Fall, winter and early spring bring opportunities for harvesting roots (as long as you don’t mind digging through the snow!)
The Basics
- Make sure you’ve positively identified your plant and understand what you are looking for.
- Always collect from clean areas, as plants absorb toxic materials into their roots and leaves.
- Don’t be an “herb hog” taking every plant you see!
- Clean up after yourself.
The How Tos
- Dig around the root so you don’t chop the root. For most roots, you’ll have to move a few inches away from the stalk and go a little deeper than you think.
- Once you pull the root out, fill in the hole.
- Clean the root by using a vegetable brush and cool water.
- Chop the root and allow it to fully dry.
- Store in a clean jar with a lid, out of direct sunlight.
