Video:When to Harvest Popular Fall/Winter Produce

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Transcript:When to Harvest Popular Fall/Winter Produce

Hi, I am Nadia Chapman, and today I am at my local organic farm, and I will give you tips on when to harvest popular fall and winter produce.

Don't Consider Color When Harvesting Figs and Apples

Number one on our list today are the figs. Figs are not ready to harvest if they are still firm and hang perpendicular to the stem. As the sugar content builds into the fruit, the fig gets softer, and drops down towards the stem. Color is not necessarily a sign of ripeness since they are many varieties out there with different coloring.

From late August untill late October, the apples are ready to be picked. There are a lot of different varieties, so don't pick according to color. Make sure to be informed on the trees you own, or ask what to look for if are picking in an orchard. Look for firm, medium size apples. If you see apples are on the ground, that is a good sign that the tree has ripe fruits for you to pick.

Radishes Are Ready for Harvest One Month After Planting

Moving on to the radishes, they are in season from April to June and from October to January in most parts of North America. Radishes get stronger the longer you wait to pick them. They also get stronger the longer you wait to eat them after picking. Keep an eye about month after planting, and wait till they are big enough to eat.

Eggplants Are Harvested in Early Fall

Let's talk about eggplants. Yes, they are actually fruits, and also considered berries in the botanical world. The size of those yummy fruits is not always a sign of ripeness. If you press gently on its skin and it gives in just a little, the fruit is ready to pick. Look for dark purple color with very shiny skin, that is a great indicator that the eggplant is ready to harvest.

Wait Until After the First Frost to Harvest Winter Squash

Winter squashes are ready to eat if they sound slightly hollow when you gently tap on them. If you live in a cold area, you might want to wait till after the first frost to harvest. Another good trick is to wait until the stem of the vegetable is tan and cracking.

Harvest Beets and Fennel Based on Size

Beets are ready to harvest when they start to pop up from above the ground. Pick when they are between the size of a golf ball and the size of a tennis ball. Don't wait till they are too big, they might not taste as good.

Fennels grow in cooler temperatures. They are ready to harvest when they reach the size of a tennis ball, and before the plant starts to flower. You can also harvest the leaves, and the flowers after seeds have formed. Dry, and store in a dry place.

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