When are currant leaves collected for drying in 2023 and how to dry them at home

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In 2023, currant leaves can only be collected at certain times. Depending on the color of the fruit, the harvesting method will also differ.

It is also important to take into account the climatic conditions of the region in which the harvesting takes place, as well as the conditions for growing shrubs and the harvesting method

It is best to stock up on blackcurrant leaves. On the leaf blades of this berry variety there are special glands filled with essential oils. They give the decoction or tea a characteristic aroma and sour taste.

The greatest benefit is contained in the young shoots of the bush, so they need to be collected from late spring to early summer. In this case, focus not on calendar indicators, but on climatic conditions in your region. Start collecting when the bush has already bloomed.

Experts say the best time for harvesting is morning. At this time, the dew drops had already completely dried on the leaf plates, but the leaf had not yet had time to heat up.

Important! Avoid harvesting in the rain. Raw materials collected in such weather are likely to become moldy or rot, and your work will go down the drain.

The procurement of herbal raw materials is carried out according to the following rules:

1. Carefully pluck each leaf, cut it with pruning shears, and do not tear it off with your fingers. Avoid blackened or warped material.
2. Do not completely expose the branches. Leave some leaves on each of them.
3. Immediately check the leaf blades for larvae, insects, damage, rot and other defects. If there are at least a few damaged leaves on the bush, then this is a reason to provide the crop with emergency medical care.
4. Make sure that the trunk of the bush is not damaged during assembly. Any damage can destroy the currants.

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When to collect currant leaves for the winter?

The most useful substances are contained in young leaves, so it is recommended to collect them in late spring - early summer. But experts do not recommend relying on the calendar. They are convinced that it is best to collect during the flowering period of the plant. When the plant blooms depends on the climate zone and the weather conditions of a particular year.

In addition, to the question “When should you collect currant leaves?” they will answer with confidence - “In the morning!” It is advisable that the dew on the leaves has already dried, but they have not yet had time to heat up in the sun. It is strictly not recommended to collect currant leaves in rainy weather. When dried, they may become moldy, and all your work will be in vain.

When preparing currant leaves, you should follow simple rules:

• Try to pluck or carefully cut off even, non-blackened leaves located in the upper part of the plant with pruning shears.
• Do not pick (cut) all the leaves from one branch.
• Check leaves for signs of rot or insect damage. Having discovered these, you will not only be able to get rid of low-quality raw materials, but also provide timely help to your garden pet.
• When collecting, try not to damage the plant trunk. This can lead to diseases of the bush and even its death.

What are the collection regulations?

It’s easier to go to the garden, pick green currant leaves and brew delicious and fragrant tea. But it definitely won’t be of any use. And to obtain a healing drink, raw materials are collected during the flowering period. This is the stage when the vegetation is fully saturated with valuable components.

The time of day also plays an important role. Herbalists recommend collecting medicinal plants in the morning, approximately from 8 to 11 o'clock and in dry weather. This is the period when the dew has dried and the sun is not yet shining. It is not advisable to take raw foliage, since it cannot be dried properly.

Another point taken into account when collecting raw materials is the cycle of the earth’s satellite. It is recommended to select a period when the Moon is waxing.

Whole leaves are torn off, without damage or external signs of disease or insect damage. The tops of young shoots are suitable. Similar rules apply to collecting leaves of other berry crops.

Possible harm of currant leaves and contraindications

The benefits of black currant leaves have been known to people since ancient times, as well as contraindications for use. Before including a product in your diet for medicinal purposes, you need to make sure that it will not cause further harm. Main contraindications of currant leaves:

• allergies and individual intolerance to various components in the product;
• hepatitis;
• increased stomach acidity;
• thrombophlebitis;
• increased blood clotting.

In order not to harm your health, if you have such diseases, you need to consult with your doctor and set standards for yourself.

Important! In addition to the listed contraindications, you should be careful during pregnancy and not overdo it with the dose, as this can negatively affect the fetus.

What rules are followed?

Drying is the second important stage in preparing currant greenberries for the winter. Even correctly collected, but not properly dried, they can go bad. The main thing is to comply with a number of conditions:

• warm;
• absence of dampness and direct sun exposure;
• open space in the fresh air.

They choose a place where it is warm, dry and not hot from the sun. Lay out the collection on a spread clean piece of cloth or paper. It is unacceptable to use newspapers, as the paint contains toxic components. Drying on them will not add any benefit to the leaves.

