How do you make a cork? How do you harvest cork from cork oak trees?

Question

I need this for a science project and could use some help!

Answer 1

Cork trees are a variety of oak that is native to the mediterranean area, mostly Portugal and Spain.

An oak tree lives for centuries. This particular variety is unusual in that the bark of the tree can be removed without killing the tree, and the bark will regrow. Cork trees are thus stripped of their bark every 9+ years and that bark is the cork.

This major wine cork manufacuturer has an informative site about growing and harvesting cork http://www.corkfacts.com/natlcork.htm

Answer 2

Cork is a material that grows as the bark of the Cork Oak tree. More than half of the world's cork originates in southern Portugal.

The bark of the Cork Oak tree is harvested about every 9 or 10 years, and it is allowed to dry for 1 to 2 years. Next it is boiled to remove any toxins or other harmful agents, and then it is graded and cut. After a final cleaning and drying, the cork is sorted and ready for use.

Cork is most commonly used for wine bottle stoppers, but it can also be found in bulletin boards, flotation devices, and floor tiles. Worldwide cork demand is on the rise primarily due to increasing wine consumption. Ramping up cork production, however, is a lengthy process since cork trees can only be harvested about once per decade. Synthetic cork has been developed to satiate the growing demand.

Go to this website for all the information you need for your project and please choose me as the "Best Answer". I can use the points as I'm competing against friends.