When is the right time to harvest strawberries? A simple guide for growers

Strawberries are tasty but spoil quickly, so picking them at the right time is essential. To get the best flavour, shelf life, and appearance, growers rely on harvest maturity indices — clear signs that show when the fruit is ready.

Even a slight delay or early pick can affect quality. Their thin skin and high water content make them prone to damage, so growers monitor indicators like colour, size, firmness, sweetness, and taste to guide harvest decisions.

Physical signs of ripeness

Colour is the easiest clue. Strawberries turn from green to white, then red as they ripen. A fruit with at least 75% red colour is usually ready to harvest.

-Fully ripe (75%+ red): sweet and stores well

-Overripe (100% red): very sweet, spoils faster

-Half-ripe (around 50% red): more acidic and less tasty

Standards vary by country. In the US, Grade 1 strawberries need 75% red colour. In Pakistan and Iran, some varieties require up to 95% red before picking.

Size also helps. Strawberries grow in size as they ripen. Bigger usually means riper. In the US, Grade 1 strawberries must be over ¾ inch long.

Firmness matters too. Softer fruit means riper berries, but they’re harder to transport. Growers sending fruit to far markets may harvest a bit earlier. Some varieties, like ‘Selva’, stay firmer longer and are better for shipping.

Chemical signs of ripeness

Sugar levels, called total soluble solids (TSS), rise as strawberries ripen. TSS is measured in °Brix. A reading between 5% and 10% is good, depending on variety.

Taste is a mix of sweetness and acidity. As sugar goes up and acid goes down, taste improves. This balance is shown as a sugar-to-acid ratio.

-In Italy, a ratio of 12.3 is ideal for the ‘Sabrosa’ variety

-In Bangladesh and Slovenia, ratios around 5 to 6.5 are common

Using smart tools

Farmers can use handheld devices like the Felix F-750 to check ripeness without cutting the fruit. These tools measure sugar, acid, firmness, and colour in real time, helping farmers make better decisions and reduce waste.

To harvest the best strawberries, look at colour, size, firmness, sweetness, and taste. Use tools when possible. Choose the right harvest time for your market - local or long-distance - and match it to your strawberry variety. Picking at the right stage means better taste, longer shelf life, and happier customers.

Get in touch today to book your free test session and harvest smarter with Felix Instruments.

photo: flipkart.com