Acorn squash are ready to be picked when their skin turns a deep, dark green with a prominent orange or yellow patch where they rest on the ground, and the rind feels hard and dull rather than glossy.   If you’ve been growing these winter squash in your garden and … Read more

You should pick Swiss chard when the leaves are young, tender, and about six to eight inches long.   That’s the sweet spot for flavor and texture, and it’s the answer to the core question of when and how to pick Swiss chard.   If you wait too long, the … Read more

The best time to pick lavender is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.   This is the perfect moment to harvest lavender because the essential oils are at their peak concentration, giving you the most fragrant and potent blooms.   … Read more

You should pick green beans when the pods are young, tender, and about the thickness of a pencil, which is the prime time for harvesting.   Knowing when to pick green beans is the difference between a crisp, sweet harvest and a tough, stringy disappointment in the kitchen.   If … Read more

The best time to pick jalapenos is when they reach their full size, which is typically about 3 to 4 inches long, and have a firm, glossy texture.   However, when to pick jalapenos really depends on the flavor and heat level you’re after, as these peppers offer different experiences … Read more

The best time to pick basil leaves is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too intense.   When you pick basil leaves at this time, you’re capturing the highest concentration of essential oils, which means maximum flavor and that incredible, sweet aroma … Read more

What to look for when picking peaches comes down to a mix of color, feel, and that irresistible fragrance.   You don’t need to be a fruit expert to choose a perfect peach, you just need to know a few simple tricks.   When you’re standing in the produce aisle, … Read more

What to look for when picking out a watermelon comes down to a few simple tricks that anyone can master. When you’re standing in the grocery store or at a farmers market, picking out a watermelon can feel like a gamble. You might find yourself tapping, thumping, and staring at … Read more

When picking mushrooms, you need to look for firm, dry specimens with intact caps and stems, and absolutely no signs of sliminess or decay.   Foraging for wild mushrooms is an exciting adventure, but it’s also one where the stakes are incredibly high.   Knowing what to look for when … Read more

What you do with onions when you pick them is cure them properly before storing them.   Curing is the process of drying the outer skins and necks of freshly picked onions so they can last for months in storage.   When you pick onions, they’re still full of moisture, … Read more