Hawthorn is a shrub or small tree from the Rosaceae family. Its fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, which is why it is often used as a therapeutic and preventive remedy for many diseases.
Therefore, when preparing winter supplies, you need to know how to dry hawthorn fruits in order to preserve the useful product for as long as possible. There are several main methods for drying hawthorn at home, after familiarizing yourself with which you can choose the most optimal one for yourself.
Beneficial properties of dried hawthorn and contraindications
Hawthorn has a rich taste and extremely beneficial composition. Due to its natural origin, it is often used as a safer alternative to medications. Berries have a complex effect on the body. When dried at home, the amount of vitamins and minerals in the composition is practically not reduced. The positive effect on health is due to the content of the following elements:
- ascorbic acid;
- fructose;
- pectins;
- vitamins of groups K, C, A and E;
- flavonoids;
- minerals (zinc, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium);
- quercitrin;
- ursolic acid;
- vitexin;
- caffeic acid.
The fruits of the bush have a significant effect on the cardiovascular and nervous system. They improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels. That is why berries are widely used in alternative medicine. The beneficial properties of dried hawthorn are as follows:
- restoration of blood sugar levels;
- elimination of nervous disorders;
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- blood purification;
- prevention of atherosclerosis;
- removing toxins and free radicals from the body;
- restoration of liver cells;
- eliminating insomnia.
The main function of berries is to normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system. They prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels by removing harmful cholesterol from the body. Due to the large supply of vitamins and minerals, the fruits of the bush strengthen the vascular walls. All this together helps normalize blood circulation. When vital organs receive the required amount of oxygen, they begin to work better. This has a positive effect on a person’s overall well-being.
The fruits of the bush are extremely useful for the digestive tract. They help cope with constipation and flatulence. Dried fruits are often prescribed to people suffering from duodenitis and gastritis. In case of nervous disorders, they have a slight sedative effect on the body without causing drowsiness. In addition, hawthorn is able to regulate blood clotting. It is very useful for low immunity. Regular consumption of the product prevents the development of vitamin deficiency.
Attention! If you are prone to allergies, have low blood pressure and frequent dizziness, you should use hawthorn with caution.
Basic rules for drying fruits
During the process of drying berries, you need to know and adhere to the following principles and features:
- Each individual hawthorn variety has its own drying time interval. The time it takes to receive finished products depends on the quality and grade, as well as the drying method.
- It is better to spread the fruits in a thin layer, so the result will be faster.
- The berries should be stirred periodically, regardless of the choice of drying method.
- Checking the readiness of the product is carried out by clicking on it. If the fruit is soft, then the process should be continued.
- If during the drying period the berry cracks and releases juice, then it must be removed and the area where the juice has been released should be blotted with a towel or napkin.
When is hawthorn harvested for drying?
The collection of berries for further fresh use begins in the first half of October and ends with the first frost. It is during this period that the fruits of the bush contain a maximum of vitamins. For drying at home, it is permissible to pick berries in early September. For these purposes, the most suitable option would be the Siberian variety of hawthorn. It is advisable to collect fruits in warm and dry weather. If you harvest hawthorn after rain or when there is dew, it will take a long time to dry, which can lead to rot or mold.
The inflorescences of the bush are usually collected in late May - early June. During this period, flowering is just beginning. When collecting, you need to pay attention to the buds that are still closed. Blooming inflorescences cannot be collected. It is advisable to cut flowers with special scissors. It is important not to damage the petals during the collection process. The leaves are collected at the same time as the inflorescences. From each branch it is necessary to cut no more than 1/3 of the total amount. Leaves should not be damaged by insects or mold.
How to prepare fruits for drying
After picking berries, you should not leave them in bags or bags for a long time. It is necessary to immediately begin preparing the fruits for drying.
When sending hawthorn to dry, first rinse it thoroughly and leave it in a container with water for 15–20 minutes. While the berries are in the water, remove leaves, stems and other debris. After washing and peeling, place the berries on waffle or paper towels; you can also blot them to remove excess moisture.
