Gathering and Gleaning
a bountiful land
Troy is the lowest elevation town in Montana, seated in the midst of an inland temperate rainforest. Montana is known for its wheat and barley, but our wild mountainous area is best suited for an endless variety of specialty crops that can be grown on small farms or gathered in the forest. That’s why one of Pink Bench Distilling’s main goals from the start has been to grow our agricultural economy in a locally appropriate and sustainable way.
Since 2021, we have been developing a purchasing program for local raw agricultural ingredients to use in our products and in our tasting room, working toward ecological and social standards developed by the FairWild Foundation. We want our program to benefit our wild and human communities while showcasing the unique flavors of far northwest Montana.
LOCAL INGREDIENTS, PICKED FOR A PURPOSE
Anyone can participate in our ingredient purchasing program! As an individual supplier, you decide what ingredients are within your ability to grow or gather and process for sale to Pink Bench Distilling. Check out our detailed botanical list below to see what ingredients we’re looking for and their general harvest and processing protocols, then contact us!
<< SUPPORT our community with sustainable local harvesting >>
Summer 2024
Harvesting and Purchasing List
If you have any of the following and are interested in working with us, please contact us.
Spruce tips
Picea spp.
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
rose petals
Rosa spp.
Local or Wild Berries
Rubus idaeus/occidentalis (red and black raspberries)
Amalanchier alnifolia (service berries)
Prunus virginiana (chokecherries)
Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberries)
Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea (blue elderberries)
Berberis repens (Oregon grapes)
April Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Arnica flowers
• Cottonwood buds
• Chicory root
• Mullein flower
• Wild ginger
• Wild licorice root
• Yarrow flowers and leaves
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Dandelion root
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
May Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Arnica flowers
• Cottonwood buds
• Chicory root
• Clover
• Elderberry (Black) (leaves)
• Grand fir
• Mugwort (Common)
• Mullein flower
• Ponderosa pine
• Princes Pine
• Rose (Wild) (petals)
• Spruce
• St. John’s Wort
• Tansy
• Western white pine
• Wild ginger
• Wild licorice root
• Wormwood (Annual)
• Yarrow flowers and leaves
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Dandelion root
• Lavender
• Lemonbalm
• Peppermint
• Rose (Fragrant)
• Spearmint
• Walnut (fruit)
June Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Arnica flowers
• Beebalm (leaves)
• Cottonwood buds
• Bog Buckbean
• Clover
• Cow Parsnip
• Elderberry (Black) (leaves)
• Elderberry (Black/Blue) (flowers)
• Grand fir
• Mugwort (Common)
• Mullein flower
• Ponderosa pine
• Princes Pine
• Rose (Wild) (petals)
• Spruce
• St. John’s Wort
• Tansy
• Western white pine
• Wild licorice root
• Wormwood (Annual)
• Yarrow flowers and leaves
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Lavender
• Lemonbalm
• Peppermint
• Rose (Fragrant)
• Spearmint
• Walnut (fruit)
• Walnut (leaves)
July Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Arnica flowers
• Beebalm (leaves)
• Black Raspberry
• Bog Buckbean
• Clover
• Cow Parsnip
• Elderberry (Black) (leaves)
• Elderberry (Black/Blue) (flowers)
• Mullein flower
• Oregon grape
• Princes Pine
• Service berry
• St. John’s Wort
• Thimble berry
• Yarrow flowers and leaves
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Lavender
• Lemonbalm
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Walnut (leaves)
August Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Beebalm (seeds)
• Black Raspberry
• Bog Buckbean
• Clover
• Cow Parsnip
• Elderberry(Blue)
• Mullein flower
• Oregon grape
• Service berry
• Thimble berry
• Wormwood (Common)
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Apple
• Angelica (root)
• Angelica (seed)
• Orris (Iris)
• Pear
• Peppermint
• Plum
• Spearmint
September Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Beebalm (seeds)
• Black Raspberry
• Choke cherry
• Elderberry(Blue)
• Juniper
• Mullein flower
• Oregon grape
• Rose (Wild) (fruit)
• Service berry
• Thimble berry
• Wild ginger
• Wormwood (Common)
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Apple
• Angelica (root)
• Angelica (seed)
• Orris (Iris)
• Pear
• Plum
October Harvest
WILDCRAFT
• Choke cherry
• Juniper
• Rose (Wild) (fruit)
• Service berry
• Wild ginger
SPECIALTY CROPS
• Apple
• Angelica (root)
• Angelica (seed)
• Orris (Iris)
• Pear
Botanicals – Full List
Arnica spp
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals; Harvest from flowers that appear to have been pollinated already; Harvest from no more than 20% of flowers in an area.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Populus balsamifera
Harvest Months: April / May / June
Plant Part: Buds
Harvest Protocol: Because these buds are difficult to clean, try to obtain as clean a harvest as possible; Harvest buds when they are resinous and plump but before they begin to split; Harvest no more than 20% from each tree; On small trees, avoid picking from the upper 1/3 of the tree crown.
