Harvest & storage
Judging when to pick
Signs that fruit is ready, and why picking time affects storage.
Relevant stages: Fruit Development IV, Pre-Harvest.
- Look at ground colour (background colour under the red) shifting from green to yellow-green.
- Seeds turn brown.
- Fruit twists from the spur with little force.
- Firmness and sugar rise as fruit matures. A starch test shows progress (see the starch test article).
- Pick early-maturing varieties first (this starts at fruit development IV).
- Fruit meant for long storage is often picked slightly earlier than fruit for immediate sale.
General guidance. Always read product labels and consult an agronomist for problems specific to your orchard.
