How do I do harvest this Butia fruit ?

[Will Simpson]

I'm noticing  that my Butia fruit on my oldest clump is maturing and changing color . I wouldn't be concerned except that I'm noticing some of the fruit are falling on the ground . What is the best way to  harvest these ? I don't want them to all fall off and rot before I can harvest them .

Thanks 

 

[Scott W]

Cut the entire stalk off then pick them off one by one.  Put in a bucket, soak them to soften the fruit then used a drill with a paint mixer or heavy wire brush to clean the pulp off.  I did this exact same thing a few weeks back and just picked a fresh bract this morning.

I'll be uploading a video to my YouTube channel later today, though there are others on there as well.

[Scott W]

Obviously if you are harvesting the fruit for jelly making or wine you would not need to remove the pulp in this fashion.  While I've made wine before, I've not made jelly.

[Will Simpson]

Do you get the seed out first and then process them . Does my clump look mature enough to process or should I wait for a little while longer ? 

Thanks 

[Scott W]

2 minutes ago, Will Simpson said:

Do you get the seed out first and then process them . Does my clump look mature enough to process or should I wait for a little while longer ? 

Thanks 

Getting the seed out is the process.  For these I'm not doing anything with the pulp so it just gets thrown in the compost.  

Once the seed turns orange.like it is it should start eminating a sweet smell which will attract flies and others animals that enjoy eating them.  I'd say if the majority are orange and they are starting to drop it's ready.