When can you collect raspberry leaves for drying for the winter, terms and rules and where to store
It is believed that raspberry jam tea is very beneficial for health. But this is not entirely true. But raspberry tea is really healthy. When to collect fresh raspberry leaves for drying for the winter in order to brew tea on their basis.
Content
What are the benefits of raspberry leaves
Fresh raspberry leaves contain a large amount of trace elements beneficial to human health.
Benefits of raspberry leaf tea:
- has an antipyretic and pathogenic effect on flu and colds;
- acts as an anti-inflammatory agent;
- with bronchitis and pneumonia, facilitates breathing;
- strengthens the immune system.
Raspberry foliage is as beneficial as the berries of this shrub. If you make tea for a cold, you can quickly get back on your feet and get rid of unpleasant symptoms.
When to collect raspberry leaves
For the drink to be useful, you need to know exactly when you can collect raspberry leaves for tea. Raspberry leaves are harvested in July. In September it is undesirable to collect them, during this period the bushes begin to prepare for winter and it is not recommended to touch them. It is best to harvest raw materials early in the morning.
What leaves are suitable for blanks
Not all raspberry leaves are suitable for drying for the winter. Only healthy and young should be cut. Leaves should be deep green, smooth and free from damage. It is also not recommended to collect old ones. They have a lower concentration of nutrients.
How to harvest raspberry leaves
During collection, raw materials should be carefully inspected. Insects often lay eggs on the underside. The leaves are carefully cut from the branch so as not to damage it.
Harvesting leaves for tea
In order for tea to be as beneficial to health as possible, raw materials should not only be properly collected and brewed, but also dried. There are two types of drying.
Dry
For tea made from raspberry leaves to be medicinal, they must be properly dried. Raw materials are thoroughly washed under running water. Then they are laid out on paper so that it dries from water. Then, in a dark, cool room, spread a dry newspaper, lay them out. The raw materials are regularly mixed so that the foliage does not rot. It is recommended to dry it so that it does not get exposed to direct sunlight. Drying takes about 4-5 days.
Fermentation of raspberry leaves
Another drying method after harvesting fresh raw materials is fermentation. To do this, you need to prepare the leaves from May to September. Spring preparation gives a light and aromatic tea.From autumn - more intense and tart. It is recommended to collect raspberry leaves for tea at dawn.
Fermentation process:
- cut from branches and rinse well under running water;
- put on a newspaper so that they dry out, stir from time to time (you need to wait for the water to evaporate and the leaves become dried);
- when the raw materials become soft and dry, they twist it in their hands so that they give juice (or twist it through a meat grinder);
- after that, put the raw materials in an enamel pan or glass jar in several layers;
- put the load on top in order to press it, and leave them at a temperature of + 25 ... + 28 degrees.
After 8 hours, the workpiece is laid out on a baking sheet and dried.
Terms and rules for storing dried leaves
Dried leaves have a shelf life. As a rule, it is recommended to store dried raw materials for no more than two years. The shelf life may be increased depending on the storage conditions. It is also important to store it properly. The dried raw materials are kept in glass containers or fabric bags. It is not recommended to store in plastic bags. It starts to rot and mold. Containers with raw materials should be placed in dark, cool rooms away from sunlight.
Delicious raspberry leaf tea recipes
Recipe with raspberries, thyme and honey.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp raspberries;
- 1 tsp thyme;
- 300 ml boiling water;
- 2 tbsp. l. linden honey.
Making tea:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Pour raspberries and thyme into a teapot, pour boiling water over.
- Leave to steep for 5-7 minutes.
- When the tea is warm, add honey and stir.
- Drink warm.
Such a broth is brewed together with currants, oregano, rose hips.
