Apple

An apple harvested right off the tree should be firm to the touch, but not overly hard. A change of color in the apple is another good indication the fruit is ready to harvest. Twisting or rotating the apple from the branch should release ripe fruit with little resistance.

Apricot

Apricots will develop a yellowish orange color when ripe. Ripe fruit will have a small amount of give, but be firm enough to grab and pick off the tree. Use your hands to delicately pull the fruit away from the tree any bruises will shorten the shelf life of the fruit.

Avocado

Avocados must be picked unripe and ripened off the tree. The fruits are ready to be picked seasonally, either in the spring or fall depending on the variety. Use clippers to cut the fruit off the branch and let the fruit mature on the countertop at home. This process can take 1-3 weeks.

Blackberries

A Blackberry will provide its optimal taste when it looks plump, and has a dark black color to it. If the berry is firm and slightly purple, it may need more time on the vine to ripen up. With a slight tug, ripe berries should come off with ease.  

Blueberries

When ready to harvest, make sure the berry is plump and has a full blue color all around. A reddish color on the berry will indicate the berry isn’t quite ready for harvest. With a slight tug, the berries should come off with ease.

Fig

The best way to determine if a fig is ready to harvest is by touch. Give the fig a gentle squeeze, if it’s soft this is a sign it is ready to be picked. A ripe fig should come off the tree with little to no effort. Some trees will produce two harvests per season, but mid fall will produce the best fruits.

Lemon

Lemons will ripen best when left on the tree. A ripe lemon will be an even yellow color with a firm feel to the fruit. Using clippers, cut the stem right over the lemon or twist the fruit until it breaks off to harvest.

Lime

Look for that bright green color and a strong zesty smell! Ripe limes will be firm to the touch, but should have a little give when lightly squeezing them. To harvest, cut the stem right above the fruit or twist until the lime breaks away from the tree.

Mango

Be sure to pick mangoes when fully ripe to ensure optimal taste. The fruit should feel slightly soft, and the color should be fully established. Mangoes can be harvested by hand by giving them a nice tug, if the mango separates easily it is ripe and ready.

Nectarine

When picking nectarines, it is best to wait until the last minute to allow the fruit to maximize its sugar content. The fruit should have some give and feel heavy in your hand. When the nectarine is ready the fruit will lose any hints of green and acquire a reddish blush color.

Orange

When harvesting, make sure the fruit is firm and has good weight for its size. A uniform orange color around the entire fruit is a good indicator that it’s ready to be picked. Using clippers, cut the stem directly above the fruit. Avoid pulling as this could damage the fruit or the tree.

Passion Fruit

A ripe passion fruit will feel plump in your hand with a slight give and will display its full color. Fruits that have slight wrinkles are going to be the sweetest. When harvesting give the fruit a slight twist on the vine and lightly pull. It’s common for the ripest fruits to fall to the ground.

Peach

Peaches will turn orange when they’re ready and should have no green hue, wait a few more days if this is the case. The fruit should be hard, with little to no give. A moderate pull should detach the fruit from the tree, if the fruit doesn't come off it isn't ready.

Pear

While on the tree, pears will go through a slight change of color that will help determine when to harvest. Additionally, pears will have a slight give to them. Twist the fruit off the branch, if it comes releases easily then it is ready, otherwise leave it to ripen on the tree for a few more days.

Persimmon

A persimmon will be ready to harvest when the fruit displays a deep orange color. Give the persimmon a squeeze, you’ll want the fruit to be as hard as an apple. Use clippers to cut fruit away from the tree. Handle harvested fruit with care.

Plum

Plums that are ready to harvest will have a deep purple color and a slight give to the fruit. The ripe fruit will come off the branch with very little effort. Harvest by gently pulling the fruit from the branch. Tugging is not recommended as it could damage the fruit and reduce the shelf life.

Pomegranate

When getting ready to harvest a pomegranate you’ll want to make sure the skin is a full red and is slightly soft. It’s best to wait for the fruits to be completely ripe before picking them as they don’t ripen off the tree.

Raspberries

When harvesting raspberries look for a full, deep color on the berry (colors may vary with different varieties), and a plump size. With a slight tug, the berries should come off with ease. It’s best to make sure the berry is dry and is free of any dew before storing.

Strawberries

Berries will be ready to harvest when the fruit is plump and shows an even red color. To harvest gently pull the berry away from the stem and handle carefully. Strawberries don’t last long once picked so be sure to enjoy them soon after harvesting.