{"id":20795,"date":"2024-02-04T21:20:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T19:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=20795"},"modified":"2024-02-04T21:20:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-04T19:20:21","slug":"when-to-pick-avocado-off-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/when-to-pick-avocado-off-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"When To Pick Avocado Off Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ripening & Maturing Process<\/h2>\n

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.
\nWhen 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.<\/p>\n

Observation<\/h2>\n

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.
\nHowever, 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.<\/p>\n

Tools & Technique<\/h2>\n

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.
\nOnce 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.<\/p>\n

Harvesting Fruit at Different Stages<\/h2>\n