Ubi kayu — a humble but powerful crop. Grown for generations across Malaysian villages, cassava is prized for its resilience, calories, and versatility. If you’ve planted some in your backyard, you might be wondering when and how to harvest it properly without damaging the roots.
Here’s your complete guide to harvesting and storing cassava the right way.
When is Ubi Kayu Ready to Harvest?
Cassava is typically ready to harvest 8–10 months after planting.
Look for these signs:
- Yellowing or drying of lower leaves
- Cracking of soil around the base of the plant
- Slight bulge at the soil line (root pushing upward)
Tip: Don’t wait more than 12 months — roots become woody and bitter.
How to Harvest Ubi Kayu Safely
- Loosen the Soil: Use a changkul or garden fork to gently break up the soil around the plant.
- Hold the Main Stem: Grip the base of the stem firmly and rock side to side.
- Pull & Twist: Slowly pull the plant out — the tubers should come up attached.
- Dig Around: If some roots break off, use hands or fork to dig around and collect them.
Safety Note: Don’t use too much force — cassava breaks easily if yanked.
How to Clean and Store the Roots
Cassava roots start to spoil fast (within 48 hours) once harvested — so act quickly.
To Store Short-Term (1–3 Days):
- Rinse off excess soil
- Wrap in newspaper or place in basket lined with leaves
- Keep in cool, shaded area (not the fridge!)
To Store Long-Term:
- Peel the tubers
- Slice into chunks or thin strips
- Sun-dry for 2–4 days or oven-dry at low heat
- Store in airtight containers or ziplocks (can last 2–3 months)
Bonus: How to Replant Ubi Kayu
Don’t discard the stems! Here’s how to turn them into new plants:
- Cut 6–9 inch stem cuttings with at least 4–6 nodes
- Plant directly into moist soil about 3–4 inches deep
- Water and mulch — new shoots will emerge in 1–2 weeks
Traditional Malaysian Uses of Ubi Kayu
- Boiled + grated coconut (classic kampung breakfast)
- Ubi kayu goreng (fried cassava sticks)
- Tapai ubi (fermented sweet delicacy)
- Lempeng ubi kayu (cassava pancakes)
Got your own pokok ubi thriving? Show us your harvest and creations — tag @ProjectHarvestMY and inspire others to grow their own energy crop! 🥔🇲🇾