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Excited about learning how to harvest avocados from your own tree? Picking avocados at just the right time is important for them to taste their best. Whether you’re a kid eager to pluck your first avocado, a family looking forward to harvesting together, or someone who simply loves growing their own food, this guide is for you. We’ll show you the best tips for picking avocados and how to ripen them perfectly once they’re off the tree. Don’t worry, it’s easy and fun! You don’t need any special skills – just a little patience and our handy tips. Let’s get ready to enjoy delicious, homegrown avocados!
When to Harvest Avocados
Color:
Look at the skin color. Avocados change color as they ripen. Most varieties transition from green to a purplish-black or dark green when fully ripe. However, the color change can vary depending on the type.
Firmness:
Gently squeeze the avocado. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure without feeling overly soft. If it’s rock-hard, it needs more time to ripen. If it’s very soft, it may be overripe.
Stem Test:
Carefully remove the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado. If it comes off easily and you see green underneath, the fruit is ripe. If it’s brown or difficult to remove, the avocado may be overripe.
Harvesting Avocados
Use a Picking Pole:
Avocado trees can grow quite tall, making it challenging to reach the fruit. A picking pole with a basket attachment is a handy tool for reaching high branches and gently detaching avocados.
Avoid Pulling:
Never pull or yank avocados from the tree, as this can damage the fruit and the tree itself. Instead, use a gentle twisting motion to detach them from the stem.
Use a Basket:
Place a soft lining, such as a towel or foam, in your picking basket to cushion the avocados and prevent bruising during transport.
Ripening Avocados
Sometimes, avocados are not ripe at the time of harvest, which is common for tree-ripened varieties. Here’s how to ripen them at home:
Paper Bag Method:
Place unripe avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple, both of which release ethylene gas that accelerates ripening. Seal the bag and leave it at room temperature for a day or two.
Brown Paper Bag and Newspaper:
If you don’t have a paper bag, wrap the avocados in brown paper bags or newspaper to create a similar ethylene-rich environment.
Check Daily:
Keep a close eye on the avocados while ripening. Check them daily to ensure they don’t become overripe.
Room Temperature:
Once they reach the desired ripeness, transfer the avocados to the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life.
Conclusion
Harvesting and ripening avocados is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the creamy goodness of these fruits at their best. With a keen eye for ripeness and the right techniques, you can savor the deliciousness of homegrown avocados in salads, sandwiches, and guacamole. Happy harvesting!
Now that you have the knowledge to pick and ripen avocados with confidence, your avocado trees will provide you with a bountiful harvest of creamy, nutritious fruits.
