The Ultimate Tips on How to Harvest Pineapple – Do you adore pineapples so much that you’ve decided to cultivate them in your garden? The problem about cultivating pineapples is that many people are unaware of how simple the procedure is. As a result, only individuals with a daring attitude dare to try. So, in addition to pineapple growth advice, you’ll want to know when to harvest them, as it can take a long time.
Pineapple is a fruit that screams hot summer days and vacation thoughts. But not everyone can find themselves on a tropical island away from the rush and bustle of everyday life. This is why many people have begun to produce their own pineapples. However, cultivating them yourself necessitates learning how to harvest pineapples properly so that you leave your pineapple plant healthy and vigorous, allowing it to continue producing.
A pineapple fruit might take years to grow in a home garden. Depending on the growing conditions, each pineapple plant might take up to three years to flower and produce. When they bloom, they put on a stunning display of blooms. The blooms then combine to form massive pineapple fruits. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps of determining ripeness, harvesting pineapples, and storing them so you may enjoy these tasty sweet pleasures for as long as possible.
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How to Tell if Your Pineapple is Ready for Harvesting
Before we go into how to harvest pineapple, you should be aware of the several signs that indicate when it is ripe. It is just as crucial to know when to harvest pineapple as it is to know how. Unlike several other fruits, pineapple does not ripen after it has been plucked. Instead, it will soften without becoming sweeter.
Pineapple is a member of the Bromeliaceae family and is native to the Americas, most likely the Brazilian rainforests. As a result, it’s no surprise that this evergreen, slow-growing perennial enjoys consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. It also loves regular watering, so don’t let the soil dry up for too long.
Given these conditions, you should be able to harvest pineapple fruits 180 to 275 days after the plant blooms. It is critical to leave the fruits on the plant until they are mature and ready, as they will not continue to ripen much if removed from the plant. Here are several indicators that your pineapple fruits are ripe for picking:
Color
When the skin of a pineapple fruit changes from green-gray to yellow-orange or golden-yellow, you know it’s ripe. The color shift will begin towards the fruit’s base and progress upward. You’ll also see the fruitlet flattening and the peel changing colors. When roughly two-thirds of the fruit turns yellow, it’s time to harvest the pineapple.
Size
Aside from color, you should also consider the size of the fruit. A mature pineapple weighs between 5 to 10 pounds (2.5 to 4.5 kg). Ripe pineapple, like most fruits, will feel heavier for its size.
Smells sweet and tangy
The smell of the fruit, which should be tangy and sweet, is another solid predictor of ripeness. The strongest pineapple smell will be found in the fruit’s base. When it is strong enough that you can smell it from a distance, it is ready for picking.
Sound solid
Still unsure if your pineapple is ripe? Tap the side of the fruit gently and listen to the sound it makes. A hollow sound indicates that it needs more time to ripen. When you tap on its firm base, you want to hear a dull, substantial sound.
What are the Ultimate Tips on How to Harvest Pineapple?
As previously stated, a single pineapple plant will only produce one fruit at a time. In that case, are you looking forward to reaping the benefits of your efforts? Now that you’ve determined when to harvest, it’s time to learn how to harvest pineapple. If you are certain that your pineapples are ready, follow these measures to ensure proper harvesting:
STEP 1: CONFIRM RIPENESS
Look for evidence that your pineapple fruits are ready to be harvested. Patience is required here, because pineapples are finest and sweetest when left to ripen on the plant. You can try to ripen them off the plant by leaving them at room temperature, but it won’t help much. This is why you must be especially careful while inspecting the ripeness of your pineapples.
STEP 2: GET YOUR GARDENING TOOLS READY
While harvesting pineapple is simple, it is best to prepare your tools ahead of time to safeguard your safety. Pineapple leaves and skin are both quite sharp, so protecting your palms with your preferred gardening gloves is necessary. You should also prepare your gardening shears by sharpening and sanitizing them before using them.
STEP 3: WRAP THE FRUIT IN YOUR HAND
Use your dominant hand to hold the shears or knife. Secure the pineapple’s top with your non-dominant hand to keep it stable. You can do this by grasping the leaves or the fruit itself, whichever seems most comfortable.
STEP 4: CUT WITH GARDENING SHEARS OR KNIVES
Cut the stem just below the fruit using gardening shears or a sharp knife for a clean and easy cut, leaving about an inch or two behind for it to regrow. Take particular care not to cut or clip the other leaves while doing this to avoid stressing the plant and keeping it disease-free. The pineapple will readily come off the plant when you cut the stem. To avoid bruising, catch it before it touches the ground.
STEP 5: HARVEST THE OFFSPRING
The pineapple plant will die off after producing a single fruit. Before the mother plant dies, it will produce a few suckers or pups. You have the option of picking all of the pups at once or leaving one pup to grow into a ratoon crop. However, keep in mind that the ratoon crop will not provide a pineapple fruit as large as the first. This is due to the fact that it will compete with the mother plant for water, light, food, and space. If you continue to collect the pups, the mother plant will produce new growth, which you can then plant.
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Is it Necessary to Wash Pineapple Once it has Been Harvested?
After harvesting, it is vital to thoroughly clean your pineapple fruit under running water. Check every nook and cranny for dirt or pests that may be hiding on the rind. Then, shake the fruit to remove excess water and allow it to air dry on top of a clean towel. While you wait for the fruits to dry, consider what you will do with your crop.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish it all in one sitting, refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. Leaving it on the kitchen counter will speed the deterioration, and it will only last one to three days. It can last up to three to five days in the fridge. However, only store ripe pineapples in the refrigerator. Because pineapple is a tropical fruit, it may be too chilly in the fridge at times. So, choose the warmest spot of your fridge and place the pineapple there.