How to dry currant leaves for tea

Tea is considered to be the most popular drink in the world. Many people have heard about the ceremonies held in ancient times. When choosing a product, consumers are faced with prohibitively high prices for a high-quality variety of raw materials. Involuntarily, the thought of brewing a drink from existing plants comes to mind. In order not to doubt the quality of the selected tea, you can make it yourself from currant leaves. Consider the basic aspects in order, we give practical advice.

The benefits of currant leaves

1. The raw material contains a large amount of oil esters, ascorbic acid and volatile production. Also in the composition there are micro-and macronutrients that beneficially affect the immune system.
2. With regular use of currant tea a person is less sick, feels cheerful. His "fighting spirit" rises, insomnia disappears, psycho-emotional background stabilizes.
3. Currant leaves prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors. If you drink tea at least 100 ml. per day, the blood glucose level is normalized. The latter aspect helps people with diabetes to lead a full life.

The time of collection of currant leaves

1. Proceed to the collection of raw materials only after the full blooming of the leaves. Do not rush to tear off wet specimens, the procedure is preferable to carry out after drying the bush. Collect raw materials in the morning before the sun comes out.
2. If you use the leaves as a useful tea, it should be borne in mind that the best time to gather is carried out from May to June. At this time, the bush is not beginning to bloom, the leaves remain juicy and young.
3. If, for any reason, the collection failed at the appointed time, the procedure can be postponed. Pluck saturated green leaves, they have a slightly lower vitamin content (about 10%).In any case, the aroma and taste will not lose its richness.

Method number 1. Drying leaves naturally

1. After reviewing the rules for collecting leaves for tea, we can assume that half of the way is covered. Now you need to prepare raw materials for further use.
2. Choose a place for drying that meets three main criteria - dry air, the absence of direct ultraviolet radiation, heat. After choosing a place, start laying out the raw materials.
3. Select the substrate on which the berry leaves will lie. Suitable polyethylene film, gauze fabric or album sheets. Do not use newspapers to prevent ink from imprinting on the leaves.
4. Lay out the raw material in one row, ensuring uniform drying. Leave to dry completely, periodically check the leaves for rot. Exclude spoiled copies, immediately change the substrate.
5. To assess the readiness of tea leaves, it is enough to take one of them and check for fragility. If the product breaks immediately, drying is complete.
6. Choose a plastic container or glass jar for storage. Make sure the container and the lid are dry. Even a small drop of liquid will trigger mold.Send leaves in a container, cork, keep in a dark place.

Method number 2. Drying leaves in the oven

1. Go through the leaves, exclude rotten copies. Take a baking sheet, cover it with parchment baking paper. Spread the raw material in one row so that the leaves do not touch each other.
2. Turn on the oven at 100 degrees, reheat for a quarter of an hour. After that, reduce the power to 80 degrees, send a baking sheet inside.
3. Dry the leaves for about 30 minutes, periodically checking them for readiness. After half an hour, open the door slightly to allow the steam to escape.
4. On the readiness of the currant leaves will tell you the structure. Raw materials should become fragile. Take a leaf in your hand, try to break it.
5. Some housewives prefer to chop currant leaves in a blender or coffee grinder. You can do the same, it all depends on personal preference.
6. Next, collect the composition in a dry jar or container, send for long storage in a dark place. It is advisable to keep the product away from sunlight and household appliances.

Method number 3. Drying leaves by fermentation

1. First you need to collect the leaves in the "right" time. After that, put the raw material on a clean paper or gauze fabric, leave for 20 hours in a cool and dark room.
2. In the process of preliminary preparation constantly stir the leaves. After the specified period, take 7-10 leaves. Begin to twist them until the liquid is released.
3. Pick up the glassware, place in it the prepared tea rolls. Cover the top with a damp cotton cloth. Leave the workpiece in a warm room.
4. Do not forget to check the leaves. You also need to constantly moisten the fabric when it dries. On the readiness of the composition will tell you the delicious aroma of currants.
5. Now you need to chop the leaves. To do this, chop them with scissors or break their hands. Spread the baking sheet with parchment, place the raw material on top. Preheat oven to 90 degrees, send leaves for drying.
6. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour. Periodically check the raw materials for readiness. When the leaves are dry, cool them and send them to a sealed glass jar. Keep in darkness and dryness.

Currant tea: a recipe

• drinking water - 475 ml.
• honey - quantity at the discretion
• currant leaves - 25 gr.

1. Rinse the clay or porcelain teapot, scald it with boiling water. Pour in the leaves, cover with boiled hot water, cover the kettle with a lid.
2. Put a terry towel on top to keep warm. Insist tea a third of an hour, then use the finished product as a tea brew.
3. Use sweeteners (sugar or honey), taking into account personal preferences. Optionally, you can cook tea leaves of currant and raspberry leaves at the same time.

The use of currant leaves in cosmetology

1. Lotion. Prepare a decoction of 1 handful of dried raw materials and 1.2 liters. boiling water. Let the mixture stand for 3-5 hours, then pass the mixture through a gauze and cotton filter. Dampen in the infusion cosmetic sponge, wipe your face 2 times a day, or use a decoction when washing.
2. Mask. Grind 35-45 gr. dried leaves in a coffee grinder or blender to get a powder. Dilute the composition with hot water to form a paste. Spread the product over the entire face area, paying due attention to the T-shaped area, chin, forehead.Leave the mask to dry completely, then rinse with warm water and apply the cream.

It is easy to dry the currant leaves for tea, if you have knowledge and follow clear instructions. Carry out the procedure through fermentation, consider options for preparing raw materials in the oven and naturally. Prepare a leaf tea that boosts immunity and prevents insomnia. Make a mask or lotion to feel all the delights of currant leaves.

Video: Cooking tea from the leaves of black currant