How to properly dry sorrel at home - preparing sorrel for the winter

How and when to collect sorrel

The collection of raw materials for drying should begin from May to mid-June. This is due to the fact that at a later date, sorrel begins to concentrate a large amount of oxalic acid, which is not very beneficial for the body.

The grass is collected in dry and sunny weather, after the dew has completely dried. Cut the leaves with a knife or sharp scissors along with the cuttings, retreating 2 - 3 centimeters from the ground.

Watch the video from the “Immunity” channel - Sorrel - benefits and harm

How to dry sorrel correctly

You can dry the grass either naturally or using heating devices.

On air

If you plan to dry sorrel outdoors, then you do not need to wash the raw materials first. The leaves are simply sorted, removing wilted and yellowed specimens.

Small bunches are formed from the leaves and hung under a canopy that protects them from direct sunlight. In dry, warm weather, the grass will dry out completely in about 10 to 15 days.

Another way to dry is on a sheet of paper. The greens are laid out in a single layer on clean sheets and dried in the shade, turning over periodically. If you pre-grind the grass, the product will dry much faster.

Sorrel can also be dried on sieves. This method is preferable to drying on paper, since the air circulation on the grates is much better.

If weather conditions do not allow drying sorrel outside, then containers with herbs can be brought indoors and the herbs can be dried in a place protected from sunlight.

In the dryer for vegetables and fruits

The sorted sorrel, if necessary, can be washed in running water. Before placing the herb on the grates, it must be thoroughly dried. You can do this using paper towels or simply placing bunches of sorrel in an empty glass, leaf side up. After the moisture has drained, you can begin the main drying stage.

The electric dryer is set to the “Herbs” mode or the temperature is set manually at 40 degrees. Greens can be dried whole leaves or chopped together with cuttings. Drying with an electrical appliance takes only 5 – 7 hours.

How to store sorrel

The grass is considered ready for storage if, when squeezed in your hands, it rustles and crumbles. An overly dried product easily grinds into powder, which is unacceptable.

After drying, the grass can be stored whole leaves or, in order to save space, chopped.

Store dried sorrel in paper bags or cardboard containers in dry rooms.If a glass jar is used as a container, then the lid does not need to be screwed tightly. In order for vitamins and nutrients to be preserved as long as possible, the product must be carefully protected from direct sunlight.

The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years, but it is best to replenish stocks of dried sorrel annually.