When it comes to harvesting lemons, timing is crucial. Picking lemons too early can have an impact on their flavor and ripening potential. Let’s dive into what happens if you pick lemons too early.
1. Flavor: Lemons that are picked too early tend to have a stronger acid flavor compared to fully ripe lemons. The longer lemons stay on the tree, the more they have a chance to develop their natural sweetness. If you prefer a more tart and acidic taste, picking lemons early may be suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a sweeter and milder flavor, it’s best to wait until they are fully ripe.
2. Texture: Early-picked lemons might have a firmer texture compared to those left to ripen fully. This is because the fruit continues to soften as it matures on the tree, allowing the juices to develop and the rind to become thinner. If you prefer a softer and juicier lemon, it’s best to wait until they are fully ripe before picking them.
3. Ripening potential: When lemons are picked too early, their ripening potential may be compromised. Once lemons are harvested, they won’t continue to ripen like some other fruits do. So, if you pick lemons before they have reached their full ripeness, they may never achieve their optimal flavor and sweetness. It’s important to allow lemons to mature on the tree as long as possible to ensure the best flavor and ripening potential.
4. Size: Generally, lemons are ready to be picked when they are two to three inches long. However, this can vary depending on the lemon variety. If you pick lemons too early, they may be smaller in size and not have fully developed their potential. It’s best to wait until lemons have reached their expected size before harvesting.
5. Color: While lemons are typically yellow when fully ripe, this doesn’t necessarily indicate their readiness for picking. Some lemon varieties may have a greenish hue even when they are fully ripe. Therefore, it’s essential to rely on other indicators like size, firmness, and juiciness rather than solely relying on color.
In my personal experience, I’ve found that picking lemons too early can result in a more acidic and less enjoyable flavor. I prefer waiting until the lemons have fully ripened on the tree, allowing them to develop their natural sweetness. However, taste preferences can vary, and some people may enjoy the stronger acid flavor of early-picked lemons.
To summarize, picking lemons too early can lead to a stronger acid flavor, firmer texture, compromised ripening potential, potentially smaller size, and may not necessarily be indicated by color. It’s best to wait until lemons are at least two to three inches long and beginning to soften a bit before harvesting. Remember, patience is key when it comes to enjoying the best flavor from your homegrown lemons.
