How to dry hawthorn at home

Hawthorn is not only delicious, but also a medicinal berry, which is common in medicine. For this purpose, in addition to fresh, dried berries are also used. Drying fruits with preservation of their useful properties is not a simple task, but it is quite solvable. Further in the article you will learn how and when to collect hawthorn, what it is useful, as well as ways of drying and several culinary recipes from hawthorn.

When and how to pick hawthorns for drying

Hawthorn ripening occurs closer to fall, around the end of August and early September. Fully ripe, it has the maximum concentration of vitamins, and overripe fruit after some time of storage will gradually become covered with mold, making it unfit for consumption. Maturity can be determined by its dark red color and sweet, tart taste. Gathering hawthorns that grow near highways or industrial areas is undesirable because the berry may have a high content of toxic substances. The following rules are considered necessary when picking:

1. Gather only in clear sunny weather, so that during drying no mold appears.
2. The best time to pick berries is near lunchtime, so the morning dew dries off the leaves and inflorescences.
3. You can pick the fruit only after making sure that the plant is healthy. Signs of health: no mold, as well as rust on the branches and leaves.
4. Pick before the first frost, otherwise the fruit damaged by the cold will not be usable.
5. After the fruits are picked, they should be cleaned of leaves and twigs, as well as spoiled (damaged) berries.

In addition to fruits, all the components of hawthorn (leaves, flowers and even bark) are used for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to collect the flowers and leaves of the plant during the period when they are in bloom - from May to June. Leaves will be more useful if they are collected until the flowers appear. The bark is harvested in early spring when the sap is active. This is when it easily comes away from the trunk, releasing the passoka.

How to prepare the fruits for drying

After collecting berries should not leave them for a long time in bags or sacks. It is necessary to immediately begin preparing the fruits for drying.

Sending the hawthorn to dry, it should first be thoroughly rinsed and left in a bowl of water for about 15-20 minutes. While the berries are in the water, remove leaves, stalks and other debris. After rinsing and cleaning, spread the berries on waffle or paper towels, and you can also blot them to remove excess moisture.

Basic rules of fruit drying

During the process of drying berries, it is necessary to know and adhere to the following principles and peculiarities:

1. For each individual variety of hawthorn there is a different time interval for drying. The time of the finished product depends on the quality and variety, as well as on the method of drying.
2. It is better to spread the fruits in a thin layer, so the result will be faster.
3. Berries should be stirred periodically, regardless of the choice of drying method.
4. Check the readiness of the product by pressing on it. If the fruit is soft, you should continue the process.
5. If during drying the berry gave a crack and releases juice, it should be removed, and the place where the juice was released, blot with a towel or napkin.

How to dry hawthorn properly

There are five ways to dry hawthorn berries: in the sun, in an oven, in an electric dryer, in a microwave oven and in an aerogrill. Each method helps the fruit to retain its nutrients and vitamins for a long period of time. The choice of method depends on convenience and time constraints.

In the oven

Drying hawthorn berries in the oven is one of the most gentle methods with respect to the vitamins and beneficial substances that are contained in the berries.

Before sending the prepared fruit into the oven it should be heated to 45 degrees. While the oven is heating, spread the berries in a thin layer on a clean and wiped dry tray so that they do not touch each other. Do not close the door of the oven completely, because the moisture coming out of the hawthorn berries will accumulate inside. When the berries begin to wrinkle, the temperature in the oven should be raised to 70 degrees, no higher, otherwise the hawthorn can burn.

The drying procedure itself can take from 4 to 7 hours. It depends on the variety, size and ripeness of berries. Readiness is checked by squeezing them in your hand. The dryness of the fruit and the absence of juice in them indicates that they are completely dried.

In an electric dryer

An electric dryer is a special device with several trays for products. This type of drying is considered one of the easiest. Peeled and rinsed fruits should be distributed on the trays in a thin layer to dry evenly. Unlike the oven drying method, the temperature in an electric dryer is set after the tray with berries is placed.

Initially the temperature in the dryer should be set to 60 degrees, after a few hours it is reduced to 40, then repeat the cycle of adjusting until the berries are ready. The entire drying process in an electric dryer takes 6 to 8 hours.

In a microwave oven.