Throughout the process, the workpieces are periodically stirred so that they do not start to mold. As soon as the sheets acquire a brittle structure, they are sent to a permanent storage warehouse.

Place the resulting raw materials in hermetically sealed containers. Place it where it is dry and cool. You should not keep odorous spices or other products nearby that can imbue currant leaves with unnecessary aromas.

If it is not possible to dry the foliage in the fresh air, use the oven. Only with this method are some of the beneficial properties lost. The leaves are distributed in an even layer on a heat-resistant sheet, then placed in an oven heated to 100 °C. The door is left ajar. After 1.5 hours, the heating is reduced and the raw materials are brought to full condition.

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In the oven

This method is great if you don't have the time or space to dry the leaves naturally. Preheat the oven to +100 °C and place a baking sheet with the prepared raw materials. After 90 minutes, reduce the temperature to +50 °C and leave it like that for another half hour. After the time has passed, check the degree of readiness of the product, and if it is a little wet, leave it in the oven until done. During the process, be sure to keep the cabinet door ajar 10 cm: this will ensure good air circulation, prevent the leaves from overheating and prevent moisture from being retained. Instead of an oven, you can use an electric dryer. Set it to medium mode and keep it for 3-4 hours. If the currants have not dried during this time, continue the process, checking their readiness every hour.

Read also: Rules for drying currants at home

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What other methods of harvesting leaves are there?

An alternative to the previous options for harvesting currant greens is fermentation. The method is complex and labor-intensive, but effective. More often fireweed is subjected to it, but it is also acceptable for other plants. It is acceptable to prepare currant leaves in this way.

Lay out the sheets on a flat surface, in the shade. It is recommended to spread cotton or linen fabric on the bottom. Then the raw materials will not dry out before the due date and will not absorb anything dangerous.

The first fermentation step takes from 12 to 24 hours. The condition of the foliage will become a guideline: when squeezing, you don’t hear a crunch, which means it’s ready for subsequent actions. If the room is excessively humid or dry, then the tea is wrapped in a piece of cloth. This saves time - drying time is reduced to 6 hours.

After the required period has passed, the wilted raw materials are rolled until the juice is released. The larger the volume, the more aromatic the tea will be in the future. Roll into rolls, 8 sheets each. Then they cut into small pieces. This is how fine-leaf herbal tea is produced by hand.

It is only allowed to mash the workpieces until they are moistened - this will be a large-sheet brew. You can grind it through a meat grinder - this is a granular composition.

Then the preparations are placed in a vessel, covered with a damp cloth and removed for fermentation. The procedure takes 5-9 hours. When a fruity smell appears, they begin drying directly.

During fermentation, external conditions are important:

• The optimal temperature regime is 24-26 °C. If the room is cool, then wrap the bowl with a thick towel or blanket. When it's hot, they look for a cool place. Otherwise, the drink will have an unpleasant smell.
• After fermentation, the leaves are scattered on a baking sheet and placed in an oven heated to 90-100 °C. Keep until completely dry. It is important to grasp this point, since overdried raw materials are less rich in aroma and taste. Readiness is determined by bending the sheet and listening for a crunch to occur.

Transfer the prepared currant tea into canvas bags or glass jars. Store in the dark and cool.

The beneficial composition in currant leaves is completely preserved when frozen. However, not everyone likes the fact that after brewing the leaves are not as fragrant as those prepared by other methods.

To do this, the leaves are first washed under running water and dried on paper towels. Then they chop it into pieces and put it in bags. They are given a flat configuration and placed in the freezer compartment.

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What are the benefits of currant tea?

1. Currant leaves are a source of vitamin C, and therefore a powerful assistant in the fight against colds and weakened immunity.
2. Tea made from currant leaves has a diuretic effect. Thanks to this property, tea relieves swelling, fights kidney stones, diseases of the spleen and pancreas.
3. Currant is a good antihistamine that brings relief from allergic rhinitis and asthma.
4. Currant tea has a calming effect and improves memory.

Areas of application

Nature has generously given us natural medicines. Currant leaves are widely used in folk medicine and cosmetology.

