Re: when do you know it is ready?

Loquats should be their ripe color [golden]. Otherwise they lack sweetness and flavor. If the skin gets blemished [a few brown spots] in the meantime, don't worry about it. Also, they ought to be softish... it's okay to squeeze them gently to test; they don't bruise. And watch out for birds--commercial growers put paper bags on them to keep the birds away. Wonderful fruits when ripe, great for out- of-hand and tarts and pies, but they don't juice very well; skin must be an important contributor to the flavor.
Artichokes are another matter. Don't know; never grew them. Guess I'd pick one when it looks like it's edible and try it. Are they a perennial there? 


On May 8, 2009, at 6:02 PM, Theresa G. wrote:


Help- when do I pick my loquats?  One is nicely yellowish now.

Also- how do you know when an artichoke is ready to pick?

T.

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Inland Jim
Willamette Valley
44.99 N 123.04 W
Elevation 148'
39.9" Precipitation
Hardiness Zone 8/9
Heat Zone 5
Sunset Zone 6
Minimum 0 F [-15 C]
Maximum 102 F [39 C]

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