment. When done with care and caution, avocados will be harvested at the perfect time, leading to minimal environmental impact.
Organic Farming
It is advisable to look for avocados grown organically when possible. Organic farming practices ensure the best possible quality of fruit, as well as the healthiness of the land and the environment. Organic farming reduces the use of fertilisers and other chemicals, thus reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that could be used in harvesting and the potential for harm to the environment. Organic farming often also results in better tasting, higher quality produce.
Day to Day Storage
Once the avocados have been picked, it is important to know how to store them properly to maximise their shelf life. Avocados should be kept in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a pantry or cupboard. Keeping the avocados away from ethylene-producing fruits, such as bananas and apples, will also help to prolong the shelf life of the fruit. Avocados can also be placed in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
Consumer Tips
When selecting avocados from the store, it is important to look for firm fruits that feel slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Avocados that appear to be bruised or that have dark spots should be avoided, as these are indicators that the avocado may have reached peak ripeness and is likely on its way out. Finally, it is important to select avocados that are of a consistent shape and size, which will help to ensure a uniform ripening process.
