Growing Conditions and Harvesting Processes

When cultivating rosemary for export, we prioritize optimal growing conditions, ensuring a sunny environment with well-draining soil. We typically harvest the green shoots, which consist of both leaves and stems, focusing on the top 10-15 cm for maximum flavor and quality. During harvesting, we use sharp, sterilized tools to make clean cuts, minimizing damage to the plant. Careful handling is essential to maintain the integrity of the shoots. We take great care to harvest during dry weather, ensuring that the leaves retain their essential oils, thus enhancing the flavor profile for our export market.

Post-harvest Handling

To maintain the freshness and liveliness of freshly harvested rosemary, we follow strict protocols immediately after cutting. We transport the harvested shoots in breathable containers to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold. After harvesting, we place the rosemary in shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight, preserving its essential oils and aroma. We ensure the temperature remains cool, ideally around 4°C, to extend its shelf life. Our focus on maintaining humidity levels is critical, as excessive dryness can cause wilting while excessive moisture can lead to decay, both detrimental for export quality.

Washing Process

Washing freshly harvested rosemary is crucial for removing dirt, pesticides, and any contaminants that may have accumulated during growth and harvesting. We gently rinse the shoots in clean, cool water, taking care not to damage the delicate leaves. After rinsing, we place the rosemary in a sanitizing solution to further ensure its cleanliness and safety for consumers. The washing process is conducted quickly to preserve the herb’s freshness. Following this, we allow the rosemary to drain on clean, absorbent towels, ensuring that no excess moisture remains before proceeding to further processing stages.

Chopping and Trimming

In preparing rosemary for export, we focus on chopping and trimming the shoots to enhance presentation and usability. We carefully remove any woody stems, ensuring that only the tender parts of the plant are included. This process involves a meticulous examination of each shoot, allowing us to maintain high quality standards. We trim the leaves to a uniform length, enhancing the visual appeal while ensuring that the flavor remains potent. Our trained staff uses sharp knives for precision, minimizing bruising. This careful attention to detail not only preserves the herb’s integrity but also makes it more appealing for end users.

Grading, Weighing, Sorting, and Bundling

After processing the rosemary, we move to grading, weighing, sorting, and bundling the shoots. We categorize the rosemary based on size, color, and freshness to ensure consistent quality across our products. Each bundle contains only the best quality shoots, which are weighed to meet export standards. We prioritize uniformity in weight, ensuring each bundle is consistent for pricing and shipping purposes. Once sorted, we carefully bundle the rosemary using biodegradable twine or rubber bands, maintaining the integrity of the shoots. This systematic approach guarantees that we meet both consumer expectations and industry regulations, positioning our product as a premium offering.

Packaging Process

Packaging is a critical step in preserving the quality of fresh rosemary during transit. We utilize breathable, food-safe inner packaging materials, such as perforated plastic bags, which help maintain humidity while allowing airflow. For the outer packaging, we select sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes that protect the contents and withstand the rigors of shipping. Each box is labeled with relevant information, including origin, harvest date, and handling instructions. We ensure that the packaging process is done in a sanitized environment to prevent contamination, ultimately aiming to deliver our high-quality rosemary to customers in pristine condition.

Cold Storage and Dispatch

Once packaged, we store the rosemary in cold storage at temperatures of 4°C. Our controlled environment is crucial for slowing down the degradation of essential oils and preventing spoilage. We monitor the storage conditions regularly, ensuring humidity levels remain optimal to retain the herb’s quality. Upon dispatch, we carefully load the packaged rosemary into refrigerated transport to ensure that it remains at a consistent cool temperature during transit. Our logistics team coordinates closely with shipping partners, guaranteeing timely delivery while prioritizing the quality and freshness of our product throughout the journey.