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.

Common fig: Two crops: breba (June–July on old wood) and main (Aug–Oct). Ripe figs hang downward, skin may crack, feel very soft, and often show a drop of nectar at the eye. Colour depends on variety (green, brown, purple). A milky sap at the stem means underripe.

European plum: Deep purple with a dusty bloom when ripe. Flesh softens and detaches cleanly from the stone. Sweet, rich flavour. Drops to the ground when fully ripe — check beneath the tree daily.

Lemon: Fully yellow with no green remaining; skin slightly glossy and gives a little when squeezed. Heavy for its size indicates juiciness. Unlike most fruit, lemons can hang on the tree for months once ripe without deteriorating.

Loquat: Clusters of orange-yellow fruit; ripe when fully orange with no green, yields to gentle pressure, and comes off the stem with a slight tug. Very sweet and aromatic when right — mealy if overripe. Short shelf life after picking.

Peach: Background skin colour shifts from green to yellow; red blush is variety-dependent and not a reliable indicator. Fruit yields to gentle pressure near the stem end. Fragrant aroma at the base. Harvest when it detaches with a slight twist — no tugging needed.