Ready to harvest Giloy. Is it the stem or leaves that sell, and how do I process it?
2 Answers
The main saleable part of Giloy is the mature stem, which is cut into pieces, and sometimes the whole plant including some leaves depending on the buyer. After harvesting, the stem is cut into short pieces and dried thoroughly in shade and sun until hard and storable without moisture. Buyers want clean, properly dried stem free of rot and excess leaf debris unless they have asked for whole plant. Some farmers also sell fresh stem locally for juice and home remedies. Dry it fully to avoid fungus in storage. Confirm with your buyer whether they want stem only or whole plant, fresh or dry, and the exact moisture, because this varies and decides your price and rejection risk.
Thick mature stem is what fetched the price for me. Thin young vine and lots of leaf got a lower rate. Cut and dry the good stem.