Cork Harvesting

Cork bark harvesting intertwines ancient tradition with sustainable innovation. For many generations cork was harvested by hands, using one single instrument - an axe, applying techniques that have been refined through centuries and handed down within families. 

A cork oak trunk becomes profitable for cork production only after about 25 years. The first harvest, called "desbóia," yields irregular and hard cork, known as virgin cork, used for purposes like flooring and insulation. Nine years later, the second harvest produces secondary cork, still unsuitable for stoppers. It's only from the third harvest (at almost 45 years old!!!) onward that high-quality cork, known as "amadia" or reproduction cork, is obtained, with a regular structure suitable for quality stoppers. The cork oak then provides good quality cork every nine years for about 150 years, totaling around 16 bark harvests throughout its life. The tree is then replaced by a much younger one.

Harvesting cork is a delicate dance between human hands and nature's bounty. The harvesting of the cork oak is an ancient process that can only (and should) be done by experts: the descortiçadores. Manual skill and a lot of experience is required to avoid damaging the tree.

Cork harvesting is performed in six stages:

 

1. OPENNING

To initiate the process, cork harvesters (descortiçadores) make a straight cut into the cork, choosing the deepest crack in the bark. While doing this, they twist the edge of the axe to separate the outer and inner bark. Professionals in their trade, cork harvesters can tell how hard it will be to get the cork off by the sound the axe makes. If it's going to come off easily, a hollow tearing sound comes out. If it's going to be tough, the axe makes a short, firm, dry sound.

2. DIVISION

Next, cork harvesters make a flat cut to decide how big the piece of cork they want to take is and what stays on the tree. While doing this, they often mark the inner bark with great caution – sometimes these marks can change the shape of the tree trunk.

3. SEPARATION

Then comes the exciting part – to take the plank off the tree! This is done by putting the axe's edge between the strip and the inner bark, and then twisting the axe to separate the trunk from the cork strip that will be taken out. It's like a little twist and lift to set the cork free!

4. EXTRACTION

Now, it's time to take off the plank from the tree very carefully to make sure it doesn't break apart. The bigger the planks, the more they're worth in the market. The ability to remove large full planks depends purely on how skilled the workers are. Once the first plank is off, the process is repeated across the entire trunk to ensure a steady and valuable outcome.

5. REMOVAL

Once the planks are peeled off, there are still some cork bits hanging around at the bottom of the trunk. To kick out any unwanted parasites in these leftover pieces, the cork harvester gives them a few taps with his trusty axe. It's like a little clean-up to make sure everything is smooth and ready for the next stage.

6. MARKING

In the concluding phase, the tree is officially marked with the last digit of the harvest year. It's a methodical way of recording the history and ensuring a traceable journey for each noble cork oak.

RESTING PERIOD

After the harvest, the cork planks are given a well-deserved break. They are staked in neat piles, whether it's out in the forest or in a factory open air yard. There, they soak up the sun, breeze, and rain – nature's way of doing things. When making these piles, cork producers must follow strict rules from the International Code of Cork Stopper Manufacturing Practice (ICCSMP) to ensuring the cork gets just what it needs to settle down. For example, no wood is allowed because it might bring in fungi. This chill-out time, lasting at least six months as per the ICCSMP, lets the cork mature and get ready for its next big adventure.

Cork harvesting sustainable approach not only preserves the integrity of the forest ecosystem but also ensures the continuation of a tradition that has been integral to the cultural fabric of the Mediterranean region.

The harvested cork, once transformed, becomes a versatile material used in an array of products. From the cherished wine stoppers that elegantly seal the finest vintages to eco-friendly flooring and fashion clothing, construction to aerospace industry, cork's natural properties shine through. Beyond its functionality, each cork product carries a narrative, a connection to the landscapes where it originated and the hands that carefully harvested it.
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