Detailed Explanation of Gastrodia Harvest Season and Processing Methods

Sexual reproduction: sow in June and July, harvest in November of the following year. Asexual reproduction: winter sowing, harvest in November of the following year; spring sowing, harvest in November of the same year or spring of the following year. After digging and harvesting, the large ones are used for medicinal purposes, and the small ones are kept as seed tubers. For medicinal gastrodia, wash off the soil, divide into 2 to 3 grades, put into water (add a little alum), boil the large ones for 10 to 15 min and the small ones for 5 to 10 min, judging by whether they are cooked through; when viewed from a dark place toward a bright place, if there is no black core and they are translucent, they are fully cooked. Then fumigate with sulfur for 20 to 30 min. Dry at 50 to 60 degrees C until 70 to 80 percent dry, then press flat with a wooden board, and finally dry at 70 degrees C until fully dry.