Harvest & process

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

When

Just as flower buds form, after dew dries. Two or three cuts a season.

Part

Aerial parts · Leaf

In the field

Cut stems a hand above the ground so it comes again.

Cure

Hang small bunches. Strip when the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole leaf in a tin. Crumble at the cup.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

When

Flowering tops in bloom; root in autumn of year 3–4 from a plant you grew.

Part

Root · Flowering tops

In the field

Do not dig wild stands. Garden root only.

Cure

Slice root. Dry until snap. Tops can hang.

Store

Root tin or a folk jar. Short courses are the old use.

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

When

Spikes with the first flowers open, dry morning.

Part

Flower spikes

In the field

Cut long stems. Keep a few for the bees.

Cure

Hang in the dark. Rub buds off the spike when dry.

Store

Buds in a tin. The oil is not a tea.

Culinary bud is the cup. Essential oil is not a beverage.

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

When

Just as it flowers, morning, several cuts.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut generously; it wants to be a hedge.

Cure

Hang fast — balm browns if it sits in a pile.

Store

Whole leaf. A quiet evening cup.

Aloe

Aloe vera

When

Cut outer mature leaves at the base as needed.

Part

Inner leaf gel · Latex (not recommended for self-care)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

St. John's wort

Hypericum perforatum

When

Tops as flowers open, around St. John's Day (late June) in the north.

Part

Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Holy basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

When

Tops as they flower, repeated cuts.

Part

Leaf and flowering tops

In the field

Pinch like sweet basil. Krishna types run hotter.

Cure

Hang covered from sun. The clove scent should survive.

Store

Whole tops. Afternoon cup, not a midnight pot if it brightens you.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

When

Tops in full flower. Leaves any time.

Part

Aerial parts · Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Nettle

Urtica dioica

When

Young tops in spring, before it flowers. Gloves.

Part

Young leaf · Root

In the field

Pinch the top four inches. A second flush after a cut.

Cure

Hang or freeze. The sting dies with heat or dry.

Store

Dried leaf a year. This is a food tea.

Skip roadside and dog-walk patches.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

When

Young leaf in spring; root in autumn of a known unsprayed plant.

Part

Leaf · Root

In the field

A long taproot. Wash well. Leaf for bitter greens; root for a dark roast.

Cure

Slice root thin. Dry until snap. Leaf as a green or a dry tin.

Store

Root a year; leaf less.

Lawns that were sprayed are not a harvest.

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

When

Leaves before full bloom, all summer.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

When

Leafy flowering stems in summer. Dry in shade.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

When

Blossoms just open; berries when fully red/dark after first frost.

Part

Flowering tops · Berry

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

When

Year-round in frost-free yards; a morning snip before a long cook.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tips

In the field

Take tips, not the old wood. A shrub is a pantry.

Cure

Hang short sprigs, or freeze whole.

Store

Dried needles a year; fresh in a glass of water for a week.

Garden sage

Salvia officinalis

When

Before bloom for the sweetest leaf; a second cut after.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut stems, leave the woody frame.

Cure

Hang. Sage dries fast and keeps its camphor.

Store

Whole leaf. A gargle is a small cup, not a quart.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

When

As flowers open — flavor peaks then.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Shear the mound like a hedge. Leave green wood.

Cure

Hang or screen. Strip tiny leaves from dry stems.

Store

Tin. Honey after a thyme cup is food, not a drug.

Plantain

Plantago major

When

Young leaves anytime; seed when spikes brown.

Part

Leaf · Seed

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

When

Second-year flower, dry; leaf before the stalk, also dry.

Part

Leaf · Flower

In the field

Wear gloves if the hairs bother you. Cloth-strain any tea twice.

Cure

Hang leaf. Screen the flowers.

Store

Leaf tin. Unstrained hairs scratch a throat.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

When

Green leaves in late summer before they gold.

Part

Leaf (standardized or dried)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

When

Leaf in summer; bark from prunings in autumn — never girdle.

