Harvesting Flaxseed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flaxseed is a nutritious seed that can be harvested from flax plants. Harvesting flaxseed can be done by hand or by machine, but the process is generally the same.
When to Harvest Flaxseed
Flaxseed is ready to harvest when the seedpods have turned brown and the seeds rattle inside the pods. This usually happens about 100 days after planting the seeds.
How to Harvest Flaxseed
Materials:
- Gloves
- Scissors or pruning shears
- Twine or rubber bands
- Pillowcase or large bag
- Rolling pin or car
- Bowls
- Windy day
Instructions:
- Cut the flax plants. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the flax plants at ground level.
- Gather the plants into bundles. Gather the flax plants into bundles and secure them with twine or rubber bands.
- Hang the bundles to dry. Hang the bundles in a warm, well-ventilated room for three to five weeks, or until the stems are completely dry.
- Remove the seeds from the pods. There are several ways to remove the seeds from the pods:
- Pillowcase method: Place a pillowcase over the top of a bundle and roll the heads with a rolling pin.
- Car method: Lay the bundle on a driveway and drive over the pods with your car.
- Hand method: Crush the pods by hand and separate the seeds from the chaff.
- Winnow the seeds. Pour the seeds into a bowl and stand outdoors on a breezy day. Pour the seeds from one bowl into another bowl while the breeze blows away the chaff. Repeat the process until all the chaff is removed.
Tips for Harvesting Flaxseed
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp flax stems.
- Cut the flax plants early in the morning when the plants are still damp. This will help to prevent the seeds from shattering.
- Hang the bundles to dry in a well-ventilated room. This will help to prevent mold from growing on the seeds.
- Remove the seeds from the pods as soon as they are dry. This will help to prevent the seeds from becoming damaged.
- Store the flaxseed in a cool, dry place. Flaxseed can be stored for up to two years.
Benefits of Harvesting Flaxseed
There are many benefits to harvesting your own flaxseed, including:
- It’s cost-effective. Harvesting your own flaxseed can save you money compared to buying it in the store.
- It’s a fun and rewarding experience. Harvesting flaxseed is a great way to connect with nature and learn about where your food comes from.
- You can control the quality of your flaxseed. When you harvest your own flaxseed, you can be sure that it is free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- You can grow organic flaxseed. If you are interested in growing organic flaxseed, you can harvest your own seeds and plant them the following year.
Conclusion
Harvesting flaxseed is a relatively easy process that can be done by anyone. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can harvest your own flaxseed and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.