The Taibeh Agriculture Department Calls on Farmers to Choose the Right Time for Harvesting Olive Fruits

He explained that the determination of the harvesting date is linked to the purpose of production, whether to obtain the highest possible quality of olive oil, achieve an appropriate production quantity, or allocate the fruits for pickling and storage, and that the criteria and harvesting date differ depending on the purpose of the crop.

He pointed out the necessity of relying on a set of maturity indicators when determining the harvesting date, including the change in the color of the fruits, their characteristics, and the stage of oil accumulation, in addition to the indicators and laboratory tests when available, and not relying on a single indicator in isolation.

Al-Omari warned against early harvesting before the fruits reach the appropriate ripening stage or delaying harvesting excessively, due to its repercussions on the quantity, quality, and safety of the oil.

He emphasized the importance of using proper harvesting methods that preserve the trees and fruits, transporting the crop to the press as soon as possible, and avoiding storing the fruits for long periods before pressing, which contributes to maintaining the sensory and chemical properties of olive oil and reducing waste.

He called on farmers to follow proper agricultural practices during the harvesting season and rely on agricultural, climatic, and technical indicators to determine the most suitable time, to achieve the best possible economic return and quality of the crop.