Valerian is notorious as a cat herb, but is also highly valued as a medicinal herb. Did you know that you can grow it yourself in the garden? Read here how to properly harvest, dry and store valerian so that you benefit from its positive effects.
How is valerian dried correctly?
If you want to dry valerian, then pay attention to the harvest time of the various parts of the plant. Harvest the leaves before flowering and the roots only in autumn from the second year onwards. Cut the cleaned roots into small pieces to reduce drying time.
Which parts of valerian plant can be dried?
Practicallyall parts of the plantcan be harvested and dried from real valerian (bot. Valeriana officinalis), i.e. roots, leaves and the pretty valerian flowers. The latter are ideal as edible decorations or for tea infusion. By the way, they are rarely found in stores. So it's worth growing valerian yourself.
When is the best time to harvest valerian for drying?
The harvest time for valerian ranges fromMay to mid-October. It essentially depends on which parts of the plant you want to use:
- Valerian leaves: May to June
- Valerian blossom: June to July
- Valerian root: September to mid-October
The leaves should be harvested before the flowering period begins, the flowers when they have just bloomed. The roots of valerian need some time to fully develop their healing effects. They are only harvested from the second year onwards. Always leave some roots left so that you can harvest again in the following years.
What should I consider when drying valerian?
After digging up the valerian root, you should clean it thoroughly and then chop it up (chop or grate it). Then dry the roots on a rack in a warm, shady place. However, this takes some time. The valerian dries faster in the oven at around 45 °C or in a dehydrator. The valerian flower is quite delicate and sensitive, so it should be dried particularly gently. Cut the stems long enough so that you can tie them into a bouquet and hang them upside down (with the flowers facing down) in an airy place.
How do I store dried valerian correctly?
Dried valerian is best stored in a dry, cool and dark place, like other herbs. Airtight jars or light-tight containers are ideal. This means your valerian will last for several months.
How can I use dried valerian?
You can make a tasty tea from the dried valerian flowers; the leaves are also suitable for this. Valerian tea has a relaxing and calming effect, as does a tincture. However, this is made from valerian root.
Tip
Use fresh valerian
Valerian leaves and flowers can also be used fresh. Refine your salad or dessert with the decorative flowers. You can prepare a delicious salad from the young valerian leaves. The taste will certainly remind you of lamb's lettuce.
