Content
- Woodruff dry or freeze after harvest?
- Harvest and process the woodruff correctly
- The drying of woodruff
- Freeze the woodruff or freeze
- Tips
Waldmeister can be conserved in many ways
Woodruff dry or freeze after harvest?
Basically, the woodruff can be collected from spring to autumn for use as a medicinal and aromatic herb. However, a pre-flowering harvest is recommended due to the subsequent strong increase in coumarin content.
Harvest and process the woodruff correctly
Usually, the fresh stalks of the woodruff are harvested shortly before the flowering season in April and May, which the Waldmeisterbowle has also introduced the traditional name Maibowle. In addition to the Waldmeisterbowle, for example, the following products with the characteristic taste of the Waldmeister can also be refined:
In commercially produced desserts and drinks, however, the use of real woodruff has been banned for several years, as excessive and regular consumption in children and adults could lead to health problems. The harvest of the woodruff in spring is so important because with the flowering also the content of the effective coumarin increases in the leaves and stems. If used sparingly, this substance can also have a positive effect on health and, for example, help relieve headaches. Always allow the woodruff to be left in the Waldmeisterbowle or other liquids for a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes to prevent overdosage.
The drying of woodruff
To dry, some stalks of the woodruff are usually bundled with a thread and hung upside down in a well-ventilated place. The drying process in the oven is faster, but then a temperature of about 40 to 50 degrees Celsius should not be exceeded and the oven door with a spoon style easily kept open, so that the moisture can escape from the plants. A brief wilting of the woodruff overnight is also recommended for a fresh use, as this intensifies the aroma even more.
Freeze the woodruff or freeze
The aroma-enhancing effect of the withering can also be achieved by briefly freezing the leaves. You can take advantage of this if you do not have enough time to wilt overnight. While dried woodruff leaves retain their aroma for only a few months, you can store the woodruff in the freezer for up to a year.
Tips
If your woodruff has already flowered, you can still use it. But then pay attention to a correspondingly more economical dosage.