How to dry hawthorn at home
Dried hawthorn, the photo of which is presented above, has a lot of useful qualities. It is practically not inferior in value to fresh fruits. Moreover, it can be used in winter, when access to fresh berries and fruits is limited. Drying hawthorn at home must be carried out according to a certain algorithm. The benefit of the final product depends on how well the rules are followed. There are several options for drying hawthorn:
- oven;
- microwave;
- air fryer;
- electric dryer;
- on air.
How to dry hawthorn in the oven
Drying berries is permissible in any convenient way. One of them involves placing the fruits and leaves in an electric or gas oven. This method will allow the moisture to be distributed evenly. To do this, set moderate power. On average, leaves and inflorescences are dried for one and a half hours. Drying berries at home can take several hours.
How to dry hawthorn in an electric oven
Drying hawthorn at home, in the oven, is carried out at low temperatures. This ensures uniform release of moisture. Before placing the baking sheet with the raw materials inside, you should preheat the oven to the desired temperature. The door must be left slightly open. If the stove has a ventilation mode built in, it must be turned on. It is recommended to dry the berries at a temperature of 50-70°C. A temperature of 40°C is suitable for leaves and inflorescences. It is important to stir the raw materials periodically so that the moisture evaporates evenly. Readiness is determined by the appearance of the fruit. They shrink by half, become hard and darker. You can check readiness tactilely. You need to take several berries in your hand and squeeze them forcefully. Properly dried fruits should not stick together and release juice.
Comment! It is undesirable to collect the fruits of shrubs that have grown in close proximity to highways. The most successful place for collection will be a summer cottage or the edge of a forest.
How to dry hawthorn in a gas stove oven
Before drying, you need to preheat the oven to the desired temperature. Meanwhile, the prepared fruits, leaves or inflorescences are placed on a baking sheet in a thin layer. If there are too many raw materials, several baking trays may be needed. After loading the berries into the oven, reduce the gas supply to a minimum. The drying time in this case varies from 4 to 7 hours. The contents of the baking sheet must be stirred with a wooden spatula every hour.
How to dry hawthorn in an electric dryer
An electric dryer is a special device that has several trays. It is sold at any hardware store. Drying hawthorn in an electric dryer is considered the most convenient way to prepare raw materials. Berries are poured onto each of them. Pallets must be changed once a day. Each layer is raised one step higher. The top pallet is moved to the very bottom. This will allow the berries to dry as evenly as possible.
It is important to know the temperature and time for drying hawthorn in an electric dryer. First set the temperature to 60°C. After 2 hours it is reduced to 40°C. After another 2 hours it is returned to its previous level. In total, drying takes about 6 hours.
How to dry hawthorn in the microwave
Microwave drying is suitable if the raw materials are collected in small quantities. Considering that the berries must be placed in one layer, it will not be possible to make large reserves. The advantage of the procedure is its duration. It is 1.5 hours. If hawthorn is present in large quantities, the drying process at home may take 1-2 days. Berries should be dried at 300 W.
How to dry hawthorn in an air fryer
The advantages of an air fryer include the presence of a fan and a heater. The device is controlled using buttons located on the panel. The disadvantages of this drying method include the inability to load large portions. The total duration of the procedure is 8-9 hours.
How to air dry hawthorn correctly
Often the berries are dried in the sun or in a ventilated area. The duration of the process is 4-5 days. A large tray is covered with paper, and berries and bush leaves are laid out on top of it. To ensure uniform evaporation of moisture, it is recommended to stir the raw materials periodically. After sunset, the tray should be removed indoors. In cool weather, you can leave it in the attic.
Important! During air drying, you should change the paper on the tray daily.
Drying flowers and leaves
Only whole flowers and leaves are suitable for drying, not spoiled, without traces of insect activity (black spots, gnawed holes, etc.). They should not be wet, otherwise they will quickly begin to rot. There is no need to rinse them.
Flowers and leaves should be transported from the bush to the house in an open container: a bucket or basket. You cannot use bags, as the plant will suffocate very quickly.