Part

Bark · Leaf · Twig

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

When

Tops in full flower.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Sweet basil

Ocimum basilicum

When

Pinch tips before flower for the sweetest leaf, all summer.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Never strip a stem to bare wood. Keep two leaf pairs.

Cure

Freeze in oil. Hang-dry is a paler, hayier basil.

Store

Frozen cubes through winter. Pesto is the put-up.

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

When

Cut as flowers open; flavor peaks then.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Burdock

Arctium lappa

When

Root in autumn of year 1, before the frost heaves it.

Part

First-year root · Young leaf (food, bitter) · Seed (traditional, stronger)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Wash, slice thin, dry until the center snaps.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

When

Open plumes in midsummer, dry fast.

Part

Flowering tops · Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

When

Tops as flowers open.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Lemon verbena

Aloysia citrodora

When

Leaf through the warm season. Dry fast to keep the lemon.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

When

Before full bloom, repeatedly.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Gotu kola

Centella asiatica

When

Young leaves anytime the plant is growing.

Part

Leaf · Whole herb

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

When

Tops as the first whorls open.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Raspberry leaf

Rubus idaeus

When

Young leaf in spring; fruit in summer.

Part

Leaf · Fruit as food

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

When

Stalks when the clump is thick; cut at soil.

Part

Stalk · Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Self-heal

Prunella vulgaris

When

Spikes as they purple.

Part

Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Chickweed

Stellaria media

When

Tips before it mats and yellows in heat.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

When

Spikes as they blue.

Part

Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Bay laurel

Laurus nobilis

When

Mature leaves year-round. Dry a week in the dark.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Dill

Anethum graveolens

When

Leaf before bloom; seed when umbels brown.

Part

Leaf · Ripe seed

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

When

Cut 2 inches above the crown. Never scalp the clump.

Part

Leaf · Flower

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa

When

Cut young tips through summer. Freeze or vinegar the glut.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Sweet marjoram

Origanum majorana

When

Cut as the knots of flower form — flavor peaks then.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Borage

Borago officinalis

When

Flowers as they open; youngest leaves only.

Part

Flower · Young leaf (sparingly)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

When

Leaf young; seed when pods dry and rattle.

Part

Ripe seed · Young leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Oatstraw

Avena sativa

When

Milky tops when the grain weeps a white latex; straw after; grain when the panicle rattles.

Part

Milky tops · Straw · Ripe grain as food

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

When

Tips before they yellow. Cut-and-come.

Part

Leaf · Stem · Tips

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

When

Leaves anytime; flowers as they open; green seeds for pickle.

Part

Leaf · Flower · Green seed

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

When

Tops as they flower, dry morning.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Silver leaf-backs. A pinch, not a haystack. Unsprayed lane or a waste corner.

Cure

Hang small bunches. Occasional culinary bitter, not a daily tin.

Store

Whole tops, labeled, not a bedtime protocol.

Thujone. Not in pregnancy. Not wormwood.

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri

When

Aerial tips, repeatedly, in the warm season. Dry out of sun.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Olive

Olea europaea

When

Fruit in autumn when it colors; leaf year-round from a tree you own.

Part

Fruit · Oil · Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Tea

Camellia sinensis

When

The top two leaves and a bud, several flushes in a mild climate.

Part

Young leaf and bud

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Curry leaf

Murraya koenigii

When

Leaf year-round on a happy tree. Pinch sprigs.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Shiso

Perilla frutescens

When

Leaves anytime; pinch before it flowers if you want leaf.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops · Seed in Korean cooking

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

When

Leaf through the season; seed when umbels tan.

Part

Leaf · Stem · Seed · Root in old kitchens

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Wash, slice thin, dry until the center snaps.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Sorrel

Rumex acetosa

When

Outer leaves, cut-and-come, spring to frost. Cut back when it bolts.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Watercress

Nasturtium officinale

When

Cut-and-come tips. Keep it from flowering if you want leaf.

Part

Leaf and stem

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Summer savory

Satureja hortensis

When

As it flowers, the flavor peak. Hang-dry.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Caraway

Carum carvi

When

Umbels in year two when they tan; bag them.

Part

Ripe seed · Young leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

When

Leaf at 8–12 weeks; pods when tender, before they wood.

