Harvesting a banana bunch from a banana tree is primarily done by hand using a specific technique often involving a two-person team.
The Banana Harvesting Process
Banana harvesting is a manual task that requires care to prevent damage to the fruit bunch and the tree itself. It's a practiced skill that ensures the bananas are ready for market or consumption at the optimal stage of ripeness.
Who Harvests?
Bananas are always harvested by hand using a two-person team. This division of labor is crucial for managing the heavy bunch safely and efficiently.
- Person One: Focuses on cutting the stem to release the bunch.
- Person Two: Is ready to receive and carry the heavy banana bunch away once it is cut.
Tools Used
Specific tools are employed to make the cuts required for harvesting:
- A cane knife is used to make a shallow cross cut in the stem, specifically on the side facing the banana bunch. This helps control the descent of the bunch.
- A saw is commonly used for the final cut that separates the bunch entirely from the stem of the banana tree.
Steps for Harvesting
While the reference doesn't provide a step-by-step numbered guide, the description implies the following sequence for a two-person team:
- Identify a ready bunch (often indicated by the angle of the 'fingers' and the fullness).
- The two-person team positions themselves near the bunch.
- One person (the cutter) makes a shallow cross cut with a cane knife on the stem side facing the bunch. This cut partially weakens the stem, allowing the bunch to start lowering slowly.
- The other person (the catcher/carrier) positions themselves to support or catch the descending bunch.
- The cutter then uses a saw to cut through the stem completely, separating the bunch from the tree.
- The catcher/carrier takes possession of the bunch and moves it away carefully.
This method ensures the bunch doesn't fall to the ground and get bruised, maintaining the quality of the bananas.