Drying hawthorn berries in a microwave oven is a very time-consuming and energy-consuming process. Distribute the fruits on the tray of the microwave, the power at the beginning of drying should be set to 300 watts, increasing to 600 in the middle of drying, and at the end to reduce again to 300. The duration of the procedure depends on the power of the equipment and the density of the fruit on the tray.

This method is inefficient, because often after the microwave berries need to finish drying. Even if they look dry, there will be moisture inside. It is believed that drying hawthorns this way is undesirable due to the loss of fruit useful properties under the influence of microwaves. This method is excellent for those who have collected a small volume of berries.

In an aerogrill

The method of drying hawthorns with an air grill is one of the fastest. In an air grill, berries can quickly burn, so you need to constantly monitor them, which is a disadvantage. The drying process lasts about 4 hours, during which the temperature must be changed from 60 to 30 degrees several times. The readiness of the berries is easy to determine, as in the previous methods.

In the sun

It is not necessary to dry hawthorn berries in special devices. You can use the long-known method - drying in the sun. This method is longer, but its main advantage is the preservation in the fruit of all their useful properties. After proper preparation, the berries should be spread out on a surface covered with a cloth or paper. The surface can be kitchen planks, a baking tray, plastic trays, plywood or grids.

Care should be taken to keep the hawthorns out of direct sunlight or raindrops in inclement weather. During the procedure, the berries should be stirred so that they dry evenly. If the weather outside is sunny and hot, usually 6-12 days is enough to fully dry the fruits. At night, it is advisable to bring the hawthorns indoors to prevent dampness on the product. If moisture appears on the substrate, it should be replaced with a dry one. When the process is finished, the berries should be left in the sun for an hour so that the moisture has completely evaporated from them. It is important to remember to ventilate the room where the hawthorn is located.

Proper storage of dried hawthorn

To store dried fruits, only those containers that are made of natural materials will be suitable. For example:

• cloth bags;
• Boxes made of wood or cardboard;
• Paper bags;
• Glass containers.

The fruits should "breathe", so it is not necessary to close them tightly. Do not store hawthorn in plastic bags or plastic containers, as they will deteriorate quickly, also moths can infest. Raw can be stored in the right container in compliance with all conditions from 1 to 8 years, but it is believed that it is useful only 2 years. The room where hawthorn is stored should be without excess moisture and with good air circulation. The temperature should vary from +10 to +20 degrees. When preparing a special container, remember that dried hawthorn is four times smaller in volume than fresh hawthorn.

What is the usefulness of dried hawthorn

Today, hawthorn, due to the presence in it of a rich composition of useful substances, plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases by folk and drug methods. Along with a high content of ascorbic acid (90 mg per 100 g), hawthorn berries contain acids necessary for the body, many vitamins such as E, A, K and beta-carotene, as well as a large number of macro-and micronutrients. One of the most important substances of this plant is ursolic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic effects, and also has a vasodilator effect and serves as a stimulant for cardiac activity.

Dried hawthorn berries, which contain tannins, provide stimulation of skin cell regeneration. In addition to a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, their use provides a decrease in blood glucose. Berries are a choleretic remedy.

Hawthorn berries are used with a doctor's prescription for the following diseases:

• vegetovascular dystonia;
• Decreased immunity after diseases;
• avitaminosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• tachycardia;
• hypertension;
• dermatitis;
• nervous overstimulation in the presence of stressful situations;
• epilepsy;
• obesity;
• metabolic disorders;
• arthritis;
• bile stagnation;
• headaches.

In addition to berries, hawthorn kernels also have useful properties. Essential oils contained in them have antiviral, immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties. All the constituent elements of the plant have beneficial effects on all processes of the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation.

Hawthorn has medicinal properties:

1. Favorably affects male health in prostatitis, as well as prostate diseases (reduces swelling).
2. Helps improve blood circulation in the genital organs.
3. Increases the production of prostate secretion.
4. Normalizes sexual function.

In addition to male health, hawthorn can help with female illnesses:

• Menopausal syndrome, which occurs during menopause;
• relief of premenstrual syndrome;
• Overstimulation that occurs with menopause.

During pregnancy, hawthorn should be taken only after consulting your doctor, who will prescribe the necessary dosage. In the absence of contraindications, only decoctions and water infusions can be taken. Pregnant hawthorn helps:

• relieve swelling;
• Have an antiviral effect;
• normalize heart rhythm;
• Eliminate problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• Strengthen the immune system.

