Olives are harvested using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, emphasizing care for the fruit and the trees.
Traditional Hand Harvesting
- Gentle Approach: Traditionally, olives are harvested by hand. This method is labor-intensive but ensures that the olives are picked at the optimal ripeness, minimizing bruising and damage.
- Careful Picking: Hand harvesting involves carefully picking each olive from the branch, which is crucial for maintaining fruit quality.
Assisted Harvesting Methods
- Using Combs: Tools like combs can be used to gently shake the olive tree's branches, causing the olives to fall onto collection nets placed on the ground.
- Minimizing Damage: It's very important that the tools used do not damage the leaves or the tree's fruit.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Picking | Olives are picked individually by hand. | High quality, minimal damage, selective picking | Labor intensive, time-consuming |
| Assisted Hand Harvesting | Using combs or similar tools to gently shake the tree. | Faster than hand picking, less damage | Can be less selective, requires care |
Important Considerations
- Timing: Harvest timing is important and will depend on when the desired ripeness is achieved, which can vary depending on the olive variety and the intended use (table olives vs. oil production).
- Avoiding Damage: Regardless of method, the key is to handle the olives with care to maintain their quality, ensuring they are fit for processing.