processing protocol
Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Cichorium intybus
Harvest Months: April / May
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: Harvest in spring before plant flowers; Dig up root & separate from upper green part.
Processing protocol
Lay on pavement/gravel/tarp and spray thouroughly with strong hose to remove as much dirt as possible; Clean futher in sink; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Trifolium repens / praetense
Harvest Months: May / June / July / August
Plant Part: Flower
Harvest Protocol: Clip flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Abies grandis
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Artemisia vulgaris
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before flower buds open (swollen with yellow petals visible); Cut flower stalks; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
Processing protocol
Rinse flower stalks; Dehydrate; Cut into short (1 in.) pieces; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Verbascum thapsus
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July / August / September
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pluck tubular petals; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Pinus ponderosa
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Picea engelmannii
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Hypericum perforatum
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower heads; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest
Processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Tanacetum vulgara
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest before plants flower; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Pinus monticola
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Rosa spp.
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals; Try to harvest from flowers that appear to have been pollinated already (slightly wilted petals, swollen ovaries).
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Harvest Months: April / May / June
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: Harvest from mature plants (3-4 years old) before plant flowers; Dig up root/rhizome & separate from green part.
Processing protocol
Lay on pavement/gravel/tarp and spray thouroughly with strong hose to remove as much dirt as possible; Clean futher in sink; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Achillea millefolium
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers and Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Flowers – Cut flower stalks; Harvest from no more than 20% of plants in an area. Leaves – Cut younger leaves; Harvest no more than 50% of leaves from a plant.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Rosa spp.
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Lavendula latifolia
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest in spring/summer before flower buds open; Cut budding flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flower heads; Dehydrate; Separate buds from stems; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Melissa officinalis
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before plant flowers; Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Mentha piperita
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July / August
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before plant flowers; Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Viola odorata
Harvest Months: April / May / June
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest flowers.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Juglans spp. (cultivar)
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Harvest immature fruit in spring, before nuts begin to form and harden (cut in half – fruit should be soft & insides should be white); Pick fruit
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry fruits; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s)
Arnica spp
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals; Harvest from flowers that appear to have been pollinated already; Harvest from no more than 20% of flowers in an area.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Monarda fistulosa
Harvest Months: June / July
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Pick younger leaves; Harvest no more than 50% of leaves from a plant if it is in growth or flowering stage.
processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Monarda fistulosa
Harvest Months: August / September
Plant Part: Seeds
Harvest Protocol: Pick seed heads; Harvest no more than 20% in an area.
processing protocol
Shake seeds from seed heads; Sift / winnow to clean detritus from seeds; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Populus spp.
Harvest Months: April / May / June
Plant Part: Buds
Harvest Protocol: Because these buds are difficult to clean, try to obtain as clean a harvest as possible; Harvest buds when they are resinous and plump but before they begin to split; Harvest no more than 20% from each tree; On small trees, avoid picking from the upper 1/3 of the tree crown.
processing protocol
Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Rubis idaeus
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe berries (black or nearly so – red berries are not ripe); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Menyanthes trifoliata
Harvest Months: June / July / August
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Clip leaves; Harvest no more than 50% of leaves from each plant.
processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Trifolium spp.