Drying of hawthorn begins immediately after collection. Leaves and flowers are laid out on natural fabric or paper in one layer and placed in a dry, well-ventilated place. The smell of flowers will be attractive to insects, so you should cover the surface with the product with either thin gauze, or use mosquito nets on doors and windows.
During the procedure, leaves and flowers must be shaken and mixed periodically. The product will be ready for use in 7-9 days. The process can be speeded up by using an electric dryer. In it, drying is carried out at a temperature of 40C for approximately 3-4 hours.
How to use dried hawthorn
Dried hawthorn has a wide range of uses. It is often used to prepare various traditional medicines. The beneficial effect on the body is due to its rich vitamin composition. Thanks to this, the fruits of the bush strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to viruses and infections. They also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation. Berries increase the effectiveness of traditional therapy and can be used as a prophylactic agent. Indications for use are as follows:
- atherosclerosis;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- impaired metabolism;
- prostatitis;
- heart failure;
- vascular pathologies;
- high blood pressure;
- vascular pathologies.
Based on dried hawthorn, a tincture, decoction, vitamin tea or infusion is prepared. For each disease there is a specific recipe for preparing a medicine. The benefits of berries include their gentle effect on the body. Unlike medications, they rarely cause side effects. Sweet lovers replenish the supply of vitamins in the body by eating jam or hawthorn jam.
Using dried berries
Dried berries are added to tea, coffee, and compotes. Vitamin decoctions and tinctures are prepared from the dried fruits, which can be taken both hot and cold.
Dry fruits can be ground in a coffee grinder and added to flour. This mixture is used for baking bread and pies. The finished baked goods will have a light berry taste and will also be rich in beneficial microelements.
Hawthorn is good as a sedative for stress and nervous overload. Helps with eating disorders as it has astringent properties. But when consuming, you should remember that these berries lower blood pressure and can disrupt your heart rhythm. In order not to harm your health, consultation and approval of a doctor is necessary before taking it.
Properly collected and dried hawthorn retains its beneficial and healing properties throughout the winter. It will help strengthen the immune system and restore physical strength after colds and flu. Therefore, it is worth spending a little effort and time preparing and drying this wonderful berry.
Is it possible to dry fruits in the sun?
Hawthorn berries can also be dried in the sun. How to dry hawthorn this way? It is necessary to cover a tray with paper and place the fruits on it in a thin layer. The time of this process is approximately 4-5 days. It is advisable to stir more often. By evening, while the dew has not yet fallen, the hawthorn should be removed indoors. The paper needs to be changed daily.
The result of the finished dried hawthorn is that the color of the fruit changes to red-brown - this indicates that the process was successful.
Recipes
Hawthorn can be dried with the addition of various spices . For example, cinnamon, bergamot or almond. Ginger is also sometimes added to hawthorn. It will come with a spicy aroma. This berry is good for tea and mulled wine.
Hawthorn is also dried for flavor with apples and pears. The smell of compote made from these ingredients is simply divine. Add citrus peels to suit your taste.
Drying boyarka in an electric dryer
This technique is great for the drying process, so you just need to monitor the temperature.
Stages:
- The plant should be evenly spread out in a special mesh container.
- If there are few fruits, then place the tray in the middle part. This technique perfectly removes moisture and does not allow the raw material to burn.
Correct drying temperature in an electric dryer
Only after the tray is placed inside the dryer can it be turned on. The optimal temperature is 60 C. After a few hours, lower the temperature by a third so that moisture evaporates slowly and condensation does not accumulate. Also, after a few hours, set the temperature to the previous value.
The time required for the berries to dry completely is 6 hours.
Rules for brewing hawthorn
It is necessary to use dried hawthorn berries correctly to get maximum benefits. There are many recipes, from which the most popular and simplest options have been selected.
How to properly brew dried hawthorn in a thermos
This is the most convenient way of steaming, during which the berry will impart maximum beneficial properties to the liquid, and the drink will have a rich taste.
