Cork, Cork and more Cork
Did you know that the cork tree (supplier of wine stoppers everywhere) is part of the oak tree family.
On my recent road trip, we passed thru miles and miles of cork forests. Cork forests cover 2700000 hectares in Europe spanning 7 countries. We got to stop and see the trees up close, and also see the stacks of cork drying in the hot Andalucian sun. Quick fact: A cork tree can only be harvested about every 9 years, the trees can live as long as 500 years, and it takes 40 years before they start actually producing viable cork. There is an old saying, Eucalyptus is for us, pine trees for our children and cork trees for our grandchildren. This is why most cork business are handed down from generation to generation. Enjoy the pics.
The beautiful Spanish countryside.
Cork Forest and Friends
Close up of a cork tree regenerating itself
Cork stacked for drying
A really big pile set to dry.
Up close.
Closer still.
The big pile
Really interesting – thanks for this!