Harvest Months: May / June / July / August
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Clip flower heads.
processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Sambucus nigra
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Elderberry are fragile – Gently cut/break compound leaves from Black Elderberry only (the shrub-like form of elderberry that has shiny black berries and occurs more often in slightly higher elevations); Take no more than 1/3 of the foliage from each plant.
processing protocol
Separate leaves from stems; Rinse leaves; Dehydrate; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Sambucus nigra & S. nigra ssp. cerulea
Harvest Months: June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Elderberry are fragile – Gently cut flower heads in full bloom; Harvest no more than 20% of heads from a bush.
processing protocol
Rinse flower heads; Dehydrate & catch flowers as they fall from stems; Separate flowers from stems as much as possible; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea
Harvest Months: August / September
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Elderberry are fragile – Gently cut berry bunches from Blue Elderberry only (the tree-like form of elderberry that has hazy blue berries and occurs more often in lower elevations and in towns); Harvest no more than 20% of bunches from a bush.
processing protocol
Separate berries from stems as much as possible; Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s)
Verbascum Thapsus
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July / August / September
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pluck tubular petals; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Berberis repens
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe berries (bright hazy blue – purple berries are not ripe); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Chimaphilia umbellata
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest when plant is in flower but do not harvest flowering stems; Clip leaves with stem.
processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Rosa spp.
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals; Try to harvest from flowers that appear to have been pollinated already (slightly wilted petals, swollen ovaries).
processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Amalanchier alnifolia
Harvest Months: July / August / September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe berries (deep purple – pink or red berries are not ripe); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Picea spp.
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Young branch tips
Harvest Protocol: Cut new growth tips (soft & bright green); Harvest no more than 1/3 of all tips from a tree; Do not harvest the very top tip on young trees.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry tips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Hypericum perforatum
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower heads; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Tanacetum vulgara
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest before plants flower; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Rubus parviflorus
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Because these berries are difficult to clean, try to obtain as clean a harvest as possible; Pick ripe berries (deep red); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
processing protocol
Rinse if feasible; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Artemisia spp.
Harvest Months: August / September
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before flower buds open (swollen with yellow petals visible); Cut flower stalks; As this is an invasive species, we have no limit to harvest.
processing protocol
Rinse flower stalks; Dehydrate; Cut into short (1 in.) pieces; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Achillea millefolium
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Flowers: Cut flower stalks; Harvest from no more than 20% of plants in an area. Leaves: Cut younger leaves; Harvest no more than 50% of leaves from a plant.
processing protocol
Rinse flower heads; Dehydrate & catch flowers as they fall from stems; Separate flowers from stems as much as possible; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Rinse leaves; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Malus spp.
Harvest Months: August/ September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be broken or moldy.
Angelica spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: Wild Angelica root will NOT be accepted due to risk of poisonous look-alikesHarvest from mature plants in second or third growth year; Dig up root & separate from green part.
Processing protocol
Lay on pavement/gravel/tarp and spray thouroughly with strong hose to remove as much dirt as possible; Clean futher in sink; Coarsly chop with knife or in food processer; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Angelica spp.
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Stem
Harvest Protocol: Wild Angelica seed will NOT be accepted due to risk of poisonous look-alikesHarvest young stems from mature plants in second or third growth year.
Processing protocol
Blanch stems; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Calendula officianalis
Harvest Months: June / July / August
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Carum carvi
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Seed
Harvest Protocol: Cut inflorescence when all flowers are brown.
Processing protocol
Dry infloresences in large paper bag; Harvest seed when pod splits; Sift/winnow to remove chaff; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Matricaria chamomilla
Harvest Months: June / July / August
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Prunus spp.
Harvest Months: June / July
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be moldy; Deliver fresh or freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Prunus spp.
Harvest Months: June / July
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be moldy; Deliver fresh or freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Allium spp.
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Coriandrum sativum
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Seed
Harvest Protocol: Cut inflorescence when seed pods are brown.
Processing protocol
Dry infloresences in large paper bag; Harvest seed when pod splits; Sift/winnow to remove chaff; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Taraxacum officinale
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flowers; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Capsicum annuum
Harvest Months: July / August
Plant Part: Seed
Harvest Protocol: Separate seeds from fruit.
Processing protocol
Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Lavendula latifolia
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest in spring/summer before flower buds open; Cut budding flower heads.
Processing protocol
Rinse flower heads; Dehydrate; Separate buds from stems; Store in labeled paper bag(s).
