Breadfruit Harvesting Guideline
This guideline is intended to help co-op members properly identify, harvest, and handle mature breadfruit to meet required safety and quality standards. Fruit that does not meet these standards will be denied upon delivery or its volume deducted from the total harvest.
Download the Guide (PDF) for a printable version of our harvesting guidelines.
IDENTIFYING FRUIT MATURITY
There are many ‘ulu varieties in Hawai‘i today and their maturity indicators may vary. However, common varieties display similar qualities throughout their ripening process, as illustrated below. At this time we are accepting three different grades of fruit as outlined below. We do not accept any aborted or immature fruits. Check out this guide for help determining Mature vs. Full-size Immature fruit. Contact us for help identifying your variety and maturity indicators.
HARVESTING
Do not harvest fruit that has fallen onto the ground. When harvesting, avoid letting fruit hit the ground to prevent bruising. Deep lacerations are not acceptable. Ensure fruit is not cut by picker blade.
GRADING & PRICING
Sort harvested fruit into groups: Grade A, B, and C.
- Grade A fruit is at least 5 inches in size and smooth all the way around.
- For Grade A ‘ulu, the co-op pays $1.30/lb.
- Grade B fruit is less than 5 inches in size, dimpled, or deformed.
- For Grade B ‘ulu, the co-op pays 90¢/lb. (Hawaiʻi island only)
- Grade C fruit is Full-size Immature, often called “Green” fruit, which we can only utilize for flour production. We encourage farmers leaving these fruit on their trees longer in order to achieve Grade A specs.
- For Grade C ‘ulu, the co-op pays 60¢/lb. (Hawaiʻi island only)
Please note that we do not accept ripe fruits, and only accept Grade B & Grade C on Hawaiʻi island. We also no longer purchase ʻulu from non-member producers. If you have ʻulu you would like to sell, please Join Us!
NEED HELP HARVESTING?
We have a network of trained harvesters we can connect you with!
Eligibility requirements:
- HUC member in good standing
- Trees must be harvestable (25 feet tall or less). Need a pruner? Contact us.
- Willing to split fruit payment with harvester (generally 50/50, but agreement rates are between farmer & harvester)
- If you have LFA, must provide soapy water bath supplies for harvester’s use on farm
Check out the full details on our Harvest Support Request page.
POST-HARVEST PRACTICES
Allow sap to drain from fruit immediately after harvesting by cutting stem close to base and laying fruit stem side down.
Keep fruit cool! Harvest during cool temperatures, such as early in the morning, keep fruit out of sun, and/or use cooling techniques such as a water bath or air cooling (optimum storage conditions are 54 to 57ºF).
Wash fruit with potable water to remove field debris.
Fruit must be free of pests. If your crops have Little Fire Ants (LFA), add ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) of liquid dishwashing detergent per gallon of water and completely submerge fruit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with potable water.
Sort fruit by Grade. (See Grading Standards above).
Pack in ventilated sanitary containers, and deliver to the coop within 24 hours.
Deliveries must total 25 pounds or more.
CO-OP HARVESTING CRATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!
This low-cost “equipment share” is available for co-op members only, and enables you to conveniently drop off fruit in specialized harvesting crates and pick up containers in good condition, for your next harvest. Contact us for more information!
DROP-OFF SITES
See our crop drop off locations for where to deliver your crop on different islands!
Download the Guide (PDF) for a printable version of our harvesting guidelines.
Check out our video on How to Harvest ʻUlu to learn more harvesting tips.
