How Do I Pick Fruit Without Damaging It?

“I have a small backyard orchard here in Surrey, UK, with a few apple, pear, and plum trees. Last year, whenever I harvested the fruit, I noticed that many of the fruits got damaged either while picking or afterward. Some bruised quickly, others had cuts or tears, and a lot of them didn’t seem to store well afterward. I’m aiming to get better this year, so how do I pick fruit without damaging it?” Thanks, John, Surrey, UK.

How Do I Pick Fruit Without Damaging It?

Taking care of an orchard like yours is both rewarding and sometimes a little tricky, John. Harvesting fruit without damaging it requires the right approach, tools, and timing. Damaged fruit doesn’t just look less appealing; it also tends to spoil faster. Let’s go through key strategies to ensure that your apples, pears, and plums come down from the tree in perfect shape, providing you with fresh, delicious produce for as long as possible.

1. Understanding Fruit Ripeness: When Is the Right Time to Pick?

The first step in picking fruit without damaging it is knowing when the fruit is truly ready to be harvested. If fruit is under-ripe, you might need to apply unnecessary force to separate them from the tree, leading to bruising or detachment issues. On the contrary, overripe fruits are more prone to crushing or splitting under pressure. Here’s what to look for in some common backyard fruits:

• Apples: Apples should easily detach from the tree when gently twisted. Look for full, consistent coloring across the apple with no green undertones (unless it’s a green variety). Also, the seeds inside should be brown and fully developed.
• Pears: Pears mature after being picked, so you want to harvest them slightly under-ripe. The pear’s stem should snap easily when it’s slightly lifted or tilted at an angle to the branch.
• Plums: Plums are ready when they have a rich color typical for the variety and just a bit of “give” when gently squeezed. Over-ripe plums often require little prompting to fall off the tree, making them vulnerable to damage upon contact.

By being keenly aware of the signs of ripeness, you can time your harvest just right, minimizing the risks of damage.

2. The Right Tools for the Job: Picking Equipment

Using the right tools can make all the difference in keeping your fruit intact during harvest. The last thing you want is to end up inadvertently bruising or cutting the fruit with improper tools. Here’s what you might consider:

• Fruit Picking Bags: These bags are worn across your body, allowing you to keep both hands free for picking. They are also padded and designed to ensure the weight of the fruit doesn’t squash the ones below.
• Pruning Shears: Even though you usually pick fruit by hand, thicker or stubborn stems might benefit from shears to avoid pulling too hard.
• Fruit Picking Pole: For high branches, a fruit picking pole equipped with a fruit basket or grabbing mechanism will help you pluck fruits without dropping them. Make sure to choose a pole with a cushioned or gentle claw that won’t add pressure marks.

John, picking fruit by hand is always preferred for delicate fruits like plums, but the right tools will ensure that even high or challenging fruits can be safely harvested without a hitch.

3. Proper Picking Techniques

Your harvesting technique plays a significant role in preventing damage. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Lift and Twist: Whether it’s apples, pears, or plums, gently lift the fruit upward and twist it slightly as you pull. The fruit should “snap” off, leaving the stem intact where possible. This technique reduces the risk of squeezing too hard on the fruit.
• Supporting the Fruit: When harvesting, especially with larger or heavier fruits, cradle the fruit in one hand as you twist with the other. This dual support ensures you don’t drop it suddenly or apply uneven pressure.
• Be Gentle: Avoid tugging or yanking on the fruit. A firm stem or grasping onto a branch might leave the fruit damaged or bruised.

Deliberate, gentle movements are vital. Even when eager to fill your basket, patience ensures a bruise-free harvest.

4. Handling and Transporting Your Harvest

Once you’ve picked your fruit, the process of preserving its quality continues. Immediate handling and proper storage are crucial:

• Place Fruit Rather Than Drop: After picking, place the fruit gently into your container. Avoid dropping or tossing, as the impact can cause bruising, which leads to early spoilage.
• Use Shallow Containers: For soft fruits like plums, consider using shallow baskets where fruits are laid in a single layer—or at most, two layers deep. Stackable containers with padding at the bottom can also be helpful.
• Keep Cool and Calm: Once picked, keep your harvest out of direct sunlight and heat. A cool, dry bag or container area—like a shaded corner of your shed or even the kitchen countertop—is ideal for minimizing the risk of overheating or softening of the fruits.

