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Hand Select Process

For you convenience, we provide:

  • You pick Fruits and VegetablesScissors
  • Hydroponic Fruits and VegetablesBags/Containers
  • Organic Fruits and VegetablesHand Wash Station & Supplies


Remember, there is no dirt to contend with, no bending or squatting, so your hand selection process will be as swift as you decide.

First, you will be asked to wash your hands thoroughly at our wash station with soap. We will also supply hand sanitizer…if you are allergic to soap or sanitizer, we will provide you with plastic gloves. This is a very important process so it will prevent disease and germs from spreading throughout the crops.

Second, you will be directed to the produce area(s) you are interested in.

Third, you will use the scissors provided and hand-select your choice(s). You will be instructed on how to properly hand select your item(s). After you have made your selections, you will bring your container(s) to the cashier where your selection(s) will be weighed and the total price will be calculated (you will know in advance the price of each item) and then you pay. It's as simple as that! We suggest you wear comfortable clothes, sun protection, and, footwear that are outdoor friendly.

Here is some information you may find helpful before your visit to First Fruit Hydroponics in case you are not familiar with hydroponics hand-selecting:

  • Strawberries - Please use the scissors we provide. Cut the stem of each berry. By cutting the stem, the strawberry plant thinks it is losing seeds. This makes the plant produce more berries to replace the lost berry. It will also prevent damage to the plant and keep the strawberries you take home fresh longer.
  • Squashes, okra, zucchini, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, are vegetables that need to be cut at the stem with scissors. They will stay fresh much longer when cut this way
  • Greens such as kale, leaf lettuce, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard, spinach, rapini are trimmed with scissors near the base of each leaf, so that more will grow to replace what is trimmed.
  • Herbs such as rosemary, basil, cilantro, thyme, oregano, chives, and parsley are trimmed at the base of each leaf or stem with scissors.
  • Blueberries are plucked off the bush with a gentle rolling or twisting motion of your fingers.
  • Onions, leeks, cabbage, head lettuce, are gently pulled out of the growing mixture, roots and all.

Care of Freshly Picked Produce

When you arrive home, store your produce except for tomatoes in the refrigerator. The crisper drawer works well for most produce. Rinse and clean each item of produce when you are ready to use it, especially greens and herbs. Fresh picked produce should be used as soon as possible and checked daily to be aware of any deterioration.

To freeze whole strawberries and blueberries for later use, first rinse well and drain. Lay out berries on tray or baking sheet and place in the freezer until hard (a few hours usually). Remove from freezer and quickly place into freezer bags or containers. Store bags in the freezer until needed.