Adapted from the University of California at Davis Avocado Handbook

When is the right time to pick?

Determining when to harvest avocados can be difficult and requires experience. The various varieties of avocados mature throughout the year at approximately the same time.

As the fruit begins to mature, the tree will sometimes lose some of its bloom and/or change color.  A slight change in the skin color of the fruit, loss of glossiness, or a brown seed coat is a sign of maturity.

Pruning shears or special clippers should be used to harvest avocados. The pedicel or stem of the fruit should also remain attached to the fruit.

Harvesting process

Avocados are harvested by hand using hand-held poles and baskets. In areas where the ground is relatively flat, positioning machines are used to lift the pickers off the ground and closer to the fruit in the trees.

Harvesting Avocados with Pole (Photo taken in Michoacan, Mexico)

Harvesting Avocados from Tree with Pole (Photo taken in Michoacan, Mexico)

Post-harvest

After the fruits have been picked, they are allowed to ripen off the tree. The gradual softening of the fruit indicates ripeness. Determining ripeness of thick-skinned varieties can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with avocados. If the fruit is picked too early it will shrivel up and fail to ripen. Fruits of some cultivars may be refrigerated for several days after ripening without damage to the fruit.

Testing for ripeness

The correct way to test an avocado for ripeness it to hold the fruit in the palm of your hand gently squeeze with all fingers. If the flesh gives with slight pressure, it is ready to use. Do not press fruit with the thumb. This results in discoloration and bruised spots and is the cause of much fruit being destroyed in the markets.

Some varieties of avocados have a thick skin and the method above it not an accurate way to determine ripeness.  If this is the case, remove the button at the stem end of the avocado and insert a toothpick into the opening. If the meat is soft, the fruit is ready to eat.