To safeguard fresh fruits and vegetables from heat stress and physical damage during harvest, field teams should follow these operational steps:

  • Thermal Management: Schedule all harvesting during the coolest parts of the day — early morning or late evening — to prevent field heat build-up within the plant tissues. Avoid harvesting immediately after a rain to reduce mold risks.
  • Gentle Handling: Harvest delicate fruits by hand or use specialized pole-mounted shears fitted with catching nets. Avoid letting fruit drop freely to the ground. If trees must be shaken, place thick cushioning materials underneath to absorb the impact.
  • Smart Loading: Use smooth, clean field containers. Avoid overloading crates to prevent crushing the delicate produce at the bottom.