The use of hawthorn is contraindicated to nursing women. This is due to the unpredictable effect on the baby's body. When taken together with the mother's milk, the substances that make up the fetus can cause a violation of blood pressure and cardiac activity of the baby. Also, the baby can become overexcited for a long time. There can also be the opposite effect - drowsiness and weakness. Children can be given infusions of hawthorn or compotes with its addition only from the age of 12 years for the prevention of tachycardia or for general strengthening.

Cosmetic products based on hawthorn tonify the skin, relieve swelling, help to restore moisture and eliminate the effects of age-related changes.

In order to obtain a positive therapeutic effect, preparations based on the plant should be taken for quite a long time. But unlike drugs on a chemical basis, such drugs do not harm the body and have no side effects.

Contraindications
Despite the benefits, the negative effects of hawthorn on the human body are also possible. As stated earlier, it should be taken with caution by pregnant women and completely limit nursing women.

High blood pressure and heart rhythm failure can also occur in a healthy person with a high dosage of hawthorn, so it is recommended that no more than 200 g of berries per day. Hawthorn is contraindicated and may have side effects:

1. Allergy to herbal preparations, including hawthorn.
2. Peptic ulcer.
3. Bradycardia.
4. Individual intolerance.
5. A tendency to constipation, as well as serious diseases of the digestive tract.
6. Low blood pressure.
7. Gastritis - it is forbidden to use fruits and medicines from it on an empty stomach, which can cause GI problems and vomiting.

Recipes from dried hawthorn

Dried hawthorn, in addition to medicine and cosmetology, has long been used in cooking. Preparations for the winter are made not only from dried berries, but also use frozen. Dried hawthorn is used to make wine, compotes, infusions and teas. In cooking it is used to give a spicy note to hot dishes. For confectionery, dried hawthorn is added to flour, pre-milled berries in a coffee grinder, and also added to fillings. To prepare tinctures and decoctions, it is better to take a thermos, so the useful properties are preserved. In addition to the thermos, a water bath or boiling water is used.

In China, cooks add dried ground hawthorn to first courses, stews and fish. In addition to main dishes with the addition of fruits, there is a very popular tea Ba Bao, consisting of herbs, cane sugar and berries, as well as confectionery products filled with hawthorn (marshmallow, marmalade, cookies).

Hawthorn fruit compote

To prepare the compote we need 500 g of hawthorn berries, a glass (200 g) of sugar, 2 liters of pure water.

First, the berries should be rinsed under running water and destroy all foreign impurities. In the compote, you can use white sugar as well as cane sugar, brown sugar and coconut sugar. These varieties will give additional flavor and aroma. Fill the container for brewing 1/3 of the hawthorn, then pour in the sugar and add the liquid. After putting on the fire, bring the compote to a boil. The level of sweetness can be adjusted to your taste, increasing the amount of sugar for more sweetness or adding water to reduce it. For a more original flavor, you can add your favorite spices or herbs (cinnamon, vanilla, mint, nutmeg, melissa or thyme) to the compote. Boil for at least 30 minutes.

Infusion of dried berries

This infusion is prepared for angina, fatigue, stress, and dizziness.

To prepare the infusion, you will need 400 grams of dried berries and 1 liter of boiling water.

Rinse dried hawthorn berries thoroughly under water. Then place in a thermos and pour the required amount of boiling water. To insist hawthorn berries should be at least 10 hours. To get the greatest effect from the use of this infusion should be taken in a third of a glass 3-4 times a day, preferably before meals.

The infusion can also be prepared with the addition of various herbs, depending on the symptomatology.

Tincture of hawthorn for hypertension

To make the tincture will need 4 tablespoons each of dried hawthorn fruits, motherwort herb and wheatgrass herb, as well as 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile inflorescences.

Mix all the ingredients in one container. At 1 tbsp. spoon collection will need 400 ml of boiling water. Allow to infuse for 1-1.5 hours. Take 1 tbsp. 2-3 times daily 30-40 minutes before a meal.

Decoction based on dried berries

The decoction contains 200 ml of boiling water and 1.5 tablespoons of crushed dried berries.

Pour the berries into a bowl and pour the required volume of boiling water. Close the pan with a lid and put it on a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool the prepared broth at room temperature for about 1 hour. Strain the decoction through a sieve, add to it 1 cup of boiled water. Take half a cup twice a day for 30-40 minutes before a meal.

