For maximum quality, growers must calculate
the timing of the plant's growth cycle so that it is fully
grown when harvested. Each type of herb & spice plant
has a different growth cycle. Harvesting time should be when
the plant has produced the highest amount of essential oils
and nutrition, for further extraction.
In general, the harvest method is categorized
according to the medicinal usage of the herb & spice plant.
|
Plant Part
|
Harvest Guideline
|
Harvest Method
|
|
Roots or Beets
|
Harvest after the plant has stopped growing, when it
sheds all leaves or during the interim period between
winter and summer seasons. The plant usually contains
the highest level of essential oils and nutrition. |
Carefully dig the roots or beets up and trim fibrous
roots. |
|
Barks
|
Harvest during interim period between
summer and rainy seasons. |
De-bark from minor branches, or de-bark only half of
the whole branch. Never de-bark the main trunk because
the trunk is an essential path of nutrients. |
|
Leaves or Whole plant
|
Harvest once the plant's growing cycle has reached its
peak or when it fully matures. |
Pick each leave form the branch, or cut the whole plant
from the main trunk. |
|
Flower
|
Usually, the harvest time is after the flower has fully
blossomed. Some plant may be harvested before the flower
begins to blossom. |
Pick or cut the flower from its stem. |
|
Fruit or Seeds
|
In general, the fruit is harvested after it fully ripes.
But some fruit may be harvested when unripe. |
Pick or cut the fruit from the plant. |
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.
