A tea made from raspberry leaves has a permanent place in natural medicine. In particular, expectant mothers who are about to give birth can benefit from the effect. Preparing tea can also have a soothing effect on mild stomach and intestinal problems. If you cultivate raspberry plants in your own garden, it is worth drying the leaves yourself so that you can always rely on a he althy supply.
How to dry raspberry leaves correctly?
Raspberry leaves should be washed to dry, laid out on kitchen paper or kitchen towel and dried in an airy, warm place. When sufficiently dry, when they rustle and crumble, they can be packed in tight containers for tea storage.
When and how should raspberry leaves be harvested?
Young, light green leaves contain most of the active ingredients. You can pluck these individually from the canes or cut off entire branches and then break off the leaves.
Cleaning leaves
Since raspberry leaves can be contaminated by dust, soil and insects, you should wash them carefully before drying:
- Put water in the sink and add the papers.
- Swirl briefly in the water and place in a sieve.
- Pour fresh water and rinse the leaves thoroughly again.
- Then dry in a salad spinner or with kitchen paper.
Drying raspberry leaves
So that the valuable ingredients are preserved, you should proceed as follows when drying:
- Spread kitchen paper or a kitchen towel on a wire rack.
- Place the leaves in a loose layer on the base.
- Place the dry items in an airy, warm place.
- Check and turn daily so that the raspberry leaves dry quickly and evenly.
- If the raspberry leaves rustle when touched and can be crumbled between your fingers, you can pack the tea in dark, tightly fitting containers.
Drying in the dehydrator
Raspberry leaves can also be dried in a dehydrator:
- To do this, place the leaves on the rack and put them in the dehydrator.
- Set the lowest temperature to preserve as many ingredients as possible.
Preparing the tea
- For each cup you need two teaspoons of raspberry leaves, which you rub between your fingers before preparing.
- Place the leaves in a strainer or tea bag
- Pour boiling water over it.
- The steeping time is five to ten minutes.
Raspberry leaf tea tastes very delicious when you mix it with blackberry leaves or other herbal teas.
Tip
To avoid painful injuries, wear gloves when harvesting raspberry leaves on raspberry plants with spines.
