The fruit can be harvested when they
are one-third to full size. Harvest before the
skin becomes dull and the seeds become
hard. One general rule is if you lightly press
the side of the fruit with your thumbnail
and the indention stays, then the fruit is
ripe and ready to be picked.
While the fruit can be broken off the
plant, it is better for the plant if they are cut
off. Beware of the spines on the fruit stem,
as they can hurt an ungloved hand. Handle
the harvested fruit gently so they don’t get
bruised