Melissa officinalis
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before plant flowers; Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Levisticum officinale
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Stem
Harvest Protocol: Harvest young stems from mature plants in second or third growth year.
Processing protocol
Blanch stems; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Levisticum officinale
Harvest Months: July / August / September
Plant Part: Seed
Harvest Protocol: Cut inflorescence when seed pods are brown.
Processing protocol
Dry infloresences in large paper bag; Harvest seed when pods loosen; Sift/winnow to remove chaff; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Mentha piperita
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July / August
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before plant flowers; Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse leaves; Separate leaves from stems; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Prunus spp.
Harvest Months: August / September
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be broken or moldy.
Rheum rhaponticum
Harvest Months: May / June / July
Plant Part: Stem
Harvest Protocol: Harvest young stems from mature plants in second or third growth year.
Processing protocol
Blanch stems; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Rosa spp.
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Tropaeolum spp.
Harvest Months: June / July / August
Plant Part: Petals
Harvest Protocol: Pull petals.
Processing protocol
Rinse petals; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Salvia rosmarinus
Harvest Months: May / June / July / August / September
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Mentha spikata
Harvest Months: April / May / June / July / August
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Harvest just before plant flowers; Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Thymus spp.
Harvest Months: May / June / July / August / September
Plant Part: Leaves
Harvest Protocol: Clip leaves with stem.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Viola odorata
Harvest Months: April / May / June
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest flowers.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Juglans spp. (cultivar)
Harvest Months: May / June
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Harvest immature fruit in spring, before nuts begin to form and harden (cut in half – fruit should be soft & insides should be white); Pick fruit
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry fruits; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Galium odoratum
Harvest Months: June / July / August
Plant Part: Leaves & Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Cut flower stalks and with leaves.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Prunus virginiana
Harvest Months: September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe fruit (black or nearly so – red fruit is not ripe); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Juniperus communis
Harvest Months: September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Juniper berries (actually cones!) take two seasons to mature, so both mature and immature berries will appear on the plant; Pick mature berries (dark blue – green are immature); Harvest no more than 20% in an area.
processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Rosa spp.
Harvest Months: September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe hips (deep orange/red & softening) after first fall frost; Harvest no more than 20% in an area.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry hips; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Amalanchier alnifolia
Harvest Months: July / August / September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick ripe berries (deep purple – pink or red berries are not ripe); Harvest no more than 20% of berries in an area.
Processing protocol
Rinse & dry berries; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Malus spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be broken or moldy.
Angelica spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: Wild Angelica root will NOT be accepted due to risk of poisonous look-alikesHarvest from mature plants in second or third growth year; Dig up root & separate from green part.
Processing protocol
Lay on pavement/gravel/tarp and spray thouroughly with strong hose to remove as much dirt as possible; Clean futher in sink; Coarsly chop with knife or in food processer; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Angelica spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Seed
Harvest Protocol: Wild Angelica seed will NOT be accepted due to risk of poisonous look-alikesHarvest from mature plants in second or third growth year; Cut inflorescence when seed pods are brown.
Processing protocol
Dry inflorescences in large paper bag; Shake seeds from seed heads; Sift / winnow to clean detritus from seeds; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Corylus spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Seeds
Harvest Protocol: Harvest after nut casings begin to separate from husks.
Processing protocol
Dry nuts for several weeks; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Humulus lupulus
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Flowers
Harvest Protocol: Harvest when hops begin to become papery and brown on the edges, but are mostly green and still compact.
Processing protocol
Rinse; Dehydrate; Store in labled paper bag(s).
Armoracia rusticana
Harvest Months: April / May / September / October
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: Dig up root & separate from upper green part.
Processing protocol
Wash clean; Freeze in labeled airtight container(s)/bag(s).
Iris florentina
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Root
Harvest Protocol: [CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING THIS BOTANICAL]
Processing protocol
[CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING THIS BOTANICAL]
Pyrus spp.
Harvest Months: August / September / October
Plant Part: Fruit
Harvest Protocol: Pick fruit; Windfallen fruit will spoil the fermenting process – DO NOT COLLECT fruit that has been sitting on the ground.
Processing protocol
Rinse fruit; Fruit skin may not be broken or moldy.
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View our Botanical Book for more info
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