Question

Methods of separation and cleaning of food after harvesting

Answer 1

Once you have harvested and fully dried your seeds you’ll need to separate the seeds from their pods or remove them from the seed heads, and then winnow them to remove bits of stems, shells, and other matter. Cleaning seeds is the final, rewarding step in the seed to garden to seed cycle. Separating Seed – Threshing Threshing seeds involves rubbing, flailing, beating, or otherwise manhandling the seeds until they come loose from their pods or seed heads, but must be done without damaging the seeds. With a bit of practice, you’ll learn just how much pressure/force is needed, without using too much. For three out of the four threshing methods described below, it’s easiest if the seeds are placed in a pillowcase or a cotton flour sack (aff link) before being worked on. Threshing can be used for almost any type of seed that is harvested after it has dried on the plant, including legumes, members of the carrot family, most herbs, grasses, grains, etc.