Picking lentils, in the context of harvesting, involves a few key steps: tapering off watering, drying the plants, separating the lentils from the plant matter, and finally storing the lentils. Here's a breakdown:
Harvesting Lentils: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Taper off the water: Once the lentil pods near the bottom of the plants start to harden and turn brown, stop watering. This encourages the pods to fully dry. This usually happens towards the end of the growing season.
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Pull up and dry the plants: Once the plants are sufficiently dry, carefully pull them up from the roots. Bundle the plants together and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to continue drying completely. This can take several weeks.
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Separate the lentils from the plants: After the plants are fully dry, it's time to separate the lentils from the pods and the rest of the plant. There are several methods you can use:
- Threshing: This involves beating the dried plants to release the lentils. You can do this manually with a flail or stick, or by treading on the plants.
- Winnowing: After threshing, you'll need to separate the lentils from the chaff (the unwanted plant material). This can be done by tossing the mixture into the air on a windy day, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff. You can also use a winnowing fan.
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Store the lentils: Once you have clean, dry lentils, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly stored lentils can last for several years.
By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and store your home-grown lentils.
