Harvest & storage
Picking, grading and storage basics
Handling fruit gently keeps quality and price.
Relevant stages: Pre-Harvest.
- Pick carefully. Bruises show up later as rot.
- Use clean, padded picking bags and bins. Do not drop or pile fruit high.
- Keep fruit shaded and cool after picking.
- Grade by size, colour and quality. Separate damaged fruit right away.
- Store cool and humid, away from strong smells. Extension research puts the best range near 0 to 4 degrees C with 90 to 95% humidity. Do not let fruit drop more than a degree or two below freezing.
- Check stored fruit often and remove any that starts to rot.
- Fruit that had calcium sprays and proper pre-harvest care stores better.
General guidance. Always read product labels and consult an agronomist for problems specific to your orchard.
