Harvest & process

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

When

Fully open heads, dry morning, every few days through the flush.

Part

Flower heads

In the field

Pinch the head; leave the plant. A second flush often follows a midsummer cut.

Cure

Single layer on a screen in the dark until the cone is crisp.

Store

Tin, whole heads, a year if the apple smell is still there.

A bed can fill a winter tin if you pick as they open.

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.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

When

Baby ginger at 4–5 months; mature knobs when leaves yellow.

Part

Rhizome

In the field

A pot you can dump. Wash, don’t peel until you use it.

Cure

Fresh in the fridge; or slice and dry at low heat until it snaps.

Store

Fresh weeks; dried coins a year in a tin.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

When

When the leaves die back, late season.

Part

Rhizome

In the field

Fingers snap from the mother. Gloves — it stains.

Cure

Boil briefly if you want the traditional yellow, then slice and dry — or freeze fresh.

Store

Dried coins or frozen knobs. Always with fat in the kitchen 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.

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

When

Lift roots in the second autumn after frost blackens the tops.

Part

Root

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.

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.

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

When

Flowers fully open; berries fully black and cooked only.

Part

Ripe berries (cooked) · Flowers

In the field

Cut umbels. Leave plenty for birds. Flowers dry; berries cook.

Cure

Flower screens. Berries simmered and strained — not a raw handful.

Store

Dried blossom; cooked syrup in the fridge or a proper jar.

Leaves, bark, and raw berries are the wrong harvest.

Garlic

Allium sativum

When

Scapes when they curl; bulbs when leaves yellow and fall.

Part

Bulb

In the field

Lift, cure in shade with tops on until the wrappers rustle.

Cure

A barn or porch, airy, two to three weeks.

Store

Cool, dry, not the fridge. Honey is a kitchen preserve.

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.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

When

Petals or whole heads as they open, every day or two.

Part

Flower heads

In the field

The more you pick, the more it flowers.

Cure

Screen-dry until the resinous center is crisp.

Store

Whole heads for oil; petals for a gentle tea.

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.

Milk thistle

Silybum marianum

When

Cut heads when purple fades and white pappus shows; dry in paper bags.

Part

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.

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

When

Dig roots after berries form, before frost, about 150–180 days.

Part

Root · Occasionally berry (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

Wash, slice thin, dry until the center snaps.

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.

White willow

Salix alba

When

Young twigs in spring; peel bark from prunings, never girdle a trunk.

Part

Young bark

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.

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

When

Autumn of year three or four. Leave plenty to regrow.

Part

Root

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.

Kava

Piper methysticum

When

Rhizomes after 3–5 years in the tropics.

Part

Peeled rhizome of noble cultivars

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.

Grow only noble cultivars. Do not prepare solvent extracts. Check your country's food-safety rules before serving others.

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

When

After 5–7 years, and only from a planted bed.

Part

Root and rhizome (cultivated only)

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.

Wild collection is restricted or illegal in many states. Grow from nursery stock; leave wild populations alone.

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

When

When the varnish cap has colored and the white margin has slowed, from a log or block you grew.

Part

Fruiting body · Sometimes mycelium (weaker triterpene profile)

In the field

Cut with a knife. Wild old conks can be bitter dust.

Cure

Slice thin. Dehydrate until wood-hard.

Store

Slices in a jar. Simmer, do not tea-bag.

Lion's mane

Hericium erinaceus

When

Needles long, still white, before they yellow and weep.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Cut clean. A second flush may follow.

Cure

Eat as food, or slice and dry.

Store

Dried chunks for broth. Fresh in the fridge a few days.

Turkey tail

Trametes versicolor

When

Young, pliable fans. Dry immediately.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

When

When clubs are orange and before they sporulate heavily.

Part

Cultivated fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

When

Caps still slightly convex, before they flatten and drop heavy spore.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist from the block. Don’t tear the bark of a log.

Cure

Eat fresh, or dehydrate until leathery-to-cracker.

Store

Dried caps a year. Soak, then cook — soaking water is broth.

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.

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

When

Seed heads when they tan; bulb when tennis-ball plump.

Part

Ripe seed · Bulb and frond 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.

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

When

Leaf in summer; root in autumn of year two.

Part

Root · Leaf · Flower

In the field

A deep, mucilaginous taproot. Wash, slice.

