Harvest
When to harvest is one of the most important decisions a
grower faces when it comes to providing the marketplace
with superior-quality fruit. Mangos picked before their
optimum maturity may eventually ripen, but will develop
inferior flavor and aroma, show increased susceptibility to
chilling injury caused by low temperatures during transport,
and have shortened shelf life.
Based on the collective experience of the mango industry,
following are the most popular and effective harvest
practices for yielding high-quality mangos.
WORKER TRAINING: HARVEST AND SANITATION
PRACTICES
Because of the seasonal nature of the mango harvest, most
mango farms in growing regions throughout Latin America
employ temporary labor. It is a fact that in many cases,
temporary harvest personnel return year after year to work
in the farms. However, the seasonal nature of the harvest
requires special focus on yearly retraining of harvest crews
to assure optimum-quality mangos. Training must include
harvest maturity indicators, latex removal procedures, good
sanitation practices, and worker safety.