Korkojakson

Korkojakson, or cork harvesting season, is the period during which cork bark is stripped from cork oak trees (Quercus suber) for commercial use. The practice is a central part of the cork industry and is planned to protect tree health while yielding high-quality bark. In established cork-oak forestry, the first harvest typically occurs when trees are about 25 years old, with subsequent harvests every roughly 9 to 12 years depending on growth conditions, bark thickness, and regional factors.

The harvesting process involves removing long strips of the outer cork bark in a careful, controlled manner. Work is performed by trained harvesters using specialized tools, with attention to minimizing damage to the tree and facilitating bark regrowth. The timing of korkojakson is influenced by weather and moisture conditions, as these affect bark pliability and the risk of cracking.

Sustainability is a key consideration of korkojakson. When conducted properly, cork extraction does not kill the tree; the bark regenerates between harvests, allowing many renewal cycles over the tree’s long life. Regions with mature cork oak forests, particularly the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa, rely on korkojakson for economic activity as well as for biodiversity and landscape management. The cork produced during this season serves a range of products, from natural bottle stoppers to insulation and building materials, with quality closely tied to the bark’s condition at harvesting.