That's the first time I had seen or used a tool like that, but it's amazing what we come up with to make tasks easier. This tree was quite tall, as well. There was plenty of fruit I couldn't even reach with the pole!

I totally agree with the imperfect produce. I often bring hitch-hiking worms and bugs home with me from the market, but it's a good sign they don't use pesticides! Just last week my boyfriend snagged a whole bag of beets for next to nothing because they were slightly soft. I just turned them into soup. :)