Sorting your fruit right after picking is also vital. Keep a close eye for any signs of bruising or early spoilage and separate those fruits immediately. They should be consumed or used in cooking first, as they won’t store long-term.

5. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Even with the best intentions, things don’t always go to plan. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to avoid them:

• Bruising from Tool Use: If you find that your picking poles or shears are leaving marks or causing damage, double-check to make sure they’re sharp, clean, and ergonomically designed. Sometimes a softer claw or basket might be needed.
• Inconsistent Ripening: If the fruit is not ripening uniformly, consider spacing out your picks over a few days or weeks to allow each piece to reach its peak before harvesting.
• Falling Fruit: Strong winds or jostling branches accidentally can cause falls. Protect fragile fruit by placing a padded tarp underneath trees during harvest as a safety net.

It’s better to address these challenges as soon as you spot them, rather than letting them compromise your efforts, John.

6. Storing and Preserving Your Harvest

Once you’ve harvested your fruit with care, the next stage is all about storage and preservation to ensure the fruits from your backyard orchard last long enough for you to enjoy them fully.

Storing Apples

Apples are hardy and can be kept for several months if stored correctly:

• Cool Temperatures: Store apples in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or refrigerator. Ideally, temperatures between 30°F and 40°F (about -1°C to 4°C) work best.
• Separate by Variety: Different apple varieties ripen at different rates. Store them separately, and check weekly to remove any that are starting to spoil.
• Use Paper Wrapping: For extended storage, wrap individual apples in newspaper or tissue paper. This helps to keep them safe from ethylene gas emitted by other fruits, which speeds up ripening.

Storing Pears

Pears should ripen off the tree, and they do best when stored properly:

• Ripen Before Storage: Ripen at room temperature for a few days, then move to cold storage once they’ve softened slightly.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep pears dry and spread out in a well-ventilated area. Lay them on a shelf or rack—spacing them apart so air can circulate freely.
• Check Regularly: Pears can ripen unevenly, so inspect your stash every few days, rotating and removing anything that’s ripening faster than expected.

Storing Plums

Picky but worth it, plums are delicate but manageable with these tips:

• Refrigeration: Store ripe plums in the refrigerator. They do well when stored between 32°F and 35°F (0°C to 4°C).
• Short-Term Storage: If you’re consuming them within days, leave them out on a cool counter to enjoy at their prime flavors.
• Layering is Key: If you’ve got a large harvest, store plums in drawers with a single layer per drawer, and consider placing them in perforated plastic bags to maintain necessary humidity.

Whether you’re planning on storing your fruit for months or just a week, proper handling and correct storage situations maximize shelf life and prevent spoilage.

7. Enhancing Your Skills for Future Harvests

Your backyard orchard can ever evolve, so consider these ongoing practices to refine your approach to harvesting:

• Prune Your Trees Correctly: Well-pruned trees are healthier, produce better fruit, and are easier to harvest. Ensure that branches are spaced and trimmed in a way that allows easy access without overreaching or damaging fruit.
• Monitor Pests and Diseases: Healthy trees produce better fruit, so ensure you’re managing pest control and addressing any diseases that might affect your orchard. Damaged fruit is more prone to rotting and bruising.
• Upgrade Harvesting Equipment: While your basic tools might do the trick, look into any advancements or upgrades for picking tools that could make the job even easier and more efficient.

Over time, as you watch your orchard grow and flourish, these little adjustments can lead to healthier trees, higher yields, and less fruit wastage.

Final Thoughts…

John, thanks for reaching out with your question. Picking fruit without damaging it really comes down to timing, technique, and attention to detail. With the right tools, a gentle hand, and proper storage methods, you’ll find that your hard work in the orchard yields even better results. Happy harvesting, and here’s to a bountiful season!