Collecting the harvest of berries without damaging them requires careful and gentle handling to preserve their quality and prevent bruising.
That's the only way to make sure that it can store and taste well.
Whether you're picking wild berries or harvesting from your garden, follow these steps to ensure minimal damage.
Use the right tools
Use clean, shallow containers with wide openings to collect the berries.
Baskets, shallow bowls, or plastic containers work well.
Avoid using deep containers, as they can cause berries to pile up and crush each other.
Choose ripe berries
Select only fully ripe berries for harvesting.
Ripe berries are easier to pick and have better flavor.
Gently tug the berry from the stem; if it doesn't come off easily, it may not be fully ripe.
Avoid squeezing
Be cautious not to squeeze or grasp the berries too tightly while picking.
Use your fingertips to gently pluck the berries from the plant.
Inspect before picking
Check the berries for any signs of mold, pests, or damage before picking them.
Removing damaged or spoiled berries will help maintain the quality of the harvest.
Pick in batches
Instead of picking all the berries from one bush or plant at once, pick in small batches.
This allows you to handle the berries carefully and prevents them from getting crushed under their own weight.
Don't overcrowd the container
Avoid packing too many berries into the container.
Leave some space to allow air circulation and prevent crushing.
Store properly
If you're not using the berries immediately, store them in a cool place or refrigerate them to maintain their freshness.
