HARVESTING OF FRUITS
It is very important that the fruits are harvested on time and at the proper stage of maturity in order to maintain their nutrients level as well as their quality and freshness. Factors that favor preserving quality and nutrients are rapid harvesting, preferably done early in the day; prompt cooling; gentle treatment; and proper storage if the fruit is not used immediately. Of the fruits that store well, only those that grown-up in late fall, such as apples, pears, and grapes, should be measured for home storage. The other kinds of fruits must be stored for small periods of time only, or preserved for winter use by canning, freezing, or drying.
Here are certain fruits are given wiht their harvesting details and the following fruits may be with the same quality as fresh if they are being kept under the refrigeration cool of about 35 to 40F.
Small Fruits
Blackberries
Fruit grows dull black color with plump, juicy fruit lets as it ripens; fruits soften and develop feature flavor. You need to harvest every 2 to 3 days. Cool it immediately, use within 3 to 5 days. Storein refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Currants
Mature fruit would soften slightly, become juicy, and develop with an intense color. For jelly, harvest before totally ripe. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Elderberries
Harvest when fruit is plump, color changing from shiny to dull purple and just start to be soft. You must use within 3 to 5 days.
Gooseberries
Harvest when fruit color changes to light green. Some varieties might have pink blush. Pick when berries are still firm; it could be stored for 2 weeks.
Grapes
A characteristic flavor and aroma grows as fruit matures. Color might even develop earlier so color alone is not a guide. As grapes mature, sugar content increases and bunch stems turn from green to brown. Remove clusters with scissors or with hand shears. Store in refrigerator up to 2 months before consumption.
Raspberries
Ripe raspberries grow full color and divide easily from vine. Harvest fruit as it ripens, every 2 to 3 days. Pick by softly lifting berries with thumb or finger. Cool it immediately; consume within 3 to 5 days.
Strawberries
Fully ripe strawberries are a consistently red in color, and firm but beginning to alleviate slightly. Harvest with green caps on to retain firmness and quality-pinch stem off about 1/4 inch over cap. Refrigerate it immediately; consume within 2 to 5 days. You can select soft berries for immediate use.
Tree Fruits
Apples
Sample for characteristic flavor and smell as fruit begins to change color. The under color (green, immature color) would change to light green or to cream. Yellow or golden varieties grow golden surface color when ripening. Some varieties release from tree simply as they begin to ripen and must all be picked; other varieties could be picked as they mature. Fruit would continue to ripen after picking. Store in refrigerator 1 to 6 months before usage.
Apricots
Harvest as fruit begins to soften and grow characteristic flavor. Handle cautiously to prevent bruising. Cool it immediately; store up to 2 weeks. Fruit would continue to ripen after picking.
Cherry
Mature fruit is juicy, rather soft and full-flavored. Quality holds superior if picked with stems on. Cool it immediately after harvesting; store up to 2 weeks.
Peaches
Taste fruit for characteristic flavor and aroma. Fruit softens and becomes luscious asit ripens; ground color (immature, green color) changes to light green or cream. Fruit would continueto ripen even after picking. Handle fruit cautiously to avoid bruising. Cool it immediately after harvest; store up to 2 weeks.
Pears
Pears must be picked before they are tree-ripe; however, harvesting too early would result in bad flavor and shriveling in storage. Harvest just as pear flavor and aroma could also be detected when sampling, and small spots on fruit surface change from white to brownish color. Pears harvested after best time would have some stone cells and bad flavor. Fruit would continue to ripen even after picking. Storage life is 1 to 3 months.
Plums
Fruit softens and develops characteristic flavor as it ripens. Color might indicate beginning of ripening, but is not a good quality guide. Handle it gently; cool after harvest. Fruit would continue to ripen even after picking. Store up to 2 weeks.
