How to Harvest Avocados

Whether you grow avocados for your own use, or for sale, the most difficult part of the job is knowing when to pick the fruit. Since avocados do not ripen on the tree, you need other methods of knowing when and how to harvest them. With a little education and some practice, you will be harvesting your "alligator pears" with the effortlessness of a long-time grower.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Know When to Harvest

1. Pick a couple of avocados and try to ripen them on your kitchen counter. Although this is not the most scientific method to determine whether your avocados are ripe, it will let you know if they are ready to harvest. If they shrivel up or turn rubbery, wait two more weeks and try again.
2. Take a bite of one of your avocados. Once your fruit is large and dark, peel and taste one. If it tastes "just right" you can go ahead and harvest; otherwise, wait two weeks and try again.
3. Watch for a few mature fruits to fall. Often this is the simplest method for homeowners who have one or two avocado trees. Again, your avocados should ripen in a week or two on your kitchen counter.

Know How to Harvest

4. Cut low-hanging fruit from the tree's branches with clippers. Wear gloves to avoid scratching the avocados and place them, gently, in a cloth bag.
5. Use a long-handled picking pole to reach the higher fruit. Catch the fruit in a strong cloth bag.
6. Leave the stem on the avocado after harvest. It will fall off when the fruit has finished ripening and is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle your avocados gently when you are harvesting them, they bruise very easily.

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