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine has long paid attention to the healing properties of currant leaves, their benefits for preventive purposes, and began to use recipes to treat many diseases. Of course, medicinal infusions and decoctions from currant leaves do not have pronounced pharmacological effects, since they do not affect the body as quickly as we would like. But in certain cases, it is traditional medicine and plants that turn out to be more effective and less dangerous than synthetic drugs.

Decoctions, as a rule, are absorbed by the body more slowly than infusions, but their effect is longer. For example, decoctions of currant leaves will help:

• Restore strength after a long illness or surgery.
• Protect the body during flu epidemics or other viral infections.
• Improve memory, concentration.

Infusions have a slightly different task; they are quickly absorbed and immediately begin to work, producing a strong effect. Infusions from currant leaves will strengthen the immune system and improve mood. Taking infusions is useful for chronic coughs, frequent colds, gout, and arthritis. The infusion is also recommended as a diuretic, which reduces tissue swelling and lowers blood pressure.

The raw materials are used in the treatment of pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urolithiasis. Helps in the treatment of diabetes mellitus - this is expressed in slowing down the destruction of the vascular system of diabetic patients.

Decoctions and infusions of currant leaves will lose their medicinal properties if they are stored for a long time; it is better to use the drinks fresh.

Cosmetology

Thanks to the healing properties, black currant leaves have found worthy use in cosmetology, because the use of raw materials allows you to saturate the skin with essential vitamins and all useful substances. They cleanse, tone the skin, and give it elasticity.

Healing baths with currant leaves have proven themselves well. They are used for skin diseases, helping to cope with inflammation, itching, minor damage or abrasions.

You can make compresses or rubdowns based on decoctions of the leaves for inflamed, problematic skin. The product will help get rid of acne by drying out the skin, because the leaves contain a lot of tannins and beneficial acids that have an astringent, pore-tightening effect.

Acne mask

Cleansing face masks perfectly tone and nourish the skin, promoting its regeneration. To prepare a mask for acne and acne, mix 150 ml. sour milk with 1.5 tbsp. raw currant leaves. Stir well, then filter out the excess and apply to the face for 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. This simple procedure can be done once a week until acne is completely eliminated.

Skin whitening mask

The following recipe will help to whiten your skin and get rid of freckles. Make a mixture of 1 egg, 1 tsp. oat flour, 1 tsp. mixture of dried blackcurrant leaves. The cosmetic product is applied to the face for 15 minutes and then washed off with warm water.

It is important to understand that only specialists - medical workers - can prescribe medicinal plants, including blackcurrant leaves. Self-administration of leaf-based recipes, especially for a long time, can negatively affect your well-being.

What is included in the chemical composition of currant leaves?

The chemical composition of the leaves does not differ from the fruits. They also have useful substances:

• vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant;
• terpene alcohol is widely used, especially in cosmetology and pharmacology for the production of natural biological preparations;
• carotene strengthens the immune system and effectively fights infections, has restorative properties;
• phytoncides destroy bacteria and fungi that develop in the human body;
• essential oils cleanse phlegm and other harmful secretions, improve digestion and the entire system as a whole.

It should be noted that currant leaves are more enriched in ascorbic acid than the fruits themselves. Therefore, it is better to brew tea from dried raw materials, especially during the winter period.

Beneficial properties of black currant leaves

Black currant leaves exhibit a wide range of healing properties:

• anti-inflammatory,
• antiviral,
• antimicrobial,
• antiseptic,
• antitumor.

Dried blackcurrant leaves have the same beneficial properties as fresh ones. The vitamin C content in both is one and a half times greater than in the berries of the plant.

The beneficial properties in blackcurrant leaves are valuable for both women and men. How does this manifest itself?

For men

For men, black currant leaves are useful because they:

• Brings the entire urinary system back to normal
• Improves the functions of the reproductive system.
• They prevent heart disease.

For women

To maintain women's health and beauty, the plant is useful because:

• Normalizes metabolic processes in the body.
• Rejuvenates the body.
• It is a source of folic acid.

Can it be used by women during pregnancy?

For pregnant women, due to the presence of folic acid in blackcurrant leaves, the likelihood of intrauterine pathologies in the unborn baby is reduced. Currant leaves are also useful because they improve blood supply to the reproductive system in women. This has a beneficial effect on conceiving a child.

For children

Currant leaves, containing vitamins and minerals, may be beneficial for children in the following ways.

