Jackfruit should be harvested at the right stage of maturity. Optimum maturity for jackfruit ranges between 12 and 16 weeks after flower anthesis , depending on the clone. Jackfruit with yellow and orange coloured flesh may be harvested at about 16 weeks after flower anthesis . Besides timing, other parameters that can be used as maturity indices include colour of the skin, colour and development of the spikes, colour of the stalk and shape of the fruit. Mature fruit also sound hollow when it is tapped.

Harvesting is preferably done in the morning, when field-heat is still low and tolerable to the produce. It is done by cutting the stalk using a sharp knife and holding the fruit to avoid dropping it on the ground. Harvested fruits should be packed in bulk-containers made of either plastic or wood and delivered to the packinghouse by lorry or pick-up van.