How to Know When to Pick or Harvest Peaches
If you have a peach tree in your garden and are wondering when to pluck those delicious fruits that are growing on it here are some tips.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Stem:
On of the main indicators of when peaches are ready to be picked is how tight the stem is attached to the tree. When the fruit is easily pulled off the twigs then it is probably ripe. Peaches will not ripen any further though they may get softer. -
2
Feel:
You should feel a certain amount of movement when you press in to the flesh of the peach with your fingers. It is at this stage that they are the best for eating, canning, etc. -
3
Color:
Green peaches are not ripe. The reddish tint some varieties have is not a good indicator of ripeness. Yellow fleshed peaches change from green to an orange tint, other varieties become redder, or a combination of orange and red. Use color along with feel and stem strength. You may pluck insect damaged fruit that is ripening at the same rate to see how the flesh is doing. -
4
Smell:
Ripe peaches will give off a pleasant, peachy smell and green ones will not have much of an odor
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1
Tips & Warnings
Pick peaches gently so as not to bruise them. Use soft cotton gloves and don't apply too much pressure with your fingertips.
Pull the peach straight off the bush and place gently in your basket.
Peaches will last 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator.