Cure

Cold infusion wants dried chopped root. Dry until snap.

Store

Root tin. Cold water, not a rolling boil, for the slime.

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.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

When

Roots after year 3–4.

Part

Root

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.

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.

Red clover

Trifolium pratense

When

Young heads just opening, dry fast.

Part

Flower heads

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.

Maitake

Grifola frondosa

When

When fronds are still tender, before they toughen.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Snow fungus

Tremella fuciformis

When

When the lobes are full and still white.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Oyster mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus

When

Caps still curled at the edge, clusters before they sporate the room.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist the whole bouquet from the block.

Cure

Cook fresh. Dry the overflow.

Store

Dried, then soup.

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.

Hops

Humulus lupulus

When

Cones when they feel papery and smell loud, late summer.

Part

Female cones (strobiles)

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.

Dog rose

Rosa canina

When

Petals as they open; hips after frost, still firm and red.

Part

Ripe hip · Unsprayed petal

In the field

Hips: split and scoop the itchy hairs, or buy them cleaned.

Cure

Petals screen-dry. Hips simmer and strain.

Store

Dried petal; strained hip put-up.

Roselle

Hibiscus sabdariffa

When

Calyces fleshy, a few days after the flower drops.

Part

Fleshy calyx

In the field

Twist the red calyx. Leave the seed pod if you want more plants.

Cure

Screen or a low dehydrator until leathery-dry.

Store

A jar of calyces. The color is the plant.

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.

Enoki

Flammulina velutipes

When

When needles are long and caps still tiny, before they splay.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Wood ear

Auricularia auricula-judae

When

When ears are full and still elastic, before they dry to crumbs on the log.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

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.

Astragalus

Astragalus mongholicus

When

Roots in autumn of year 3–4.

Part

Root

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.

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.

Black cohosh

Actaea racemosa

When

Rhizome after year 3–4 from cultivated plants only.

Part

Rhizome

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.

Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus

When

Ripe dark berries in autumn.

Part

Ripe 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

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.

Linden

Tilia cordata

When

Blossom as it opens, dry in the shade at once.

Part

Flower with bract

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.

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.

Evening primrose

Oenothera biennis

When

Seed in year 2 when capsules dry; root in year 1 if you eat it.

Part

Seed oil · Young root 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

Wash, slice thin, dry until the center snaps.

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.

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

When

Root from a mature cultivated clump in autumn — never strip a wild hillside.

Part

Root and rhizome · Berry 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

Wash, slice thin, dry until the center snaps.

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.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

When

Bark from coppiced stems in the tropics after several years — not a first-season crop.

Part

Inner bark

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.

King oyster

Pleurotus eryngii

When

When the cap is still small and the stem is fat.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Almond mushroom

Agaricus subrufescens

When

While the veil is still mostly intact, like a button.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Poria

Wolfiporia extensa

When

Sclerotia after 1–2 years underground in specialist culture.

Part

Sclerotium (inner white)

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Morel

Morchella esculenta

When

When caps are still firm and the pits distinct. Cook the same day.

Part

Fruiting body, cooked

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

When

Outer stems, cut-and-come, through the cool season.

Part

Leaf · Stem

In the field

Never take the heart. A July sowing pays in fall.

Cure

Freeze chopped. Dry is a lesser parsley.

Store

Frozen bags. Fresh in a jar of water for a week.

Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum

When

Leaf young; seed when umbels tan.

Part

Leaf · Ripe seed

In the field

Decide the crop: salsa leaf, or wait for coriander seed.

Cure

Leaf freezes poorly but a paste in oil works. Seed dries on a cloth.

Store

Seed a year. Leaf is a now-food.

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.

Green cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

When

Pods when just green-ripe. Most cooks buy them dried.

Part

Ripe seed (inside the green 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.

Asian ginseng

Panax ginseng

When

Autumn of year 4–6 from a bed you planted. Never wild-dig.

Part

Root

In the field

Shade, leaf mold, patience. Mice vote first.

Cure

Wash, slice, dry until the center snaps — or steam red in the traditional way.

Store

Slices in a tin. Morning decoction.

Wild ginseng is a conservation problem in a bottle.

Arnica

Arnica montana

When

Open flowers, dry, for oil only — not a cupboard tea.

Part

Flower heads (external)

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.

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

When

Umbels tan in a hot summer. They shatter the week you turn your back.