• Improves mental abilities.
• Normalize metabolism.
• Protect the body from viruses and infections.
• Strengthens bones.

Before using infusions, teas or decoctions, be sure to consult your doctor.

Preparing raw materials for drying

Drying is the most popular and easiest way to prepare medicinal raw materials. After the excess liquid evaporates, the shelf life of the plant is extended and the maximum medicinal properties are retained. But for this it is important not only to correctly collect, but also to prepare the leaves.

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Currant greens are prepared according to this plan:

• collect raw materials;
• sort and eliminate specimens with defects;
• cleanse from contaminants;
• dried in a suitable manner.

Important : Before drying currant leaves, it is not recommended to wash them. They must be as dry as possible before harvesting.

Currant greens should not be washed before the procedure, as it is highly likely that they will not be able to dry properly. Then drying will take longer, and the shelf life of the raw materials will be reduced. Washing immediately before drying will increase the risk of rotting of the collected sheets.

It’s good if the leaves were wet by rain 2–3 days before drying, and then there were sunny days. Then the plates will dry thoroughly and be clean. Some owners deliberately spray the bushes with a hose or watering can a few days before harvesting to clean them. The main thing is to make sure that it doesn’t rain for 2–3 days. Otherwise, everything will have to be put aside to let the greens dry.

If you collected currant leaves and it turned out that the bushes are dirty, then water procedures cannot be avoided. Then you will have to rinse them or wipe them with a damp cloth, and then dry them using paper towels. But in this case, the risk of raw materials becoming moldy remains.

It is necessary to prepare containers for drying currant greens. This can be a tray, wire rack or baking sheet. These devices also need to be washed, wiped with a towel, and additionally dried in air. Before laying out the raw materials, the container is covered with parchment paper, which will absorb excess moisture.

Drying methods

There are several drying methods. If you maintain the temperature correctly, the maximum of nutrients will be preserved. Drying begins within 1-2 hours after collection.

In the oven

Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and torn leaves in several layers on top. Set the temperature to 50°C. If the oven does not support the desired mode, open the door slightly. The drying process lasts 10-12 hours.

In the microwave

Using a microwave for drying is irrational. You can dry just a few handfuls of leaves. The device is turned on for 30-60 seconds, waited for 10-15 minutes and turned off - otherwise the leaf mass will overheat, which will lead to the destruction of useful substances. The amount of heating depends on the microwave; the process is completed when the product is ready.

In an electric dryer

An electric dryer is the most convenient device for harvesting currant and raspberry leaves. Load the bowls, turn on the device and get the result after 10-12 hours.

On air

Preparation without heating allows you to preserve maximum nutrients:

1. The leaves are laid out on a backing made of natural cotton fabric.
2. The raw materials are periodically turned over.
3. If rotting is detected, damaged leaves are removed.

Dry in dry rooms out of direct sunlight. A small number of shoots can be prepared on the windowsill.

Leaves with shoots are tied into bunches and hung on a rope.

Without heating, the drying process will take 1-2 weeks.

Fermentation

Fermentation is not a harvesting method, but a process of decomposition of organic substances under the influence of an enzyme. After its completion, the composition of the product changes, a new, more pronounced taste and aroma appears. Currant and raspberry leaves are rarely fermented, but if you want to try, here is the algorithm:

1. The collected raw materials are laid out in a thin layer on paper or fabric and left in a cool, dark place for 20-30 hours.
2. The leaves are rolled until juice appears on the surface. Then they are placed in jars, baskets, pans and left to ferment until the characteristic aroma of currants or raspberries appears in the room. If the leaves become dry during the process, they are sprinkled with water.
3. The green mass is crushed and dried in the oven at 90°C for about an hour.

The finished leaves should crumble, as with any drying.

Video: how to ferment leaves

Freezing leaves

Freezing currant leaves for tea is a very simple option for preparing raw materials for owners of large freezers. To prepare the product you need:

• Collect currant leaves, carefully sort them, removing debris and dry pieces of branches.
• Gently rinse the leaves with warm water and lay them on a flat surface until completely dry. For faster results, it is recommended to use paper towels for drying.
• Cut the dried leaves into strips about 1 cm long, put them into portioned bags, tie them tightly and put them in the freezer.

Cooking recipes

Periodic consumption of currant drinks, teas, infusions or decoctions can significantly improve overall well-being, elevate your mood, and strengthen your immune system. There are many recipes for preparing healing drinks that are relevant and useful at any time of the year: in the winter cold and in the summer heat.

