Early harvest warning for avocados

In the Gazipaşa district of Antalya, Agricultural Engineer Yavuz Çetin recalled that avocados were harvested early in previous years due to the desire to make money and incidents of theft in Gazipaşa, stating, “Early harvested avocados do not ripen for a month after they are sold, whether for export, in markets, or in wholesale markets, because they are not mature. As a result, the market for avocados closes. Our producers and traders need to take necessary precautions.”

The harvest season for avocados, which are rapidly increasing in production in Gazipaşa, is approaching. Highlighting the critical consequences of early harvesting of avocados that are in the ripening stage, Agricultural Engineer Yavuz Çetin warned avocado producers not to harvest early. Çetin stated that early harvesting would cause losses, not profits, and noted that the biggest problem in creating a market for tropical fruits, especially avocados, is early harvesting. He said, “Early harvested avocados do not ripen for a month from the moment they are sold, whether in export, markets, or wholesale markets, and after becoming rubbery, they rot and go bad. As a result, the market for avocados closes.”

“Producers and consumers need to follow the harvest calendar and take precautions”

Çetin continued his remarks by warning producers and consumers, saying, “It takes 27 days to reach the nearest point in Europe. Because of this, Turkish avocados are geographically close to both Europe and the Middle East and Russia; we can send them to the farthest point in about a week by truck. Another characteristic of early harvesting of avocados is the issue of theft. If they could pick every avocado when it is ready, the likelihood of theft would significantly decrease. Avocado is a plant that is referred to as green gold in the upcoming processes, and its cultivation areas and recognition are increasing day by day. It is also highly recommended by dietitians because it is a valuable and healthy food. Both our producers and traders, as well as our consumers, need to follow the harvest calendar according to the types of avocados and take precautions.”

Yavuz Çetin also provided information about avocado varieties; “Clifton variety avocados can be harvested starting from August 1 in hot areas that are warm and coastal, depending on the climate, while in mountainous and high-altitude areas, the ripening period can be extended until August 15. At this point, our producers and traders need to be careful.

We recommend that Fuerte variety avocados be harvested around October. These varieties are harvested in 2-3 stages as they ripen. Their flavor increases as their oil content rises, and they can ripen properly. Bacon variety avocados are expected to be harvested in the first week of October. After that, their ripening can be normal. “