The first mention of the barberry plant dates back to 650 BC. The red fruits, leaves and roots of the plant were used to prepare medicines, added to drinks and various dishes, and used to make cosmetics.
Dried barberry contains many nutrients and beneficial substances. And thanks to their tart taste and unusual aroma, red fruits are an excellent seasoning for preparing meat, vegetable, fish dishes and drinks. Also, the berry bush has excellent decorative characteristics and is used to decorate gardens and personal plots.
Signs of fruit ripeness
The plant is unpretentious to weather and climatic conditions and grows in all parts of our planet, with the exception of Antarctica and Australia.
We will learn what the plant looks like from the description below.
- The tall shrub is prone to rapid growth with large thorns on the trunk reaching a height of up to 3 meters.
- The leaf blades are oval and have a rich emerald hue; in the fall they acquire a pinkish or yellowish tint.
- During the ripening process, the berries acquire an elongated outline and a bright red color.
- Signs of ripeness of vitamin fruits appear in mid-September, when the berries turn scarlet or bright pink.
Overripe fruits are dark cherry in color, easily wrinkle and fall from the branches, which complicates the harvesting process.
Important! Green barberry berries contain a large amount of alkaloids that can cause poisoning of the body. Therefore, it is prohibited to eat unripe fruit.
The final stage of procurement
So, how to dry barberry? There is nothing complicated in this process, and even a beginner in this matter can easily cope with it. Barberries are often dried in the oven. Clean and dry berries are laid out in one layer on a baking sheet, which is sent to the oven. The initial temperature for drying barberry should not exceed 50 degrees. And only when the fruits begin to wrinkle, the regulator is switched to 60 degrees.
You can determine the readiness of raw materials with your hands. The berry is squeezed in the palm of your hand. It should not stick to your hands, or to other berries. Dry raw materials are stored in jars in a dark place. Plastic bottles are also suitable for this purpose. As for barberry roots, the diseased and damaged parts are pre-cut off. The peeled roots are also sent to the oven on a baking sheet. Drying will take 2–4 hours at 50°C. The thickness and moisture content of the roots are parameters on which the duration of the process depends.
Chemical composition and calorie content
In order for dried barberry to bring maximum benefits to the body, it is necessary to find out what beneficial and nutrient substances are included in the red berries.
The fruits of the berry bush contain many macro and microelements that contribute to the correct and efficient functioning of the human body:
- B vitamins, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene;
- tannins, ash and organic acids;
- alkaloids;
- healthy sugar, in the form of glucose and sucrose;
Ripe fruits also contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates. There are only 29 kcal per 100 grams of fresh berries, but dry barberry fruit is more nutritious, containing up to 150 kcal per 100 grams of product.
Dried barberry beneficial properties
The beneficial properties of dry barberry berries have been known for a long time. Decoctions and infusions of red berries are used to treat kidney and liver diseases, normalize the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and lower blood sugar levels.
Due to the antipyretic effect of the berries, barberry drinks are actively used in the treatment of colds and viral diseases. Also, a medicinal decoction based on red berries strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
For the female body, the vitamin fruit is of particular value:
- eliminates pain symptoms during menstrual periods;
- normalizes hormonal balance during menopause;
- promotes hematopoiesis;
- gently cleanses the body of harmful accumulations and toxins;
- helps improve digestion, helps get rid of excess weight;
- improve the structure of the skin and hair.
When dieting and losing weight, it is recommended to infuse tea from red fruits or eat 100 grams of berries instead of the main meal.
Important! Due to the content of a large number of alkaloids during pregnancy and breastfeeding, barberry is prohibited from being included in the diet.
The benefits of barberry have also been proven for men's health. Thanks to its unique composition, the fruits have a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system, protect the body from the development of inflammatory, bacterial and fungal infections, and help increase potency.
Drinks made from vitamin berries relieve fatigue, improve overall well-being, and activate brain function.
Compresses are prepared from barberry decoction for injuries and sprains.
Due to the high content of allergic substances, barberry is introduced into baby food with caution, and only as a medicinal product. It is recommended for children over 12 years of age to consume berries and drinks made from them.
Contraindications
In some cases, barberry, like other products, has contraindications and side effects.
- It is not recommended to consume berries in any form during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- The product causes increased production of bile, therefore it is prohibited for use in case of chronic diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
- Urolithiasis disease.
- Individual intolerance and tendency to allergic reactions.
Important! Excessive consumption of red berries can lead to poisoning of the body, accompanied by severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps and nosebleeds.
Use of dried barberry
Due to the beneficial properties of the fruit, unusual taste and aroma, barberry is actively used in cooking, cosmetology and folk medicine.
