How to Harvest Pyracantha Berries

Pyracantha is also commonly known as firethorn, due in part to the brilliant red or golden berries produced by these evergreen shrubs. The berries are small and firm, often resembling bright, miniature cranberries. These berries are also a favorite of many types of birds, and some homeowners find that they cannot harvest their berries in time to save them from flying freeloaders. Do not pick your berries early, as they will be inedible. Do, however, harvest your berries as soon as they are all visibly ripe at the height of their season.

Gardening gloves
Gardening clippers

Instructions

- 1
  Harvest Pyracantha berries late in the autumn but before the first frost. The red berries are more appetizing than the golden varieties. Do not pick green, unripe berries.
- 2
  Put on a pair of thick gardening gloves. The Pyracantha bush contains many thorns that will dig deep into unprotected skin. Make sure your arms are covered with long sleeves.
- 3
  Gently pull the bright red berries off of their stems. Remove large clusters at a time, if you prefer, with gardening clippers. You can pick through the berries later and remove all of the stems.
- 4
  Make jam or jelly from the Pyracantha berries. Do not eat the berries raw, as they are very bitter. These berries also may be mildly toxic until cooked.

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