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How to Harvest Cocoons

Harvesting cocoons is most valuable in the silkworm industry. Silkworms spin silk in the lining of their cocoons during their transformation into moths. The silk inside a single cocoon can reach up to 3,000 feet long, and is composed of a single strand. The harvesting process involves killing the silkworm, which is actually a caterpillar, before it completes its development and bursts through the cocoon. Once the larvae hatches, it breaks the silk thread and makes the cocoon virtually worthless.

Things You'll Need

Large pot of boiling water
Silk worm spatula
Clean basket
Protective gloves
Silk reel

Instructions

- 1
  Allow the silkworms to complete their cocooning process. If you're raising silkworms from eggs, the process can take up to 25 days. Cocoons are ready for harvesting when they reach a golden color and are covered in silk filaments. Harvest the cocoons as soon as they reach this stage, before the silk worm finishes its transformation into a moth and begins secreting the liquid that dissolves the cocoon wall.
- 2
  Collect the cocoons carefully so you don't break them open. Lower the cocoons into a pot of boiling water. This kills the silk worm inside and loosens the silk filaments. Keep the cocoons in the boiling water until they begin to visibly loosen on one end. Turn off the heat.
- 3
  Catch the loose end of a cocoon in the forked section of the silk work spatula. Put on protective gloves so you don't burn your hands. Gently pull the loose end of the cocoon and wind it onto your silk reel. Hold the spatula steady with one hand and turn the silk reel slowly to unravel the cocoon. Repeat with each silk worm.

Insects & Science