It’s that time of the year again! Avocados are in season and ready to be harvested. This process can be daunting and confusing for many, while for experienced farmers, it’s second nature. Regardless of which category you fall into, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about avocado harvesting.
This will guide you through the avocado harvesting process to help you harvest your avocados come harvest time confidently and effectively. Also cover basic information about avocados, the harvesting process, and what to do with your avocados once harvested. Read on for more details!
What is Avocado Harvesting?
Avocado harvesting is the process of removing avocados from the tree. Harvesting can be done by hand or by machine. The process begins after tree maturity, which takes three years after planting. The avocados are harvested when fully developed,
Methods of Avocado Harvesting?
There are two main methods of avocado harvesting; hand picking and machine picking. A farmer’s harvesting method will depend on their individual needs and preferences. However, both ways have their unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Hand Picking
Hand-picking is physically picking the avocados off the tree by hand, and it’s mostly common among small-scale farmers. The process is done by workers who scale the trees and pick the ready avocados. The main benefit of hand-picking is that it allows farmers to be more selective with harvested avocados. This ensures that only the best quality avocados are picked and sent to market. The main drawback of hand-picking is that it is slow and labor-intensive.
Machine Harvesting
On the other hand, machine picking requires a piece of machinery to harvest avocados. The hydraulic harvesting machine has a large arm attached to a vehicle with enough room for one harvester and space for the harvested fruit. It is driven through the avocado Orchard and lifts the harvester to the required height, enabling them to pick the avocados off the trees quickly. The main benefit of machine picking is that it is much faster than hand picking. This allows farmers to harvest more avocados in a shorter period.
Machine harvesting is also ideal for farmers who have a large Orchard to harvest. The main drawback of machine picking is that it can damage the trees and the avocados. This can cause the avocados to be of lower quality and not as desirable to consumers if not done with care.
How to Tell if Avocado is Ready For Harvest
Check the color
Tree Flowering
The Size
Check for Dry Matter
Floating Test
Conclusion
Avocado harvesting is a process that requires time and effort, but the rewards are definitely worth it. With a little knowledge and the right tools, anyone can enjoy the delicious fruits of their labor. Hopefully, this article has provided you with everything you need to start. For any queries concerning avocado harvesting or avocado farming, contact our agronomist through our website for assistance. Happy harvesting!
