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

The positive effect of dry herbs on improving human health has long been proven. Therefore, gardeners try to stock up on herbs and bushes of various plants in the summer. For example, the positive influence of currants lies not only in its berries. However, in order to preserve maximum beneficial properties, you need to know when to collect currant leaves and how to dry them correctly.

Benefits of dried black and red currant leaves

The currant bush contains many useful microelements, vitamins and amino acids. Thanks to this, the collection is famous for:

• immuno-strengthening properties;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• beneficial effect on the circulatory system;
• disinfecting effect.

Where is it used?

The beneficial substances contained in black currants are widely used in various spheres of life. Many medications for arthrosis or to improve vision include extracts from currant leaves.

Important! Before use, 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.

In cooking

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

1. Decoctions and teas are brewed based on various herbs, which are used internally as a preventive measure and to eliminate problems with blood vessels.
2. Just like cucumbers and tomatoes, sometimes the leaves are pickled. The spicy additive goes well with meat, poultry and various salads.
3. Currant leaves are often added when making homemade wines and liqueurs.

In folk medicine

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

• rheumatism;
• stagnation of bile in the body;
• problems with digestion and metabolism;
• colds, to increase sweating and remove phlegm;
• decreased immunity;
• failure of the cardiovascular system.

Important! It is recommended to take it with caution for people with low blood pressure, since decoctions of currant leaves can also affect blood pressure levels.

In cosmetology

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

Which leaves are suitable for winter harvesting?

To get the maximum amount of nutrients and preserve the aroma and taste of currant leaves until winter, you need to be careful when picking them. It is not recommended to use leaves affected by fungus or to 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 health of the recipient.

When to collect?

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

Some toxic substances also accumulate there, so when collecting leaves at the end of the season, it is recommended to give preference to the top.

How to properly dry currant leaves?

It is not enough to collect the leaves in time; it is also important to dry them properly. To do this, it is recommended to follow three fundamental rules:

• the presence of constant heat in the drying area;
• humidity should not be allowed to increase;
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and elevated temperatures.

Important! Failure to comply with 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.

On open air

Drying the currants outdoors is the first thing that comes to every gardener’s mind. The method does not require additional effort, preparation or 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 currants in the open air, experts advise using the oven. However, the leaves need to be dried, not baked or fried. For this:

• the temperature in the oven should not exceed 100 degrees;
• It is recommended to lay out the collection in one layer;
• the oven door must be opened slightly to prevent steam from accumulating;
• darkening of the leaves indicates that they are burnt and are not suitable for use.

In a special dryer

If you have a special electric dryer for processing fruits, it is recommended to use it. Typically, such devices have a “Herbs Drying” function. However, the absence of such a mode is not a reason to be upset; simply 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 overdried or fried.

Fermentation

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

1. It is necessary to bring the leaves to a state of lethargy so that the veins stop crunching and breaking when bent (6-24 hours).
2. Next, you need to squeeze the juice out of the leaves (cut, press, grind through a meat grinder). The amount of juice directly affects the aroma of the collection.
3. At the end it is recommended to dry it 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 the collection of currant leaves 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 storage rules are followed, the collection lasts for years.

Folk recipes for healthy and tasty tea

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

• currants and mint;
• green tea and lemon;
• ginger and honey.

It is also recommended to add currant leaves to regular tea in the evening to prevent diseases. This improves sleep and relieves fatigue.

Existing contraindications

Among the main contraindications are low blood pressure and blood cell pathology. It is also recommended that pregnant women take it with caution.