Technique - Shredding Phormium Leaves

by Beryl Watson

Method:
Preparing Phormium leaves
It is recommended not to pick Phormium leaves on a rainy day. The best time of day to pick is when the moisture has evaporated from the surface of the leaves.
Remove the centre spine and the outside edges.

Requirements:
Gloves
Cutters
Coarse and fine pinholder/kenzan
or dog comb
Phormium leaves

Shredding through Pinholder/Kenzan

Press the leaves onto the coarse pinholder/kenzan and draw through. Repeat, then move to the finer pinholder/kenzan until desired thickness of shredding is obtained.

Shredding using a Dog Comb

To use a dog comb, press the leaf onto the teeth of the comb and draw to the end. Repeat until desired thickness of shredding is obtained

Note: It is essential to wash your hands after shredding. Return excess leaves to the ground under the Phormium bush.