Part

Ripe seed

In the field

Bag the heads. A cold year is a green plant and no spice.

Cure

Dry on a cloth, rub out the seed.

Store

Whole seed. Toast before you judge it.

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

When

Unopened buds, dried. A tree takes years.

Part

Dried flower 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

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

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

Juniper

Juniperus communis

When

Ripe blue berries in autumn. They take two years on the shrub.

Part

Ripe berry (fleshy cone)

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.

Button mushroom

Agaricus bisporus

When

Buttons while closed; portobello when open, before they flatten to spore.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist from a block you spawned. This is not a lawn hunt.

Cure

Cook fresh. Dry the overflow at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Dried, then soup. Fresh a few days in the fridge.

Saffron

Crocus sativus

When

The morning the autumn flower opens. Three threads, then the bloom is spent.

Part

Dried stigma

In the field

Named C. sativus corms only — not Colchicum.

Cure

Dry the stigmas the same morning in the shade until they snap.

Store

A tiny tin, dark. A pinch is a pot.

Colchicum is a deadly lookalike in the garden center.

Black pepper

Piper nigrum

When

Green spikes for green pepper; almost-ripe for black; fully red for white.

Part

Dried fruit (peppercorn)

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.

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

When

Split ripe fruit; dry the seed and the mace separately. A tree takes years.

Part

Seed · Aril (mace)

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.

Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana

When

Side roots in autumn, or as needed. Leave the crown.

Part

Fresh root

In the field

A thong in a corner you can live with. Gloves — the juice burns.

Cure

Grate and cover with vinegar at once. Fresh root in the fridge a few weeks.

Store

Prepared sauce refrigerated. A dry stick in a drawer is not the heat.

Plant it where you accept a permanent patch.

Brown mustard

Brassica juncea

When

Young leaf in the cool; seed when pods tan, before they shatter.

Part

Ripe seed · Young leaf

In the field

Bag the pods or the garden becomes mustard.

Cure

Leaf as a green or freeze. Seed dries on a cloth, then a jar.

Store

Seed a year. Grind with cold water and vinegar — heat kills the heat.

Star anise

Illicium verum

When

Unripe-to-ripe fruits, dried. A tree takes years.

Part

Dried fruit

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.

Slippery elm

Ulmus rubra

When

Do not strip a standing wild elm. Buy cultivated inner bark.

Part

Inner bark (powder)

In the field

A home tree is a specimen. The powder is a purchased crop.

Cure

Commercial inner bark is already dried. Mix powder with cold water first.

Store

Powder in a tin. Take other medicines an hour apart.

Wild harvest and Dutch elm disease already press this tree.

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.

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

When

Root in autumn of year 4+ from a shrub you planted. Leave wild taiga stands.

Part

Root · Stem bark

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.

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.

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

When

Ripe red clusters in late summer to autumn. Dry or freeze.

Part

Ripe 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

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

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

Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

When

Green pods at 8–9 months, then the long cure. Most kitchens buy the bean.

Part

Cured 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.

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.

Cacao

Theobroma cacao

When

Ripe pods, ferment the seeds. Most kitchens buy the bar.

Part

Fermented dried 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.

Coffee

Coffea arabica

When

Red cherries, pulp, ferment, dry, roast. A house plant is mostly an ornament.

Part

Roasted 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.

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.

Sesame

Sesamum indicum

When

Cut stalks as pods tan, before they pop, and dry in a bag.

Part

Ripe seed · Expressed oil

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.

Flax

Linum usitatissimum

When

Seed when capsules tan and rattle; fiber earlier, a different crop.

Part

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.

Nigella

Nigella sativa

When

Capsules when they tan; bag or they shatter.

Part

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.

Anise

Pimpinella anisum

When

Umbels when they tan; bag or they shatter.

Part

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.

Cayenne

Capsicum annuum

When

When fully red and thin-walled. Dry for the winter tin.

Part

Ripe fruit, fresh 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.

Sumac

Rhus coriaria

When

Red clusters when fully colored, before rain washes the sour off.

Part

Ripe red fruit (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.

Allspice

Pimenta dioica

When

Unripe berries, dried in the sun. A tree takes years.

Part

Dried unripe 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

Hang small bunches out of sun until the leaf shatters.

Store

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

Galangal

Alpinia galanga

When

After a long warm season, lift a piece, leave the rest.

