1. to harvest or gather crops before the normal or optimal time of maturity
Usage: third-person singular present tense or plural form

1. the act or process of harvesting crops before they reach full maturity; crops gathered before the standard harvest time
Usage: plural form or uncountable usage

Examples

• The farmer preharvests some of the grain to avoid weather damage.
• Preharvests of green tomatoes allow them to ripen indoors.
• The vineyard preharvests certain grapes for juice production.
• Early preharvests can reduce crop loss during unpredictable seasons.
• Some orchards preharvest fruit slightly underripe for better shipping.
• The practice of preharvests requires careful timing and planning.