Harvesting linden blossom for the winter: when to collect and how to dry?

Many since childhood remember how in the beginning of summer the linden blossom smells nice, and the trees are shrouded in a lush beige veil. Smart people are in a hurry to procure valuable raw materials in order to delight themselves and loved ones with vitamin tea in the winter. Of course, dried linden flowers can also be bought at the pharmacy. But who knows in what area the tree grew? Did the manufacturer comply with the storage rules? The only way to be sure of the quality of the raw materials is to collect and dry the lime color yourself. We will tell you in detail how to do it right.

When and how to collect lime blossom?

The tree begins to bloom from the age of 20. In the central part of Russia, two types of linden are widespread: large-leaved (Tilia platyphyllos) and heart-shaped (Tilia cordata). As a rule, the first blooms in mid-June, and the second in late June and early July. Although due to trends in global warming and climate change, the period may shift even to the end of May.

Flowering lasts only 10-15 days. For collection, the moment is right when most of the linden flowers have blossomed, but there are still unopened buds on the tree. Even bees prefer to get sweet nectar at this time.

Normal conditions for collecting lime blossom are as follows:

• Dry air. You can not pick linden flowers in wet weather or dew, otherwise they will rot in the drying process.
• The first half of the day. But only not earlier than morning. Midday is good for picking, when the buds open to the maximum and are filled with nectar.
• Ecologically clean area. Do not pick flowers from trees that grow close to highways and industrial plants.

Carefully inspect linden flowers during harvest. For harvesting, those that are affected by pests, diseases, black spots, “rust”, twisted, dried up are not suitable. Use scissors to cut each inflorescence along with bracts (look like “wings”). Do not break the tree branches, so as not to harm.

How to dry lime color?

One kilogram of fresh linden flowers gives approximately 300 grams of dry raw materials. How to dry them at home? The following simple methods exist:

On air

Spread linden flowers in a thin layer (no higher than 3 cm) on paper or cotton cloth. Put in a darkened, dry, well-ventilated place. The following options are suitable:

• attic;
• summer terrace;
• plot on the street under a canopy.

Cover the lime color with gauze or another thin, air-permeable cloth. This will protect the raw material from pests. Ted flowers 2-3 times a day so that they do not begin to rot.

Avoid direct exposure to the lime blossom. UV radiation starts the process of photosynthesis - as a result, the flowers lose their healing properties and quickly darken, linden tea turns out to be tasteless from them.

Air drying at home lasts 4-10 days, depending on the amount of feedstock and the time of collection. Properly dried flowers easily crumble and crumble, have a pale yellow color and a faint sweet smell.

In the oven, electric dryer

Many housewives are deprived of the opportunity to dry lime blossom outdoors or indoors - for example, due to high humidity, bad weather. Fortunately, there is another way to save maximum useful substances in raw materials.

Cover the pan with parchment paper and lay out the linden flowers in a thin layer. Set the oven temperature to 40–45 degrees. Dry the raw materials for 2 days. Periodically turn the flowers so that they dry out on all sides.

When using an electric dryer, set the temperature to 35–40 degrees. Drying linden flowers in this mode will take 3-5 days.

Storage rules for dried flowers

Linden flowers should be stored in a dry, darkened room at room temperature. The most suitable way is to lay the raw materials in cloth bags that allow good air permeability, paper bags or cardboard boxes. So lime color will be stored for 2 years without losing useful properties.

If your home is wet, use glass jars or ceramic dishes. But the flowers should "breathe", so do not cover the containers with a lid. It is better to cover the top with gauze (another thin cloth) and wrap it with a rope. Shelf life is 1 year.

Do not store linden blossom in plastic bags, plastic containers. In such conditions, it loses aroma, valuable substances, and sometimes rots.

Composition and benefits of linden flowers

The beneficial properties of the plant are known not only by traditional healers, but also by representatives of traditional medicine. So, Russian scientists E. A. Burkova, V. R. Khabibrakhmanova and A. V. Kanarsky in one of their works in 2015 noted that linden flowers (especially in the form of alcohol tincture) have antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that, by neutralizing free radicals, protect the human body from cancer and slow down the aging process.