Part

Rhizome

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.

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.

Maca

Lepidium meyenii

When

Hypocotyls after a long cool season, dried for storage.

Part

Dried hypocotyl

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.

Cramp bark

Viburnum opulus

When

Bark in autumn from a pruning you were doing anyway — never girdle a stem.

Part

Dried bark

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.

Wild cherry

Prunus serotina

When

Fruit when black; bark only from prunings. Do not strip a standing wild cherry.

Part

Inner bark · Fruit (pits out)

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.

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.

Amla

Phyllanthus emblica

When

Fruit when fully sized, still hard, in the tropical winter.

Part

Fruit

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.

Nameko

Pholiota nameko

When

Clusters while the caps are still convex and glossy.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

Pioppino

Cyclocybe aegerita

When

Clusters while caps are still convex, before they flatten and drop heavy spore.

Part

Fruiting body

In the field

Twist or cut from a block or log you grew. Wild fungi are not this bench.

Cure

Slice and dehydrate at 110–125°F until the piece snaps.

Store

Cool, dry, truly dry. A jar with a lid that seals.

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.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

When

When the shoulder yields and the color is true. Flavor finishes on the plant.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Potato

Solanum tuberosum

When

New potatoes when flowers open; maincrop when haulms yellow.

Part

Mature tuber, 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.

Sweet potato

Ipomoea batatas

When

Before frost. A nicked root does not store.

Part

Storage root, 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.

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.

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

When

Young, often. A yellow baseball is a seed factory.

Part

Unripe fruit

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.

Zucchini

Cucurbita pepo

When

Six to eight inches, every day. Blossoms in the morning.

Part

Young fruit · Blossom

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.

Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo

When

When the rind resists a thumbnail and the stem corks. Before a hard frost.

Part

Ripe flesh · Seed

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.

Eggplant

Solanum melongena

When

Glossy, before the skin dulls and the seeds harden.

Part

Ripe fruit, cooked

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.

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

When

Finger-length, every day. A knife; they tug the plant.

Part

Young pod

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.

Green bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

When

Young, often. A swollen seed in the pod is already a shelling bean.

Part

Young pod · Mature seed (cooked separately, thoroughly)

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.

Pea

Pisum sativum

When

Snap and snow when flat-to-plump; shelling when pods fill but are still green.

Part

Immature seed · Edible pod · Dried seed

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.

Corn

Zea mays

When

Silk brown, juice milky when you puncture a kernel.

Part

Fresh kernels · Dried grain (nixtamalized or cooked as food)

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.

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

When

Spears finger-thick, 6–8 inches, for 4–6 weeks in a mature bed. Then let it fern.

Part

Young spear

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.

Artichoke

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

When

Buds tight, before the bracts splay into a flower.

Part

Immature flower head (bracts and heart)

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.

Apple

Malus domestica

When

When the stem parts with a lift, not a yank. Flavor finishes on the tree for many types.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Peach

Prunus persica

When

When it smells like a peach and yields at the shoulder.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

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.

Strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa

When

Fully red. They do not ripen off the plant in any honest way.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

When

Wait a few days after they turn blue — sugar lags color.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Fig

Ficus carica

When

When it droops, softens, and often weeps a drop. They do not ripen off the tree.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

When

When the rind is fully colored and often splits. They store cool a while.

Part

Arils

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.

Lemon

Citrus limon

When

When fully yellow (or Meyer-orange) and heavy. They hang well.

Part

Juice · Zest

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.

Orange

Citrus × sinensis

When

Fully colored and sweet. They can hang.

Part

Ripe fruit · Juice · Zest

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.

Banana

Musa acuminata

When

When the bunch fills and the first fingers lighten. Ripen off the stem.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Avocado

Persea americana

When

Mature green, then ripen indoors. They do not soften on the tree in any useful way.

Part

Ripe flesh

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.

Pineapple

Ananas comosus

When

When the base yellows and it smells like pineapple from a foot away.

Part

Ripe flesh

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.

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

When

Yellow ground spot, dry tendril at the stem, a dull knock.

Part

Ripe flesh · Seed · Rind (pickle)

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.

Durian

Durio zibethinus

When

When it drops, in season. Climbing for unripe is how people get hurt.

Part

Ripe aril

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.

Lychee

Litchi chinensis

When

When the shell is fully red and the fruit feels full. They do not ripen off the tree.

