Avocados: A Guide to Harvesting and Ripening
Avocados are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. But how do you know when an avocado is ripe and ready to eat? And what’s the best way to harvest avocados?
When to Harvest Avocados
Avocados do not ripen on the tree. So, it’s important to harvest them at the right time. The best way to tell if an avocado is ready to harvest is to pick one and check its firmness. If the avocado is soft and yields to gentle pressure, it is ready to be picked.
The time of year to harvest avocados depends on the variety. For example, ‘Haas’ avocados are generally ready for harvest in February, but can go as late as September.
How to Harvest Avocados
When harvesting avocados, it is important to be careful not to damage the fruit. The best way to harvest avocados is to use a sharp knife to cut the stem from the branch.
How to Tell if an Avocado is Ripe
Once you have harvested your avocados, you need to let them ripen. Avocados will ripen at room temperature in a few days. You can speed up the ripening process by putting the avocados in a paper bag.
The best way to tell if an avocado is ripe is to feel it. A ripe avocado will be soft and yield to gentle pressure. The skin of the avocado may also change color as it ripens. For example, ‘Hass’ avocados start as a smooth, brilliant green and gradually turn pebbly and purple-black in color.
Commercial Avocado Harvesting
Commercial avocado growers use a “dry weight” test to determine when to harvest their avocados. This test measures the oil content of the fruit. If the oil content is low, the fruit is unripe and will not ripen properly.
Avocado Varieties
There are three main types of avocados: Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian. Each type has its own unique characteristics.
- Mexican avocados are small and have a thin, green skin. They are the most common type of avocado in the United States.
- Guatemalan avocados are larger than Mexican avocados and have a thicker, darker skin. They are also less oily than Mexican avocados.
- West Indian avocados are the largest type of avocado. They have a thick, bumpy skin and are very oily.
Avocado Nutrition
Avocados are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of fiber. Avocados can be enjoyed in many different ways, including:
- Guacamole
- Avocado toast
- Avocado salads
- Avocado smoothies
Growing Avocados
Avocados are a relatively easy fruit to grow. They can be grown in a variety of climates, but they prefer warm, humid conditions. Avocado trees can grow to be quite large, so it is important to choose a planting site that has plenty of space.
Avocados are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following the tips in this article, you can harvest and ripen avocados at the perfect time.
