Harvest Tips for Maximum Flavor
Posted in Exhibitions, The Edible Garden on August 10th, 2010 by Plant Talk – Be the first to commentWritten by Burpee Home Gardens Team. Burpee Home Gardens is a Supporting Sponsor of The Edible Garden.
Harvest time is an exciting time in the garden. Those plants you have been taking care of, feeding, weeding, and watering are now returning the favor with ripe pickings for you to enjoy. Very quickly you’ll have a kitchen counter or bushel filled with red and juicy tomatoes, tasty peppers, flavorful cucumbers, and more.
What to do with all this plenty—and when—present some of the last obstacles of the season for new vegetable gardeners. If you’re suddenly inundated with abundance, here are a few tips to remember to receive maximum flavor from your harvest:
- Tomatoes can be picked before they’re fully ripe—don’t let them over-ripen on the vine! Fruit that’s slightly green will continue to mature to red on your windowsill.
- Peppers can be harvested at any stage of growth, and some continue to ripen to red, orange, or yellow. However, their flavor doesn’t fully develop until maturity.
- Pick cucumbers when they’re small for tenderness and taste. Keep watch, though—they can grow an inch or more a day.