The Benibana Museum (The Safflower Museum)
31. Deterioration of Mogami Benibana (最上紅花の品質低下)
The qualification of Mogami benibana had the best evaluation of all the countries, but as its demand was spread larger, the production was also increased and its deterioration was gradually deepened at about 1716s. In 1738, the wholesalers in Kyoto sent the letters to tell its deplorable low qualification. The people concerned here gave an innovation idea for them.
First, to pluck the flowers at the proper time of the season and to finish it before 10 o'clock in the morning. In fact cultivators plucked the flower earlier than its maturing and plucked them even after noon. That aimed only at profit.
Second, don't put the good flowers on the top of withered ones.
Third, don't leave the flowers overnight after plucking.
Fourth, don't mix other flowers and finish the trading as soon as possible. The brokers asked the authority to observe these innovations but it did not bear the fruit, because such a deed occurred in running for profit.