dew retting

Dew retting is a method used to separate bast fibers from plant stems, such as flax or hemp. This process involves spreading harvested plant stalks in grassy fields. There, the combined action of bacteria, sun, air, and dew causes fermentation, which dissolves the stem material surrounding the fiber bundles. This method is most effective in climates with heavy dews and warm daytime temperatures, and it typically takes two to three weeks for the fibers to be ready for separation. Dew-retted fibers are generally darker and of lower quality compared to those produced by water retting. The term "dewret" specifically refers to this process of retting by exposure to dew, rain, and sun.12