The peeling of the cork trees

The peeling of the cork trees is carried out from the end of spring until the middle of summer, when the trees are actively growing, and with the maximum production of sap. The soft layer of cork from that year permits the good extraction of all the cork. In Tossa the peeling is done during the months of June and July.

The operation of peeling is delicate, because it could damage the inner skin exposing the tree to the dangers of infections and loss of quality. It starts with sectioning the upper part of the trunk, "the neck", and continues opening the cork lengthways with an incisioned parting, using a "picassa", a special axe designed for this work. Using the handle of the "picassa" they separate all the flesh of the cork from the trunk, endeavouring that it comes away whole.
Once the "panna" is separated the trunk acquires a bright yellow colour and within days turns reddish and within a few months ends a deep red. By the end of the year the trunk already has its first layer of cork that will grow and thicken year after year until the next peeling.

The peelings are carried out in Tossa every 12-14 years. Sometimes, 3 years after peeling the cork, it's practical to "cut" the tree, this is a vertical incision that helps the work of the next peeling.

The quality of the cork depends on speed of growth, that in turn determins the porousness and density. In areas of slow growth, like Tossa, the quality of the cork is superior. The best cork is taken from "pannes" of 3-4 cm. thickness that have taken 12-14 years to grow.