Knowing the Proper Methods for Picking Avocados off a Tree in Florida
Florida, USA, is blessed with a wonderful tropical climate with temperatures high enough to support growing avocados, making them relatively easy to access for residents of the state. For those looking to pick avocados directly from the tree, proper practices must be followed to ensure the health of the tree and an optimal harvesting experience. The ideal time to pick an avocado from a tree varies from season to season and from tree to tree, but there are generally accepted windows of availability.
The Florida season for harvesting avocados typically runs from late April to early May, but the exact time that it is ripe and able to be picked will depend on the type of avocado and the specific tree that it is grown on. Experts recommend assessing the tree periodically over the course of the flowering season to take into account the changes in the color and texture of the fruit that indicate it is ripe.
According to Carl Bialik, a local Florida avocado grower, there are a few key steps that one can take to help determine the best time to pick the fruit from the tree. The first step is to wait until the fruit is a deep olive green, which will indicate that it is ripe and ready for picking. The second step is to remove the fruit from the tree by gently twisting it in the opposite direction from where it is attached to the branch. The third step is to test the firmness of the fruit by lightly pressing on it with the fingertips. If the flesh slightly yields to light pressure, it means the fruit is ripe. The fourth step is to assess the structural soundness of the avocado. Healthy sound fruit will have a natural weight of the flesh and a firm skin.
When harvesting directly from a tree, it is important to be careful with the fruit. Avocado skins are delicate and can easily be damaged when being removed from the branch. Additionally, some avocado varieties are known to have a milky sap that can cause skin irritations, so it is best to wear protective gloves like latex or plastic when removing the fruit from the tree.
Once the avocados have been harvested, the fruit should be handled properly to ensure its quality. Immediately after picking the fruit, store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from going rotten. The optimal temperature for storing avocados is between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fruit is allowed to ripen at room temperature, it should be stored in a paper bag to prevent it from getting overly ripe. Finally, when it is time to use or eat the fruit, it should be handled with care, as any mishandling could cause spoilage.
Minimizing The Risk of Picking the Wrong Avocados From The Tree
With an abundance of avocados growing in the state, it is important to know how to properly assess and prepare them for picking, as well as proper post-harvest handling. To ensure the best harvest experience, experts recommend avoiding harvesting green immature avocados. Green unripe fruit are much harder and not ready for use. The skin is harder and the flesh will be sour tasting, making it unpleasant to consume. Additionally, unripe fruits are more prone to damage, making them unsuitable for harvest.
Furthermore, when looking for a ripe and ready-for-harvest fruit, one should keep an eye out for early signs of overripeness. When an avocado is overripe, the skin may take on a shriveled or leathery appearance and be easily punctured when handled. Further clues that an avocado is past its prime is that it may start to split or leak milky sap.
When selecting an avocado to harvest, be sure to only pick one fruit at a time to avoid over-harvesting the tree too quickly. Additionally, double-check to make sure the branch or branch tip you are picking the avocado from is secure. Some branches can be weak and slightly break or detach if too much weight is put on them.
Following the Necessary Precautions
When selecting and picking avocados, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with the harvesting process. The milky sap found on some varieties of avocado is known to cause skin irritation and other potential health concerns. To minimize potential harm, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and wash them immediately after the harvest. Furthermore, careful measurements should be taken to ensure that any fruit that is left on the tree is not allowed to over-ripen or rot, as this can attract pests, disease, and reduce the harvest value of the crop.
Additionally, growers should be aware of their trees’ health and be prepared to take steps to protect them from any potential threats. These measures can range from simple cleaning and pruning of the tree to taking additional steps, such as applying proper fungicides, to prevent disease and maximize the health of the tree. These steps are especially important for those who want to get a high premium on their crop or want to cultivate quality fruit.
Preserving Freshness and Quality
Once avocados have been harvested, it is important to handle them with care to ensure freshness and quality. Ideally, the harvested fruit should be immediately refrigerated at 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure maximum preservation and freshness. If the fruit has been left to ripen at room temperature, avoiding storing it in direct sunlight or in a plastic bag, as this can cause unwanted ripening and spoilage.
When it is time to use the harvested fruit, it should be handled with care. For example, slicing into it too hard can cause bruising, and the flesh will have a bitter taste. Furthermore, the skin of the fruit is much more fragile after having been picked. Any mishandling can cause spoilage, so it is important to use gentle slicing and peeling techniques.
Storing The Harvested Fruits
Storing the harvested fruits correctly is key in preserving their freshness and quality. Ideally, the fruits should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a refrigerator. For longer storage of more than three days, it is best to wrap the fruit in paper or plastic bags to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, it is important to check the avocados periodically to assess their ripeness and prevent any decay that could occur.
When storing the fruit, it is important to avoid overcrowding, as this can cause the avocados to get overly ripe quicker. Overripeness leads to a loss of flavor, texture, and quality. Additionally, if the fruits are stored together in a warm area or in direct sunlight, the ripening process will be accelerated. To prevent rapid ripening, it is best to store the fruits in the refrigerator and limit their exposure to light and warmth.
Regular Inspection Of The Tree
Frequent inspections of the tree throughout its harvesting season are essential in ensuring that the fruit can be harvested and consumed at its optimal ripeness. As the season progresses and changes, it is important to regularly asses the health of the tree and its fruit to ensure that it is still suitable for harvesting. Routine inspections should be done to check for any signs of pests, diseases, and over-ripeness, as these can all lead to a decrease in yield and quality.
Further, if the crop is to be sold commercially, inspections should be done on a regular basis to ensure the quality of the product. The products should be inspected for any physical defects or discolorations, as these can affect their value. The tree should be inspected for any sign of disease that could spread to the fruits. Additionally, the tree should be regularly pruned in order to encourage fruiting and optimal health.
Conclusion
When it comes to harvesting avocados in Florida, it is important to follow the necessary steps of proper fruit selection, tree inspection, and post-harvest handling. Understanding the optimal times for picking, the proper methods for harvesting, and the necessary precautions for preserving freshness and quality are essential for a successful avocado harvest. With the right knowledge, growers can optimize their avocados’ yield and quality.
