Typically ready for harvest from summer to early autumn, depending on your region and local growing conditions.
Colour Change - The fruit changes from green to a bright yellow or golden-orange hue (depending on the variety). The colour should be rich and uniform.
Softness - Gently squeeze the fruit; it should feel slightly soft but not squishy.
Separation from the Vine - Ripe fruit often falls from the vine on its own. If it’s still attached but shows the above signs, it may still be ready to harvest.
Manual Picking - Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached to prevent damage. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
Collect Fallen Fruit - Check around the plant regularly for fallen fruit, as these are often at peak ripeness.
Tip: Avoid eating the skin as it is not palatable and may contain compounds that can be slightly toxic in large quantities.