Healing tea from twigs and leaves

To make tea from currant branches, it is better to take young shoots with buds. Twigs and leaves - 100 g, pour boiling water - two liters and place in a water bath for no more than 15 minutes. The next step is important - the decoction is infused for 10 hours. Then the infusion is filtered and drunk with honey or sugar, warmed a little (do not boil).

Classic currant leaf tea

Dried, crushed black currant leaves - 2 tablespoons should be mixed with black or green tea and pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse healing tea from currant leaves for 15-25 minutes. Then filter and drink with honey, sugar or unsweetened.

Vitamin mix from fresh leaves

Tea with currant leaves will become even healthier, more aromatic and tastier if you add lemon balm, rose hips, raspberries, cherries or strawberries to the drink. All useful plants, 1 part of each, are placed in a thermos, and 1 tsp is added there. black or green tea, pour 1 liter of boiling water. Be sure to steep the vitamin tea for a couple of hours, strain, and enjoy drinking it with honey, sugar or lemon.

Fragrant tea from currant branches

For such a healthy tea, you need to cut off the young shoots with buds. Boil water in a kettle (2-3 l), put 100 g there. chopped twigs 7-10 cm long. Boil the twigs for no more than 1 minute. Then remove the kettle and leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink with honey or sugar.

Tincture of currant leaves

Not only the leaves are suitable for tincture, but also the blossoming buds. They need to be collected in the spring. But you can also use just leaves if you couldn’t collect the buds.

The raw materials are rinsed in a colander under cold water and dried. Next, they are placed tightly in bottles and filled with vodka. The bottles should be sealed and left in a warm place for 1 day. Next, the tincture of currant leaves is filtered and poured into clean, dry bottles. Blackcurrant leaves and buds give the tincture a very pleasant, fresh, currant aroma.

Decoction

The decoction is an effective remedy used for many diseases. So, when coughing, drink the decoction 2 times a day, 100 grams. until the disease subsides. Take the drink to reduce and normalize blood pressure. The same regimen is suitable for diabetics; the beneficial properties of the decoction will help to better cope with fatigue and overwork.

For inflammatory skin diseases, the problem areas are washed with a decoction twice a day, or compresses are applied for 20-30 minutes. And for sore throats and other throat diseases, rinse every 2 hours.

The decoction is easy to prepare. For 250 ml of water - dry leaves (2 tbsp) or fresh (5-7 pcs). When crushed, they are placed in boiling water, covered with a lid, and cooked over low heat for 12-15 minutes. Next, filter and cool. It is best to always use the decoction fresh; you can store it for a maximum of 2 days.

Alternative methods for harvesting leaves

You can also resort to a more complex, but allowing you to get excellent results, process of harvesting leaves. We are talking about fermentation. This method allows you to obtain more aromatic raw materials for tea, but it will take more time and effort than conventional drying.

Most often, fireweed or, as we are used to it, tea raw materials are processed in this way. But other plants can also be fermented. It is best to use one that contains large amounts of tannins, otherwise the future tea will turn out tasteless. And raspberry leaves with currants are great for fermentation.

First you need to spread the leaves in an even layer and leave them in the shade. For the backing it is better to use cotton or linen fabric. This way, the raw materials undergoing the drying process will not dry out prematurely and will not absorb harmful substances, as can happen when using synthetic fabrics.

The first stage of fermentation can take from 12 hours to a day . You should focus on the condition of the leaves - if when bending there is no longer a crunch of the central vein, the workpiece is ready for further processing.

You can also wrap the future tea in a piece of cloth. This option is suitable for those whose home air is too dry, or, conversely, too humid. In addition, this is a significant time saving - the workpiece is ready for further processing in literally 5 - 6 hours.

After the specified time has passed, you need to twist the wilted raw materials so that the juice begins to release. This is one of the most important points when fermenting. The released liquid contains many useful substances; the more of it comes out, the tastier and more aromatic the tea will be.

There are several ways to carry out this procedure. You can roll 5-7 leaves into rolls, and then cut them - this will make a small-leaf tea. You can simply mash the ingredients well in a bowl until they become damp - this will already be large-leaf tea. Another interesting way to prepare for fermentation is to grind vegetable raw materials in a meat grinder. This will already be a granular version.

