Part 1: The Journey from Soil to Sprout
People often ask me, "How do you grow and process Athol Glen Turmeric Tea?" It’s a question that always makes me smile because the process is both an art and a science, carefully honed over the years. Producing high-quality turmeric tea starts long before the first shoots break through the soil. It begins with thoughtful land management, patience, and respect for nature’s cycles.
Turmeric from Athol Glen is cultivated using a natural and sustainable farming process, ensuring high-quality produce while maintaining soil health. The journey follows a structured process, from preparing the beds to harvesting and drying the rhizomes.
Preparing the Beds
A 3- to 4-year crop rotation system is used to allow the soil to recover and regain essential nutrients. Once the land is ready, the fields are cleared, and the soil is turned to integrate organic matter. This process ensures a fertile and balanced growing environment for turmeric.
Planting the Turmeric
The planting process is carefully timed to ensure optimal conditions. The rhizomes are placed into mounded rows and covered with locally sourced mulch to protect them from extreme weather and retain moisture.
Nurturing the Growth
Once planted, turmeric requires around 50 days to germinate. Throughout this period, the soil must remain moist but not waterlogged. Farmers monitor the growth closely, ensuring proper weed management and providing the best conditions for healthy development.
Growing and Ready for Harvest
Turmeric has a long growth cycle, requiring 12 months to fully mature. Over this time, the plants develop strong root systems and lush green foliage. Regular maintenance and natural care techniques are applied to support the crop’s development.
Harvesting
When the turmeric reaches full maturity, the harvesting process begins. The rhizomes are carefully dug out to preserve their quality. Each rhizome is inspected and cleaned to remove excess soil before the next stage of processing.
Drying the Rhizomes
After harvesting, the turmeric rhizomes are thoroughly washed and set to dry in a controlled environment. The drying process is essential to enhance the turmeric's flavor and preserve its nutrients, ensuring a premium-quality product.
In Part 2, we will explore how these dried rhizomes are processed into the rich and aromatic Athol Glen Turmeric Tea.
Stay tuned for the next stage of this remarkable journey!
Comments