Harvesting of Pineapples
Loading fruit for the packing shed
Pineapples are assessed in the field for ripeness, sweetness and acidity to ensure that a crop is ready for harvest. Once ripe they are picked by hand, loaded onto a conveyor belt and packed into bins. The crown or top is often removed and left in the field for collection and planting at a later stage.
Farmers tend to wear heavy duty trousers, long sleeve shirts, gloves and sometimes even leather aprons – to fend off the sharp prickles of the pineapple plant and protect their clothing.
Gallery
Pineapples in loading bins being harvested
Pineapples being harvested using picking boom
Pineapples ready to be harvested
Please click to enlarge.