In addition, linden blossom has a therapeutic effect on the body:

• sedative;
• painkiller;
• antipyretic;
• anticonvulsant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• diuretic.

Flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, glucose, fructose, maltose, and minerals are well preserved in dry raw materials. A lot of flowers and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and increases the elasticity of blood vessels.

Medicines based on linden blossom can be used not only inside but also externally, for example, for skin rashes. They destroy bacteria, fungi, reduce inflammation.

How to use dry linden flowers?

Most folk recipes can be used for the prevention and treatment of diseases, because they are time-tested. What can be prepared from dried linden flowers?

Lime tea

Linden tea strengthens the immune system, removes poisons from the body, improves performance, has a calming effect on the psyche. It is able to reduce fever, so it can be used for colds. Contains phytoestrogens - substances close in their action to female sex hormones. Therefore, the drink is recommended to drink in case of malfunctions in the menstrual cycle.

To make tea, pour 8-10 linden flowers with hot water (with a temperature of 90-95 degrees). Let it brew for a quarter of an hour. Add a teaspoon of honey and some lemon juice. For preventive purposes, drink no more than one cup per day, otherwise you will increase the load on the heart and nervous system.

Water infusion

Pour 2 tablespoons of linden inflorescences with a liter of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes. Cool and filter.

Use infusion to treat the following ailments:

• tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis;
• dry cough;
• inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis);
• bleeding gums;
• headache.

You can take the drug inside (no more than 2 glasses per day) or just gargle every 3-4 hours. Store water tincture in the refrigerator for no longer than two days.

Another method of use is external, to preserve youthful skin. Pour water infusion into molds for ice and send to the freezer. Use to wipe the face in the morning and evening. The tool will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, get rid of pimples and acne.

Alcohol tincture

Linden tincture for alcohol is not only a medicinal, but also a tasty drink with a spicy-herbal notes. To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:

• dried flowers - 1 teaspoon with a slide;
• vodka - 1 bottle;
• honey - 2 tsp;
• water - 50 ml.

The tincture is prepared as follows:

1. Pour lime color into a glass jar and pour vodka. Close the container with a tight lid.
2. Put the workpiece in a dark place with a temperature of no higher than 23 degrees for a week. Shake the jar every day.
3. At the end of the term, filter the infusion with gauze.
4. Heat honey with water over low heat until syrup is obtained. Cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the syrup with a thin stream into the tincture, shake.
6. Close the jar with a lid and refrigerate for 4 days.
7. Filter.

The strength of the drink is about 35%. It is stored 5 years.

Alcohol tincture is drunk for colds, chronic fatigue, insomnia, intestinal infections. Do not abuse the drink, as it is alcoholic. Drinking more than 100 g at a time can cause stomach problems. Alcohol tincture of linden blossom is contraindicated in “cores”.

Flower jam

This healthy dessert helps get rid of dry cough, reduce sore throat, relieve fever, overwork symptoms and headache.

To make jam, you will need the following ingredients:

• dried linden flowers - 0.5 kg;
• sugar - 0.5 kg;
• lemon juice - 2 tbsp. spoons;
• water - 200 ml.

Prepare the jam according to the following instructions:

1. Rinse the linden blossom under running water and dry.
2. Put on the bottom of a large enameled pan.
3. Prepare syrup: boil water with sugar over high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Fill the flowers with liquid.
5. Press the raw materials on top with a flat plate and a load. Allow to soak for 1.5–2 hours.
6. Cook the raw materials over low heat until the flowers begin to settle to the bottom.
7. Cool, add lemon juice, mix and pour the jam in jars.

If you have the opportunity to go to a village or forest in June, be sure to collect and dry the lime blossom there. Do this in dry weather. Then in winter you will have an excellent source of vitamins, macro- and microelements, flavonoids. Dry flowers will temporarily replace you with fresh fruits and berries. You will not only enjoy aromatic linden tea, but also improve your body.