Next, the workpiece must be placed in a bowl or any other suitable container. Cover the top with a damp cloth and leave to ferment. This process usually takes between five and nine hours. As soon as a strong fruity aroma appears, you can proceed to drying.

Air temperature is very important for fermentation. About 26 degrees is considered optimal. If the room is cold, then the cup with leaves can be wrapped in a warm blanket. If the temperature is too high, you should find a cool place, otherwise the finished tea will acquire a not very pleasant smell.

Fermented leaves are laid out on a baking sheet and placed in the oven at 100 degrees until completely dry. It is important to catch the moment when the future tea leaves have already dried. Over-drying will cause the taste and aroma to become less intense.

Determining readiness is quite simple - if, when pressed, the leaves break and do not crumple, then you can take them out of the oven. This tea should be stored in fabric bags or glass jars in a dark, cool room.

By the way, the collected leaves can be frozen. It is believed that this way all the beneficial substances are preserved much better. But many note that this preparation is less aromatic than the dried one.

Of course, if there is no place to lay out the leaves, and you don’t want to use the oven so as not to lose even some of the beneficial properties, then it is best to freeze the leaves. To do this, the collected raw materials need to be washed well, dried, cut into pieces and placed in bags. It is worth giving the workpiece a flat shape - this will make it easier to store in the refrigerator and then defrost faster.

There is nothing complicated about preparing currant leaves for the winter for a tasty and healthy infusion. You just need to choose the right time to collect and dry or freeze the leaves. And then in winter you can not only enjoy aromatic tea, but also forget about colds.

Fermentation of leaves

Some experts prefer not the usual drying method, but the fermented one. They claim that it allows you to get a richer taste and aroma of currant tea.

Instructions:

1. The collected leaves should be left for 5-6 hours in a warm (but not hot!) room so that they wilt slightly.
2. After this they need to be crushed. Here everyone acts at their own discretion. Some experts simply crush the leaves with their hands, rolling them into plump sausages. Others are put through a meat grinder. Still others are laid out on the table and kneaded with a rolling pin. The main condition is that the leaves must give juice.
3. Now the entire mass should be placed in a thick layer in a basin, pan or bucket, covered with gauze and left for 10-12 hours. The optimal temperature is +25-28 degrees Celsius.
4. After this time, a pleasant smell of flowers begins to emanate from the greenery. This means that the fermentation process was successful.
5. All that remains is to dry the fermented greens using any of the methods listed above.

How to prepare a healthy tincture of currant leaves?

Currant tincture made from leaves collected in early spring is no less useful. For her, they are washed, dried and laid out in glass containers to the brim. Fill with high-quality vodka and place in a dark corner to steep for 24 hours.

After the allotted time has passed, filter and pour into bottles. In a similar way, moonshine is made using currant leaves.

A wine drink made with berries and currant leaves turns out delicious. It will require:

• 600 g berries;
• 55-60 currant leaves;
• 110 g granulated sugar;
• 1 liter of vodka.

Grind the fruits with sugar and mix with the leaves. Vodka is poured into the resulting composition and kept in the dark for up to five weeks. With this harvesting method, all useful components completely flow into alcohol.

Natural product for cleansing, moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin

Currant leaf is actively used in cosmetology due to the presence of vitamins B, PP, A, C and organic acids. Under their gentle influence, the skin is moisturized, tightened and restored.

Leaf treatment for acne:

• 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials, pour 100 ml of boiling water;
• leave for 20-30 minutes and strain.
• make compresses with the infusion, leaving it on problem areas of the skin for 25-30 minutes. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.

A tonic is considered no less effective for cleansing pores and improving cell metabolism. It is prepared from 20 g of leaf collection and 200 ml of water. The mixture, covered with a lid, is boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, then filtered and poured into a container with a dispenser.

The vitamin components contained in each leaf are the main helpers for maintaining a youthful face. To achieve the desired result, it is recommended to periodically conduct a seven-day course of berry spa therapy. Recipe in the picture.

Anti-wrinkle mask with essential oil

How to store

Simply dried leaves that are not subject to the fermentation process must be stored in a dry place at room temperature. In this case, they need to be crushed and placed in paper bags or bags made from natural linen fabric.

Leaves that have undergone fermentation are stored like regular tea - in a dark, dry place in an airtight container.