Part

Ripe aril

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.

Dragon fruit

Selenicereus undatus

When

When the wings dull from green toward yellow-pink and the fruit yields.

Part

Ripe flesh

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.

Passion fruit

Passiflora edulis

When

When fruit drops or the shell wrinkles and colors fully.

Part

Ripe pulp and seed

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.

Jackfruit

Artocarpus heterophyllus

When

Ripe when it smells sweet from a distance and the skin yields. Young for savory, much earlier.

Part

Ripe bulbs · Young fruit (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.

Starfruit

Averrhoa carambola

When

When yellow and slightly soft. Green is for pickle, not dessert.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Rambutan

Nephelium lappaceum

When

When the hairs color fully (red, yellow, or orange by type) and the fruit feels full.

Part

Ripe aril

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.

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana

When

When the shell is deep purple and yields slightly. Green is useless.

Part

Ripe inner segments

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.

Bitter melon

Momordica charantia

When

Young, still green, before the fruit colors and splits to show red arils — unless you want the sweet seed snack.

Part

Young fruit, cooked

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.

Cherimoya

Annona cherimola

When

When it just yields. Ripen on the counter if mature-hard.

Part

Ripe flesh

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.

Tamarind

Tamarindus indica

When

When pods brown and brittle and the pulp is sticky-dark, not green.

Part

Ripe pulp

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.

Persimmon

Diospyros kaki

When

Fuyu fully colored and still firm. Hachiya fully colored and soft, often after a frost.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Kiwi

Actinidia deliciosa

When

When they just yield. Ripen off the vine if mature.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Guava

Psidium guajava

When

When it yields and the perfume is unmistakable. Green is astringent.

Part

Ripe fruit

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.

Cassava

Manihot esculenta

When

8–18 months, before the root lignifies. Cook soon after digging — the root does not keep like a potato.

Part

Prepared root, 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.

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

When

Heads when the back turns yellow-brown and the bracts droop. Petals anytime.

Part

Seed · Petal · Young head

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.

Heartsease

Viola tricolor

When

Flowers as they open. Keep cutting and it keeps coming.

Part

Flower · 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

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

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

Sweet violet

Viola odorata

When

Flowers in early spring, before the leaf takes over.

Part

Flower · 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

Single layer on a screen, dark, until crisp.

Store

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

Arabian jasmine

Jasminum sambac

When

Pick barely-open buds in the evening.

Part

Fresh 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.

Garland chrysanthemum

Glebionis coronaria

When

Cut-and-come-again when 6 inches. Do not wait for a woody stem.

Part

Young leaf · Shoot · 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.

Clove pink

Dianthus caryophyllus

When

Flowers at peak scent, in the cool of the morning.

Part

Petal (white heel removed)

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.

Orange daylily

Hemerocallis fulva

When

Buds the day before they would open. Flowers the morning they open.

Part

Unopened bud · Fresh flower (stamens removed if you prefer)

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.

Rose geranium

Pelargonium graveolens

When

Leaves anytime. Flowers as a garnish.

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.

Dahlia

Dahlia × pinnata

When

Flowers all summer. Tubers after the tops blacken from frost.

Part

Tuber · Petal

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 marigold

Tagetes patula

When

Flowers all summer if you cut

Part

Flower (companion planting) · Leaf (scent)

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.

Zinnia

Zinnia elegans

When

When the stem is stiff and the bloom is just open.

Part

Flower (cut and insectary)

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.

Cosmos

Cosmos bipinnatus

When

Cut when the petals are just back from the disk.

Part

Flower (cut and insectary)

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.

Sweet alyssum

Lobularia maritima

When

Bloom is the harvest — leave it for the flies.

Part

Flower (insectary)

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.

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

When

The view is the harvest. Seed if you want a colony.

Part

Flower (decorative; occasional unsprayed tea)

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.

Garden peony

Paeonia lactiflora

When

Cut buds when they are marshmallow-soft for the vase. Petals as they open.

Part

Petal (unsprayed)

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.

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

When

Spikes with the lower third open.

Part

Flower (cut)

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.

Sweet pea

Lathyrus odoratus

When

Every day, stems of just-open flowers. Leaving pods ends the bloom.

Part

Flower (cut only)

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.

Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

When

Cut when the outer florets are just open. Petals anytime.

Part

Petal · Flower head

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.