How farmers grow kumara

Special seedlings are placed into a nursery kumara beds in July- September. These roots develop into small plants and are taken from the bed and planted in the field. This begins in October.

The first kumara are ready to be harvested in February. The farmer carefully brings the kumara to the surface with the help of special equipment. The kumara are then gathered by field workers or special machines and loaded onto trucks that take the kumara to storage sheds.

Once in the storage shed, the kumara are"cured'. They sit in a shed which is temperature and humidity controlled for 5 to 7 days. This curing process heals any external wounds and toughens the skin. The kumara are then stored until required. They are now ready to be eaten and sent to your green grocer or supermarket.