Similarly, you can prepare a decoction of dried hawthorn inflorescences. Take 30-40 minutes before a meal in an amount of 20 ml.

Hawthorn bark is also used in the preparation of decoctions and helps with chills, shortness of breath, GI disorders. Prepare this decoction, as well as other decoctions of hawthorn. At 0.5 liters of boiling water need 0.5 cups of raw materials. Take a quarter cup decoction for 30 minutes before a meal 3 times a day.

Drink from Finland.

The components of this drink are 5 pieces each of dried hawthorn berries and rosehips, 1 slice of ginger, 1 slice of lemon, a few pieces of any dried fruits.

All ingredients are placed in a tightly closed container and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave it for all night long. In the strained drink add honey and you can proceed to consumption.

Tea restorative

The strengthening tea contains 1 cup dried hawthorn berries and dried rose hips, 1 tbsp. dried hawthorn inflorescences, sugar / honey, lemon, 1.5 liters of boiled water.

Pour all the contents (except sugar and lemon) in a thermos, pour water. Infuse the tea all night long. Before drinking, strain, add honey or sugar to taste and a slice of lemon. You can drink such tea no more than 2 glasses a day.

Tea to improve the digestive tract
The composition contains 1 tsp. each of hawthorn berries and rose hips, dried walls of walnuts, black tea leaves, 1 liter of boiled water.

Dried hawthorn and rosehips grind. Mix the crushed components with the partitions and leaves of black tea. Put the contents into a saucepan and pour boiling water. Place on fire and after boiling, reducing the heat, simmer for 5-10 minutes. Before using the tea should infuse. Tea should not drink more than 1 cup per day.

Kvass on the basis of dried hawthorn berries

For making kvass you will need 1 kg of dried hawthorn berries, 30 g of yeast, 200 g of honey or sugar, 10 liters of water.

Grinded hawthorn berries pour boiling water and put on the fire. When brought to a boil, turn off the heat and leave to infuse for 12-14 hours. After straining kvass through a sieve add honey or sugar, yeast and leave in a warm place to mature for 10 hours. Store the finished kvass in a cool place.

"Rehabilitation" tincture

To prepare such a tincture, you need to take 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka (40%), 2 tsp. honey, 1 g cinnamon, 0.5 g vanillin, 100 g of dried hawthorn, juice and zest of half a lemon.

Prepare a tincture very easy. All ingredients put in a glass jar, shake well and send to infuse in a dark place for 20-30 days. During the period of infusion periodically shake the jar. The readiness of the tincture can easily be determined by the light color of the berries and precipitate precipitated at the bottom. It is desirable to filter the tincture before using.

Healing Liqueur

The main components are 200 grams of dried hawthorn, 1 liter of vodka (45%), 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Cinnamon or vanillin can be added to the nalewka to impart an original flavor.

Pour the berries into a glass container, adding the other components. Give it a good stir and cover tightly. Put the nalewka in a dark place for 20-30 days. Readiness to determine the fruit hawthorn. They should be lightened. During the period of aging the container with the nalewka should be shaken. At the end of the period, strain the nalewka by squeezing the berries. Now the product can be poured into bottles. It is ready for consumption.

Mulled wine for the heart

Such a drink will be very useful for the heart and blood vessels.

Mulled wine is made from the following ingredients: 100 grams of dried rosehips and hawthorn, 1 liter of boiled water, 100 grams of sugar (preferably brown), 250 ml of beet and pomegranate juice, spices (for mulled wine) to taste, 2 lemon slices, 100 ml of red semi-dry wine (optional).

Prepare in advance strained decoction based on rose hips and hawthorn, beet and pomegranate juice. If you can not make juices, you can use store bought. Combine the decoction and juices, add spices for mulled wine (to your taste), lemon and sugar. Put the mixture on the fire and heat. Without bringing it to a boil, pour the wine. The drink is ready to drink.

As you can see from the article, drying and storing hawthorn at home using electric devices or just in the air is not difficult at all. The result will be an excellent home remedy for many diseases. But do not forget that the components of hawthorn, especially in combination with other berries and herbs, can have a strong effect on the human body. Therefore, before its use, it is necessarily necessary to consult with a specialist.