Why do they wet harvest cranberries?
Wet harvesting cranberries is a unique and fascinating process that has been used for many years. The reason behind this method is quite simple yet effective – cranberries have air pockets inside the fruit, causing them to float in water. This property of cranberries allows farmers to flood the bogs and easily remove the fruit from the vines.
One of the main benefits of wet harvesting cranberries is that it makes harvesting much easier and more efficient. By flooding the bogs, the cranberries float to the surface, making them easily accessible for collection. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive hand-picking, as the berries can be easily gathered using specialized equipment.
Water reels, also known as “egg-beaters,” are the key tools used in wet harvesting cranberries. These machines have a rotating mechanism that stirs up the water in the bogs, causing the cranberries to detach from the vines and float to the surface. The water reels resemble large egg-beaters, hence the nickname. This mechanical process saves a significant amount of time and effort compared to traditional harvesting methods.
Additionally, wet harvesting cranberries also helps to remove any debris or leaves that may be present in the bogs. The stirring action of the water reels not only separates the cranberries from the vines but also helps to dislodge any unwanted materials. This ensures that the harvested cranberries are clean and free from any impurities, resulting in higher quality fruit.
Furthermore, wet harvesting can also be beneficial for the overall health of the cranberry plants. By flooding the bogs, any pests or diseases that may be present in the vines can be suppressed or eliminated. This natural pest control method can help maintain the health and productivity of the cranberry plants, resulting in better yields in subsequent seasons.
While wet harvesting is a highly efficient method, it does require careful planning and management. The timing of the harvest is crucial, as the bogs need to be flooded at the right moment when the cranberries are fully ripe. Additionally, the water used for flooding needs to be carefully sourced to ensure its cleanliness and to prevent any contamination of the harvested fruit.
Wet harvesting cranberries is a fascinating process that takes advantage of the unique floating properties of the fruit. This method offers numerous benefits, including easier and more efficient harvesting, removal of debris, natural pest control, and improved plant health. The use of water reels, or “egg-beaters,” plays a crucial role in this process, stirring up the water and allowing the cranberries to be easily collected. Wet harvesting is not only practical but also adds to the charm and intrigue of cranberry farming.
