- Avoid damage which might promotes rapid oxidation and degradation.
- Equipment required includes:
- A plastic hand rake (approx $15) or fruit stripper (approx $20).
- A nylon ground net (approx $50)
- Fruit storage containers (approx $5 each)
- Ladder
- Fruit is dislodged, using a cupped, gloved hand or the rake, into the net doing as little damage to the tree as possible.
- Fruit damage of 1-2% can be expected.
- Immediately place fruit in plastic containers, ventilated on all sides.
- Level of fruit should not exceed 30cm to avoid bruising and allow fruit to breathe.
- If storing is necessary, do so in a cool dark place.
- Transport the fruit to the processing plant in these containers.
- Minimise the handling of the fruit.
- Fruit should be transformed into oil the same day as harvested - for reasonable quality the time lapse should be no more than 3-4 days.