Method of using leaf removal apparatus

A mechanical method of removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce using a leaf removal apparatus, the method comprising:

• feeding a first and second harvested produce onto a conveyor,
• wherein the second harvested produce is fed after the first harvested produce;
• transporting the first harvested produce towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus,
• wherein a gap exists between the stripping roller and an output end of the conveyor;
• contacting the first harvested produce with (i) a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, wherein the plurality of flexible members hangs vertically over the output end of the conveyor or over the gap, and (ii) the stripping roller;
• loosening or removing one or more wrapper leaves of the first harvested produce by contact with the plurality of flexible members, or the stripping roller configured to rotate and exert a frictional force on the first harvested produce, or a combination thereof,
• wherein one or more of the removed wrapper leaves of the first harvested produce fall through the gap;
• transporting the second harvested produce towards the stripping roller;
• contacting the second harvested produce with the first harvested produce;
• and
• pushing the first harvested produce through the gap towards a second conveyor or a container.