7 tips to assess if swedes are ready to harvest

Harvesting swedes at the right stage of maturity is essential to ensure they offer the best flavour, texture, and nutritional value. I have compiled a list of 7 tips to help you determine the ideal time for harvesting swedes:

1. Timing: Swedes are usually ready for harvest between 90 to 120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Keep track of the planting date and monitor the swedes’ progress as they mature. Harvest them before they become oversized or woody, as prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions can compromise their quality.
2. Visual Evaluation: Start by visually examining the swedes. Look for indicators like size and shape. Mature swedes should have reached a diameter of at least 150mm/ 6″ and display a rounded shape with smooth skin. Avoid harvesting swedes that are undersized or irregularly shaped, as they may not have fully matured.
3. Taste Test: While not always feasible on a large scale, conducting a taste test can offer valuable insights into swede maturity. Sample a small portion of the swede to evaluate its flavour, sweetness, and texture. Mature swedes should boast a sweet, earthy flavour and a firm, crisp texture. Taste testing is important if the swedes are for human consumption.
4. Firmness: Assess the firmness of the swedes by gently pressing them. Mature swedes should feel firm to the touch, indicating that they have developed a dense, solid interior. Avoid harvesting swedes that feel soft or spongy, as they may be either underdeveloped or overripe.
5. Leaf Condition: Check the condition of the leaves on the swede plant. As swedes mature, the lower leaves may begin to yellow and wilt. Following this the top leaves begin to shrink in size. This natural process suggests that the swedes have reached an advanced stage of maturity and are ready to be harvested.
6. Tap Test: Conduct a tap test by lightly tapping the swedes with your finger or a small tool. Mature swedes will emit a deep, hollow sound, similar to tapping on a ripe watermelon. Immature swedes may produce a dull or thud-like sound, indicating that they are not yet fully matured.
7. Skin Colour: Observe the colour of the swede’s skin. Mature swedes typically exhibit a uniform, deep purple or violet hue. However, depending on the variety, swedes may also feature white, yellow, or green skin. Avoid harvesting swedes with pale or discoloured skin, as they may not have reached full maturity.

Of all these tips, the I find timing is the best indicator, and if the swedes are grown for stockfeed then the size is the next most important. If the swedes are for shops then the taste will be the next most important – although making sure they are not too large or too small is also very important. Remember to handle harvested swedes with care to prevent damage and maintain their freshness during storage.