Small Fruits
Blackberries
Fruit grows dull black color with plump,
juicy fruit lets as it ripens; fruits soften
and develop feature flavor. You need to
harvest every 2 to 3 days. Cool it immediately,
use within 3 to 5 days. Store
in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Currants
Mature fruit would soften slightly, become juicy, and develop with an intense color. For jelly, harvest before totally ripe. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Elderberries
Harvest when fruit is plump, color changing from shiny to dull purple and just start to be soft. You must use within 3 to 5 days.
Gooseberries
Harvest when fruit color changes to light green. Some varieties might have pink blush. Pick when berries are still firm; it could be stored for 2 weeks.
Grapes
A characteristic flavor and aroma grows as fruit matures. Color might even develop earlier so color alone is not a guide. As grapes mature, sugar content increases and bunch stems turn from green to brown. Remove clusters with scissors or with hand shears. Store in refrigerator up to 2 months before consumption.
Raspberries
Ripe raspberries grow full color and divide easily from vine. Harvest fruit as it ripens, every 2 to 3 days. Pick by softly lifting berries with thumb or finger. Cool it immediately; consume within 3 to 5 days.
Strawberries
Fully ripe strawberries are a consistently red in color, and firm but beginning to alleviate slightly. Harvest with green caps on to retain firmness and quality-pinch stem off about 1/4 inch over cap. Refrigerate it immediately; consume within 2 to 5 days. You can select soft berries for immediate use.
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