Harvesting and Packing Fresh Ber for Market

Fresh ber is perishable, so the hours between picking and the market matter. This article describes common practice for harvesting and packing fresh ber. It is general information — local experts can advise on what suits a particular orchard.

Picking at the right stage

Fruit is picked when it reaches the size and colour expected for the variety and the intended market. Fruit for distant markets is often picked slightly firmer than fruit sold nearby. Experienced growers judge maturity by colour, firmness and taste.

Handling after picking

• Pick into clean crates or baskets rather than sacks, to avoid crushing.
• Keep harvested fruit in the shade.
• Move fruit to the grading area quickly.

Grading

Fruit is usually sorted by size and appearance, and damaged, over-ripe or diseased fruit is removed. Buyers and suppliers should agree the grades in advance, so everyone means the same thing by "large" or "first quality".

Packing

• Use clean, ventilated crates or cartons that suit the transport distance.
• Do not overfill — fruit pressed under a lid bruises easily.
• Mark each crate with the grade, packing date and a lot reference.

Transport

Plan transport before harvest, dispatch promptly after packing, and keep loaded vehicles shaded and ventilated. Agree in advance who arranges transport and how long the fruit will be in transit.

What traders can agree with a supplier

1. Grades and size ranges.
2. Crate or carton type and weight per crate.
3. Price basis — per kg or per crate, at the farm or delivered.
4. Dispatch dates and transit time.
5. How quality issues on arrival will be handled.

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