Picking avocados from trees is an amazing experience. Whether you’ve grown them yourself, or you’re visiting a local orchard, the anticipation of picking a perfectly ripe avocado can be overwhelming. While it may seem simple to reach up and grab an avocado, there are some key points to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best harvest possible.
In general, an avocado is considered ripe when the fruit gives slightly to gentle pressure from your thumb. Harvesting an avocado is easy, as the fruit will naturally separate from the tree when ready. All you need to do is grab the stalk and gently twist it. If it is not ready, you will need to wait until the skin is dark in color, and the fruit feels softer. If the stalk is too brittle, the avocado will likely be over-ripe. If you’re not sure, test a few avocados, and you will get a better idea of when they are ripe enough to harvest.
In the United States, the Hass variety matures between August and April, while the Fuerte variety (which is more difficult to find) matures in May and June. The temperature and environment of your local groves may lead to slight variations in peak harvest months. The cooler months of fall and winter are the best times to harvest avocados as the crop is ripening slowly and steadily during these months.
To ensure the tastiest and freshest fruit, local orchards are always the best place to shop. Grocery stores may offer fruit that was picked weeks or even months ago, and thus the flavor is not as desirable. In comparison, local orchards are only able to harvest fruit when the avocados are in peak condition, so the flavor and texture is unparalleled. Additionally, grocery stores typically offer limited varieties of avocados, whereas local orchards feature dozens of varieties and an accurate test of how each one tastes.
Of course, if you’re planning on picking an avocado from one of your own trees, you should wait until the ripest fruit has developed before attempting a harvest. Monitor the tree’s progress carefully, and be sure to pick the fruit while it is still slightly firm. Avocados can ripen quickly once they have been picked, so it’s usually a good idea to leave a few behind to allow for natural ripening on the tree. You can also place a few unripened avocados in a paper bag with an apple or banana, as the natural ethylene gases emitted from these fruits can help speed up the ripening process.
While it may take some practice to master the skill of picking the perfect avocado from the tree, with the right amount of patience and knowledge, anyone can become an avocado harvesting expert. With the information in this article, you should be well on your way to picking the best avocados from your local orchard or from your own tree.
Tips and tricks
There are a number of tips and tricks that you can use to make harvesting avocados easier and more successful. Start by familiarizing yourself with different varieties of avocados, so that you know what to look for when selecting the best ones. While some varieties are better suited for short-term storage, others are better for longer-term storage.
You should also make sure that you’re harvesting the right amount of avocados at one time. Picking too many, too quickly can lead to over-ripening and spoilage. While some varieties can handle being harvested in bulk, with others, it’s best to take your time and pick them in small batches.
When harvesting from your own tree, explain the process to children and young adults before beginning. This way, they’re able to understand the importance of waiting until the fruit is ripe and in the best condition for picking. It’s also important to ensure that you’re using proper tools to harvest the avocados. Long-handled fruit pickers, for example, make it much easier to reach otherwise out of reach fruit.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to research your local climate and schedule your harvest accordingly. Hot climactic conditions can cause the fruit to over-ripen quickly, so careful and diligent timing is necessary to ensure that you’re picking the most flavorful and delicious fruit.
Process of ripening
Ripening is a very important step when picking and harvesting avocados. Ripe avocados have a higher sugar content, as well as better flavor and texture. If harvested too early, the fruit will not be as sweet, and it could even taste bitter. The ripening process may take several weeks depending on the variety, so it’s important to keep an eye on the progress of the fruit on the tree.
To properly ripen, avocado fruits need to be exposed to direct sunlight. Once ripe, the fruit should be picked immediately, as exposing the fruit too long to direct sunlight can damage the flavor and texture. Some avocados also require special ripening agents to soften the fruit, such as ethylene-releasing citrus fruits, or artificial ripening agents.
Temperature is also a factor that can influence ripening. Generally, it’s best to pick avocados if the temperature is between 59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. When it’s too cold (less than 59) or too hot (greater than 68), the fruit won’t ripen properly and could even be damaged. For best results, it’s best to pick avocados on warmer days.
Picking from a tree
When it’s finally time to pick an avocado, you want to make sure you’re doing it safely. It’s important to wear gloves and sturdy shoes when climbing a tree to get the highest fruit. It’s also important to use correct lifting techniques when harvesting. Lift with your legs, not your back, and always use a ladder when necessary.
When selecting avocados from trees, look for fruit that is firm to the touch but has some give when pressed gently with your thumb. Avoid fruit that is too soft, or hard. Be careful not to grab too hard on the stem, as this can damage the delicate fruit. Also be on the lookout for pests and disease, as these can have an effect on the quality of the fruit.
Storing the avocado
Once you’ve picked an avocado, you need to store it properly to avoid spoilage. Avocados can be stored for a few days at room temperature, slightly longer in the refrigerator, and indefinitely in the freezer. To store at room temperature, place the avocado in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also store your avocado in a paper bag with an apple or banana, this will help the avocado ripen faster.
To freeze an avocado, remove the pit, cut into pieces, and store in a airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and mash up the avocado. The absolute best way to store avocados is to vacuum seal them. Vacuum sealing helps preserve the flavor and texture of the fruit, as well as reduce food waste.
Growing Avocados
If you’d like to grow your own avocados, it’s not as difficult as you may think. You don’t need a lot of space to grow avocados, and you can even grow them in a pot or container. When choosing your avocado tree, select a variety that is suitable for the climate you live in. Generally, Hass avocados do well in warm climates, and Fuerte avocados do better in cooler climates.
Avocado trees need full sun, so be sure to select an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well draining and amended with organic matter such as compost. Furthermore, regular irrigation and fertilization are important components of growing avocados. Avocado trees love nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so be sure to include these elements in your fertilizer.
For best results, prune the tree regularly to give it a tight, bright shape and to promote better airflow, which in turn helps to deter pests and diseases. Be careful not to prune too much, as this can prevent the tree from producing fruit. A general rule of thumb is to prune no more than one third of the tree each year.
Harvesting Avocados
Avocado harvesting typically occurs 2-4 weeks before the commercial harvest. To harvest, use a soft cloth to wrap the avocado, and gently twist it from the tree. It’s best to harvest the fruit while it is still slightly firm, as this will give you enough time to ripen it naturally. Be careful not to damage the fruit, as this can cause spoilage.
If you’re harvesting from your own tree, use correct lifting techniques and tools such as a ladder and long-handled fruit picker. It’s also important to be aware of the temperature and climate, as this can influence the ripening process. Finally, be sure to look for pests and diseases, as these can have an effect on the taste and quality of the fruit.
