Ginger is a commonly used seasoning in daily life with high market demand and broad planting benefits. In addition to routine management, the later stages of harvesting and storage are also crucial. What specific aspects should be noted? Let's find out together.
Key Points for Harvesting Ginger
1. Harvesting Time
(1) Young Ginger Harvest: Generally, harvesting can begin in early August. Young ginger has tender flesh, a mild spicy flavor, and high water content. It is not suitable for storage and is mainly supplied to the market as fresh produce.
(2) Mature Ginger Harvest: Usually carried out from mid to late October to November. At this time, the harvested ginger rhizomes are the largest, most plump, with the strongest spicy flavor, high yield, and good storage and transportability.
(3) Seed Ginger Harvest: Harvest when the above-ground plant has 4-5 leaves (around mid to late June). This type is generally used for medicinal purposes or as product recovery material.
2. Harvesting Method
Harvesting is typically done during sunny weather. When harvesting, you can pull the ginger stems and leaves to lift the rhizomes or use digging tools to extract the rhizomes, shake off the soil, and cut off the upper stems and leaves about two centimeters from the base. Handle the harvested rhizomes gently and transport them home.
Methods for Storing Ginger
1. Pile Storage Method
Select a storage warehouse, ideally one that can hold 2 tons of ginger in bulk. In early November (before the beginning of winter), remove any diseased, injured, or rain-soaked rhizomes, leaving only high-quality ones piled loosely in the storage warehouse.
2. Pit Storage Method
In areas with high groundwater levels, the pit storage method is often used. The pit depth should be around 1 meter, with a diameter of about 2 meters, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, either round or square. Each pit can store about 2500 kilograms of ginger.
3. Mud and Sand Storage
Place the selected ginger on a layer of mud and sand in the pit. Alternate layers of ginger (four to five rhizomes thick) and mud until the pit is filled to about 5 centimeters from the top. Cover the final layer with mud and sand to prevent exposure to air.
4. Well Storage Method
In areas with deep soil layers, heavy clay soil, and lower winter temperatures, the well storage method can be used. The well should be about 2.5-3 meters deep, with an opening large enough for easy access. Dig two storage chambers on either side of the well bottom, each about 1-1.3 meters high and 1 meter in length and width. Pile the ginger rhizomes loosely in the cellar, with a layer of wet sand at the bottom, alternate layers of wet sand and ginger, and cover the top with another layer of wet sand.
Conclusion
In summary, the timing and methods of ginger harvesting vary depending on the specific harvesting needs. It is important to distinguish between them. Regardless of the harvesting method, proper post-harvest storage is essential. Choose a suitable storage method based on your storage conditions.
