Now Forage

Almond: The green outer hull splits and pulls back, revealing the hard shell. Harvest when at least 75% of hulls have split. Spread in sun to dry for 1–2 weeks, turning daily, until kernels rattle inside. Eat immediately or store in shells.

Apricot: Golden-orange colour all over; red blush is fine but green means unripe. Gives slightly under thumb pressure and separates cleanly from the pit. Sweet, floral aroma. Short window — harvest daily once they start colouring.

Lemon (Citrus): Uniformly yellow skin; heavy for its size. Can stay on the tree for months once yellow. Scratch the skin — a strong lemon scent confirms ripeness.

Lime: Persian limes are harvested green and mature green; Key limes turn slightly yellow when fully ripe and very juicy. Heavy for its size and yields to light pressure. Green limes are still at peak acidity and fully usable.

Mandarin: Deep orange, slightly loose skin that separates easily from the segments. Heavy for its size. The skin can pucker and look slightly wrinkled when fully ripe — not a sign of spoilage.