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Timely Tendings: When to pick summer fruit

 
Published July 7, 2015

How to tell ripeness of mangoes, avocados

Leave mangoes on the tree to mature, otherwise, they won't ripen properly. To check for maturity, pick a large one growing in the sun and cut through it lengthwise. The fruit should have flesh around the seed that is turning yellow, indicating that it is ready to pick. The other mangoes that are the same size or larger are probably also mature and can be picked to take indoors to ripen.

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Avocado varieties ripen at different times of the year. But, the main season is July through February. Avocado fruit does not ripen on the tree. Mature fruit ripens in three to eight days after it is picked. Storing in the refrigerator delays ripening and allows you to keep fruit for a longer period of time.

Compiled by Theresa Badurek, urban horticulture extension agent, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension Service. For additional landscape and garden information, visit pinellascountyextension.org. For regular tips and information about what's growing in Pinellas, go to facebook.com/growpinellas.