Burlap, low-grade twine, and many other products are made from a glossy fiber called jute, which comes from the jute plant. Because it is low-priced and adaptable, jute is second only to cotton in world consumption of natural fibers. India, Bangladesh, and China are the leading producers.
The jute plant is an annual that thrives best in moist soil in a hot, humid climate. Seeds are hand-sown, and plants mature in three months, often averaging a height of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters). Their light green leaves are arrow-shaped, and small yellow flowers bloom singly or in clusters. Jute is classified scientifically in the genus Corchorus.
The plants are harvested when the blossoms first begin to shed. The cut stalks are sorted according to length and gathered into bundles. They are then placed in shallow pools of stagnant water where they are allowed to ret, or soak. When they have become soft enough, the fibers are separated from the stalks and then hung on lines to dry. After drying, the fibers are sorted, graded, and baled for export.
