6 responses to “How To Harvest and Process Cassava”

1. 

   Jason Braeburn

   November 19, 2012

   I love the Bob Ross bit!
   I was wondering – can you leave some of the root in place, particularly that tougher center and side root, and then the plant return unharmed after a time? Can you plant a portion of the side roots and get a new plant? Or is it as good as dead?

   1. 

      Survival Gardener, AKA David the Good

      November 19, 2012

      Thanks. And yes – you can leave it there. I've re-buried ones I yanked out of the ground and had them produce again. You could probably also rob the roots off the side without cutting down the plant. However, they produce really well from straight stem cuttings, of which you get many every time you harvest… hence the reason most people just chop it down and plant canes again.

   2. 

      Jason Braeburn

      November 20, 2012

      Oh great! That's what I wanted to know, was if the canes you chopped could be rooted or if there was some way to "carry on" the livelihood of the plant for future harvests. Thanks :)

2. 

   Survival Gardener, AKA David the Good

   November 20, 2012

   Sure thing.

   I should do another video on planting them when I put out the next crop in spring. I wrote a column on it (to the right under the "Survival Plant Profiles" link) but a video is cooler.

3. 

   Debra Scarborough

   December 8, 2020

   David, I planted my cassava in April 2020 and dug up the roots to one plant today. Zone 8b Florida.
   When I peeled just the skin it was pink, so I removed the pink and it was white. I then cut the pieces into quarters to remove the core. But that left me with very little to cook and it was very frustrating to get the core out.
   I’m thinking my roots were to small.
   I cut back the rest of the plants to leave them for later. And kept the cutting to plant in the spring. I plan to plant them in more sun next round.
   Any advice would be appreciated.
   I’ve read and watched all your articles and videos on cassava. Thank you.
   If you are traveling through Alabama to Florida stop by. I’m just 2 miles off of I 10.
   I would send a picture but I don’t see where I can do that. Thanks
   ZaneyMay long time follower.

   1. 

      David The Good

      December 9, 2020

      Sounds like they were pulled too early. The roots should be big and fat. I’d let the rest stay in the ground for a few more months. They grow the most in the summer.