Quote:
Originally Posted by JCA433
... Harvesting bananas without a helper is very difficult.
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It definitely takes practice. Plantation workers use the "slash and catch" method -- a cut is made in the pstem to weaken it and the bunch is lowered with partial support from the broken stem. The videos of the workers who do it dozens of times a day make it look pretty easy. A full bunch of green bananas can weigh upwards of 200 lbs so a small error in a pstem cut can make for a big crash!
An alternate method for the novice homeowner is to erect a tripod or orchard ladder next to the bunch. Then attach a pulley (or loop of rope) at the top. Run rope through the pulley/loop and attach it to the bunch. After the bunch is cut lower it to the ground.