What is the appropriate timing for conducting the assessment (Kharṣ) of agricultural yields for Zakat purposes?

Primary text

The time for conducting the assessment (Kharṣ) is when the fruits begin to show signs of ripeness (yabdu ṣalāḥuhu). This is based on the report that the Prophet, peace be upon him, would send 'Abdullah ibn Rawahah to assess the date palms when they ripened, but before they were eaten. This timing is necessary because the purpose of the assessment is to determine the Zakat liability and allow the owners freedom to manage their produce, a need that arises precisely when the fruit is nearing harvest maturity.