Part

Leaf · Young pod

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

When

Aerial parts as it flowers, dry for a labeled jar — not a daily tin.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Blue vervain

Verbena hastata

When

Flowering spikes as they open, dry.

Part

Aerial parts in flower

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

When

Older sickle leaves, dry, for steam. Never distill at home into a drink.

Part

Leaf (inhalation; weak decoction)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Tea tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

When

Leaf for a still if you are licensed; most people buy the bottle.

Part

Leaf (distilled oil, topical)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Neem

Azadirachta indica

When

Leaf as needed for a wash. Seed oil is an industry.

Part

Leaf (external; traditional twig) · Seed oil (external / garden)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Damiana

Turnera diffusa

When

Flowering tops, dry.

Part

Aerial parts

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

When

Green sterile stems in late spring, dry. Leave the brown fertile shoots.

Part

Sterile aerial stems

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Lady’s mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris

When

Leaf before or as it flowers, dry.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Bee balm

Monarda fistulosa

When

Leaf and tops as they flower.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

When

Leaf anytime; spikes as they color.

Part

Leaf · Flowering tops

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana

When

Leaf before flower for the sweetest cut. Dry fast.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

When

A few leaves from a patch you planted. Not a wild stripping.

Part

Leaf (tea, small) · Berry (nibble, not a staple)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Pine

Pinus sylvestris

When

Young needles from a tree you planted or a named stand you have permission to pick.

Part

Fresh needles of named Pinus

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Birch

Betula pendula

When

Young leaf in spring, before it toughens.

Part

Young leaf · Twig (traditional)

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

When

As the plumes open, before they go to fluff. Hang or screen-dry.

Part

Flowering tops · Leaf

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Winter savory

Satureja montana

When

Snip all season. Flavor peaks as it flowers. Hang-dry the soft tips.

Part

Leaf and young stem

In the field

Cut on a dry morning after dew lifts, from a plant you grew or a site you have a right to pick.

Cure

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

Whole, dark, labeled with the year. Crumble at use.

Onion

Allium cepa

When

When tops fall. Cure until wrappers rustle.

Part

Bulb · Green top

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Cure in shade if the plate says so; else store cool and dark, or cook soon.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

When

When shoulders are the size you want. A frost sweetens them.

Part

Root · Young leaf (kitchen, modest)

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Cure in shade if the plate says so; else store cool and dark, or cook soon.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Beet

Beta vulgaris

When

Golf-ball to tennis-ball. Giants get woody.

Part

Root · Leaf

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Cure in shade if the plate says so; else store cool and dark, or cook soon.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

When

When the head is tight. A split head after rain is still soup.

Part

Head · Outer leaf

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat fresh, or blanch and freeze.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

When

Outer leaves. The crown keeps giving.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat fresh, or blanch and freeze.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

When

Tight buds, before yellow petals show. Then the side shoots.

Part

Flower head · Stem · Young leaf

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat fresh, or blanch and freeze.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Spinach

Spinacia oleracea

When

Cut-and-come-again, or a whole plant before it towers.

Part

Leaf

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat fresh, or blanch and freeze.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Grape

Vitis vinifera

When

When the seed is brown and the sugar is in the berry, not the calendar.

Part

Ripe fruit · Leaf (kitchen wrap)

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat ripe. Freeze surplus, or a kitchen jam, pickle, or leather.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Mango

Mangifera indica

When

When the shoulder yields and the smell is mango, not green stem.

Part

Ripe flesh · Green fruit (chutney, salad)

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Eat ripe. Freeze surplus, or a kitchen jam, pickle, or leather.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.

Taro

Colocasia esculenta

When

When leaves yellow in the cool season, or as needed. Cook the same day you peel if possible.

Part

Corm, cooked · Leaf, cooked

In the field

Pick from a plant you grew or a market you trust. Leave wild stands of rare fruit alone.

Cure

Cure in shade if the plate says so; else store cool and dark, or cook soon.

Store

Cool and dark for keepers; the fridge for tender fruit. Label the year on a winter squash or a cured tuber.