Bananas are harvested from the tree by hand, typically involving a two-person team and specific cutting tools as described in the provided reference.
The Process of Cutting Bananas
Cutting a heavy bunch of bananas from the tall pseudostem of the plant is a deliberate, manual process. It's a task that requires coordination and the right tools to bring the fruit down safely without damaging it.
Based on the reference, here's how it's done:
- Teamwork: The harvest is carried out by a two-person team. One person is responsible for cutting the bunch from the plant, while the other person is ready to carry the heavy bunch away once it's free.
- Initial Cut: To prepare the stem for cutting and potentially manage the descent of the heavy bunch, a shallow cross cut is made with a cane knife in the stem facing the bunch.
- Final Cut: The final separation of the bunch from the main pseudostem is commonly achieved using a saw is commonly used to cut the bunch from the stem.
This method ensures the bunch is harvested cleanly and efficiently, allowing the team to manage the weight and prevent damage to the fruit before it's transported.
Tools Used
- Cane Knife: Used for the initial shallow cross cut.
- Saw: Commonly used for the final cut to detach the bunch.
This approach highlights the manual and often labor-intensive nature of banana harvesting, relying on skilled workers and simple, effective tools.