In the natural environment

Immediately after drying, place the herbs into glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Please note that containers must be completely dry and preferably sterilized. If you close the herb in a slightly damp jar, then over time mold and mildew will appear there and the collection will deteriorate.

Instead of glass containers, you can take paper bags or bags made from natural fabrics. For convenience, you can break the raw materials into pieces; this will not affect the quality of the product:

1. Store jars, bags, packages in a dark and dry place. Storage temperature should be room temperature. Kitchen cabinets or pantries are best for storage.
2. Never store herbal teas near odorous foods or spices.
3. Do not store the collection in cabinets above the stove, where the temperature and humidity levels often rise. This will have a detrimental effect on the dried products; you will no longer be able to use them.

Any dried herbal teas can be stored for 2-3 years. They retain their useful maximum for that long. But you shouldn’t store the blanks for so long; update them annually.

Important ! If dried herbal collection is stored incorrectly or for a long time, midges, bugs or larvae may appear in it. Inspect the preparations every month to avoid the appearance of harmful insects.

Is it worth freezing?

Freezing allows you to create a kind of semi-finished product from currant leaves, which retains the maximum of its original benefits. However, the aroma of such raw materials is weakly expressed, as is the taste.

This method of storing collections has some nuances:

1. Before final freezing, the leaves need to be cut into portions and placed in plastic portion bags. Be sure to release the air from the bags to avoid breaking the seal.
2. Repeated freezing will not benefit the harvest. So think about the packaging technology in advance so that each portion is used immediately without leaving any residue.
3. Some people prefer to flatten each bag and freeze the leaves in that shape. This method allows you to break off the right amount each time without defrosting the entire bag. Leftovers can be safely returned to the freezer without loss.

Use of dried currant leaf

The most common purpose of dried currant leaves is to use them as tea leaves. In addition, their infusion can also be used for medicinal purposes.

In cooking

Currant leaves are used in many canning recipes. It is added when pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, apples, and mushrooms. It is preferable to use fresh currant leaves for these purposes, but nothing prevents you from using dried ones instead if there are no greens on the bushes at that time. Dried currant leaves are often added to berry fruit drinks and mousses, as well as to alcoholic drinks infused with berries and herbs.

However, most gardeners who prepare dried currant leaves use it for brewing instead of traditional tea. This drink is a wonderful tonic; it is not only tasty, but also healthy.

What components can be combined with?

The taste and medicinal properties of black currant leaves can be diversified by combining them with other beneficial plants. For example:

• raspberries or raspberry leaves,
• cherry,
• mint,
• red currants,
• juniper,
• almonds,
• gooseberries,
• strawberries and others.

And also lemon and honey.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to freeze currant leaves?

Yes. To do this, the currant greens are cut into pieces and placed in portions in bags. It is important to release the air from them or create a vacuum with a special device (vacuumizer). Then put it in the freezer. After freezing, the plant retains its beneficial properties, but becomes less fragrant. Therefore, drying is preferable.

Are there any contraindications to the use of drinks made from currant leaves?

Greens are rich in biologically active substances, so its use is best avoided by patients with the following diseases and conditions:

• allergy to components;
• gastritis with high acidity;
• ulcer;
• blood clotting disorders;
• thrombophlebitis.

Under medical supervision, currant leaf drinks can be taken by pregnant, lactating women, children, the elderly, patients taking anticoagulants, etc.

How long can currant leaves be stored?

It depends on the condition and storage conditions of the raw materials:

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Indications for use

The use of medicinal drinks prepared on the basis of black currant leaves is aimed at speedy recovery of a person, and are also used as a preventive and auxiliary means for promoting health. Main indications for using the plant:

• Frequent colds, viruses, upper respiratory tract diseases.
• Weakened immunity, vitamin deficiency and associated loss of strength, apathy, lethargy.
• Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
• Diseases associated with the genitourinary system, such as pyelonephritis, cystitis, etc.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (excluding ulcers)

Tea with blackcurrant leaves is beneficial for older people, as they often use synthetic drugs that suppress the immune system.

The beneficial properties of decoctions and infusions of black currant leaves in cosmetology are especially relevant for skin inflammation, as a wound healing agent.

The tonic properties of drinks made from black currant leaves improve the well-being of patients with diabetes, making their vascular system stronger and normalizing blood pressure.