To prepare, just place 400 g of dried fruits in a thermos and pour 1 liter of boiling water over them. You shouldn’t close it with a stopper right away; you need to let the composition “breathe” for three minutes. The total exposure time is about 8-10 hours.
Hawthorn can also be brewed in a thermos with other beneficial herbs to achieve maximum results. This infusion is used for stress, angina, dizziness and fatigue.
Compote of dried berries
Instead of useless juices sold in stores, you can make homemade healthy compote to restore your strength.
Pour 2 liters of clean water into a saucepan, throw in 0.5 kg of dried berries and cook the hawthorn for 30 minutes, and then add 1 cup of granulated sugar, wait for all the crystals to dissolve, and turn off the stove. Let it brew for about 1 hour and you can pour it into mugs.
The compote will have a more original taste if you add herbs or spices to the composition. Thyme, lemon balm, vanilla, mint, cinnamon or nutmeg are great for this. The proportions of sugar can be changed at your discretion.
Strengthening tea
In winter, it is sometimes very useful to brew restorative tea, which contains 1 glass of dried rosehip and hawthorn, 1 lemon, 1 tbsp. l. dried hawthorn inflorescences and 1.5 liters of purified water.
Place all the described ingredients, except lemon, in a kettle (not electric), bring to a boil, turn off and wrap the dish in a thick blanket overnight. In the morning, strain the contents, pour into glasses and put a slice of lemon in them. Instead of sugar, it is better to add honey for sweetness.
Proper storage of the product
The drying process preserves all the vitamins and beneficial properties in any plant, but in order for it to be stored for a long time and consumed throughout the year, certain rules must be followed, including:
- The finished product should be left in paper bags only for a while so that the paper absorbs the remaining moisture. For storage you need to use glass, ceramic containers or plastic containers with attached lids. Under no circumstances should moisture or insects get inside.
- Containers should be kept in constantly ventilated, dry rooms with an air temperature of 10-18 C.
- Never use fabric bags for storage. This applies not only to hawthorn, but also to other dried products. They will quickly become damp and moths and other pests will get there.
Note!
Do not allow containers to come into contact with direct sunlight.
Chemical composition of dried hawthorn
The berries ripen in early autumn. To use vitamin fruits all year round, they can be dried using various methods.
Dry hawthorn fruits are characterized by a high concentration of vitamins, nutrients and beneficial substances.
The berries contain:
- ascorbic acid;
- a nicotinic acid;
- vitamins A and K;
- B vitamins
Macro and microelements:
- choline;
- iodine;
- magnesium;
- manganese;
- potassium;
- iron;
- calcium;
- cobalt;
- boron;
- copper
And this is not the entire list of minerals that make up vitamin fruits.
The berries also contain a high concentration of acids and sugars that are beneficial to the human body:
- ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties;
- chlorogenic acid promotes the proper functioning of the liver, biliary tract and kidneys;
- Oleanic acid stabilizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- organic acids are directly involved in metabolic processes and contribute to the production of hormones necessary for the body to function;
- Dietary fiber and tannins are responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive organs and rid the body of harmful and toxic accumulations.
Fresh fruits of the boyarka are low-calorie. But in dried form, the concentration of substances in the berries increases, which leads to an increase in the calorie content of the product. There are 142 energy units per 100 grams of dry berries. Therefore, during strict diets and weight loss, dried hawthorn is consumed in minimal quantities.
Important! Hawthorn contains substances that reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How to determine product readiness
Determination of readiness is possible based on several criteria. This:
- appearance;
- pulp hardness;
- presence/absence of stickiness;
- finished product size;
- color.
Well-dried hawthorn fruits become more than 2 times smaller. They are wrinkled and much darker than raw berries.
Readiness can be checked by simple tactile sensations. To do this, take a handful of berries and squeeze them. If juice appears, you need to continue the drying process. If the berries stick to each other, it means they have not dried enough. Smooth fruits without wrinkling indicate incomplete readiness and the need to continue the procedure.
But well-dried hawthorn is flexible. The berries are firm and dark burgundy in color. But if they begin to crumble when pressed, then the product is too dry. The benefit from them is minimal.
