When to collect and how to dry currant leaves for the winter for tea

The positive impact of dry fees on improving human he alth has long been proven. Therefore, gardeners have been trying to stock up on herbs and bushes of various plants since the summer. For example, the positive effect of currants lies not only in its berries. However, to preserve the maximum of useful properties, you need to know when to collect currant leaves and how to dry them properly.

Benefits of dried black and red currant leaves

Currant bush contains many useful trace elements, vitamins and amino acids. Thanks to this, the collection is famous for:

immuno-boosting properties;
anti-inflammatory action;
beneficial effect on the circulatory system;
disinfecting effect.

Currant leaves are especially useful for the elderly. Infusions and teas are often used to strengthen blood vessels, maintain the quality of vision, they stimulate the heart muscle and relieve atherosclerosis.

Where is it used?

Useful substances contained in blackcurrant are widely used in various areas of life. Many medical preparations for arthrosis or to improve vision include pomace from currant leaves.

Important! Before using, both externally and internally, it is recommended to make sure that there is no allergic reaction and consult with your doctor about the effect of decoctions of currant leaves on blood cells.

Cooking

Currant berries are more often used in cooking, transferring the rest to the use of medicine and cosmetology. However, connoisseurs will find use for other parts:

Decoctions and teas are brewed based on various herbs, which are used internally as a preventive measure and to eliminate problems with blood vessels.
Just like cucumbers and tomatoes, sometimes the leaves are pickled. A savory addition to meat, poultry and various salads.
Currant leaves are often added to homemade wines and liquors.

In folk medicine

Traditional medicine is also full of recipes based on currant leaves. Decoctions are used for diseases such as:

rheumatism;
stagnation of bile in the body;
digestion and metabolism problems;
cold, to increase sweating and sputum;
lowered immunity;
failure of the cardiovascular system.

Important! It is recommended to be taken carefully by people with low blood pressure, as decoctions of currant leaves can also affect performance.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, currants are also used to renew and regenerate the skin, to give a he althy complexion and cleanse the body from the inside. The antiseptic properties of the plant allow you to create and use ointments that help get rid of minor scratches and successfully fight acne.

Which leaves are suitable for winter preparations?

To get the maximum amount of useful substances, to preserve the aroma and taste of currant leaves until winter, you need to be careful about the collection.It is not recommended to use leaves affected by the fungus or tear greens from the lower hard part of the bush. Infectious damage to a plant not only deprives it of its positive qualities, but can also negatively affect the he alth of the recipient.

When to collect?

The best time to collect currant leaves for brewing tea is early July. The bushes at this moment are young, and contain the most significant amount of the vitamin. Some gardeners do not want to disturb the young bush, and start collecting only in the month of August. However, at the end of summer, the lower part of the bush hardens and loses some of its properties.

Also, some toxic substances accumulate there, therefore, when picking leaves at the end of the season, it is recommended to give preference to the top.

How to dry currant leaves?

It is not enough time to collect the leaves, it is also important to dry them properly. For this, three fundamental rules are recommended:

presence of constant heat in the drying place;
humidity must not be allowed to increase;
should avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Important! Failure to follow the rules for processing and drying currants will not affect the taste and aroma properties of the collection, but will destroy most of the medicinal effects.

Outdoor

Drying currant picking outdoors is the first thing that comes to mind for every gardener. The method does not require additional efforts, training and equipment. It is enough to find a place that meets all the parameters: dry, warm, not sunny.

In the oven

When weather or other conditions do not allow drying the currant collection in the open air, experts advise resorting to the help of an oven. However, the leaves need to be dried, not baked or fried. To do this:

The temperature in the oven should not exceed 100 degrees;
collection is recommended to lay out in one layer;
the oven door needs to be slightly opened so that vapors do not accumulate;
darkening of the leaves indicates that they are burnt and are not suitable for use.

In a special dryer

If a special electric fruit dryer is available, it is recommended to use it. Usually in such devices there is a function "Drying herbs". However, the absence of such a regime is not a reason to be upset, just the minimum temperature will do. The leaves are laid out on a baking sheet in a thin layer, otherwise the aroma will become musty. The advantage of an electric dryer is that the leaves cannot be dried or fried.

Fermentation

The longest and most laborious process, but connoisseurs mark it as the best for preserving all properties. The fermentation procedure takes place in several stages:

It is required to bring the leaves to a state of lethargy so that the veins stop crunching and breaking when bent (6-24 hours).
Next, you need to squeeze the juice out of the leaves (cut, press, make through a meat grinder). The amount of juice directly affects the flavor of the collection.
At the end, it is recommended to dry in any convenient way. It is important not to overdry the leaves, otherwise all previous efforts will be nullified and the tea will lose its aroma.

Duration and storage conditions at home

It is recommended to store currant leaf collection in a glass jar, plastic container or bag, in a dry, dark place. The main thing is that the dried leaves are not exposed to external influences (water, insects, dust). If the storage rules are followed, the collection costs for years.

Folk recipes for he althy and tasty tea

Currant leaves are suitable for single and mixed brewing. The most delicious and popular are combinations with:

currant berries and mint;
green tea and lemon;
ginger and honey.

Also currant leaves, for the prevention of diseases, it is recommended to add to regular tea in the evening. This is how sleep improves and fatigue disappears.