How do we know when the time is right to harvest our kumara?

Hi Carol, kumara need to be harvested before the tops die down and the first frost, once lifted, they need to sit in the sun for a few days to cure so are best dug on a dry day and when sunshine is expected for a few days. If harvested too early the inside of the kumara will be milky and so won't have the sweet flavour or texture they should. If your temperatures are starting to drop at night, the leaves will be starting to yellow, that is the time to lift them. Cut the tops off before harvesting, the tops can be used in stir-fries, soups and stews, steam them like spinach or silverbeet. Regards, Lianne.