Dried berries are used as a seasoning for preparing various dishes, compotes, decoctions, infusions and tea.
In folk medicine, vitamin fruits are used in the complex treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and as a general tonic.
At home, cosmetic masks, tonics and balms are made from barberry, and decoctions from the berries and leaves are used to rinse hair.
ethnoscience
Dried barberry fruits are actively used in folk medicine. The leaves, bark and rhizomes of the plant also have healing properties.
Decoctions and infusions of red berries normalize blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and strengthen the immune system.
A decoction of honey plant roots is used for inflammatory processes. To prepare a medicinal drink you will need:
- a teaspoon of dried roots;
- a glass of boiling water.
The collection is poured with hot liquid and boiled for 10-15 minutes. Next, the medicinal drink is filtered and consumed warm.
To maintain proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, a decoction of dry fruits is prepared.
To prepare the strengthening agent you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of dry berries;
- 500 milliliters of drinking water.
The berries are crushed in a convenient way and filled with liquid. After boiling, the broth is boiled for 10-15 minutes and left for 2-3 hours. Next, the healing drink is filtered and taken a tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals.
A healing collection of barberry leaves and flowers is used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
To prepare the decoction you will need:
- 1/3 cup dry collection;
- a glass of boiling water.
The collection is poured with boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes, then left for 1.5-2 hours. The finished product is filtered and consumed warm, 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.
Tea from a medicinal plant helps strengthen the immune system, helps with colds, relieves fatigue, and has a tonic effect on the body.
To prepare the drink, a teaspoon of the collection is poured into a teapot and poured with boiling water. Next, the drink is infused for an hour and consumed warm, 50-100 milliliters 3 times a day.
For liver and biliary tract diseases, use a tincture based on vodka and red berries. Take the product daily, a teaspoon.
Important! It is recommended to consume medicinal drinks based on barberry after consultation with a specialized specialist.
Cooking
Thanks to its bright taste and aroma, barberry is widely used in cooking. Young leaves of the bush are added to vegetable salads and used to prepare first and second courses.
To get maximum pleasure from your meal, you need to know what dishes you can add dried barberry to.
Red berries are characterized by a rich sour taste and unusual aroma, which harmoniously complements any meat and fish dishes. Dry fruits are used as a seasoning for making soups, pilaf, and kebabs. A spicy sauce is prepared based on barberry, which is suitable for both vegetable and meat dishes.
Leaves and berries are added to marinades for preserving various vegetables and fruits. Also, dry fruits are suitable for making vitamin drinks, tea and jam.
For those with a sweet tooth, barberry is also a complete delicacy. Red berries are used to make jelly and various desserts, and dried fruits can be used instead of sweets for tea.
Cosmetology
The fruits and leaves of the plant contain substances that prolong the youth of the skin and improve the structure of the hair. Therefore, barberry is often used to make cosmetic decoctions and masks.
- To get rid of dandruff, prepare an infusion of a tablespoon of dry collection and a glass of water. The collection is poured with boiling water and left for 30-40 minutes, after which it is filtered and used as a hair remedy.
- To preserve youth and elasticity of the skin, use an infusion of 50 grams of dry fruits and a glass of boiling water. The natural product is used to wash and wipe the skin of the face.
The red fruits and leaves of the plant contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances that help with acne, irritation, increase elasticity and tone the skin.
Interesting! Oil is extracted from the seeds of vitamin fruits, which helps eliminate wrinkles and whitens the skin.
Methods for drying barberry
Drying vegetables, berries and fruits is considered the most optimal way to preserve all the beneficial properties of the fruit. This method of preservation ensures the preservation of vitamin C, which is present in barberry berries. Leaves, shoots, roots and bark can be dried in the traditional way: the underground and above-ground parts of the plant are laid out in an open space or special drying devices are used.
The following plant varieties (common species) can be eaten:
- Atropurpurea;
- Dulcis;
- Asperma;
- Lutea.
Barberry, Canadian and Amur barberry also have edible berries.
In the oven
Most modern ovens are equipped with a “drying” function. In a convection oven, excess moisture evaporates faster: fruits and other parts of the plant are blown with air from all sides. If there is no fan in the oven, the evaporated moisture remains inside, so the oven door is not tightly closed when drying fruits. It is necessary to periodically change the baking sheets and turn the berries themselves.
If the fruits are dried on a baking sheet, the air flow may occur unevenly. In this case, the upper part of the berry will be dry, and the lower part will remain wet. The raw materials should be correctly laid out on the baking sheet, keeping a small distance between the fruits. It is recommended to place the berries in one layer so that the air blows evenly over the raw materials.
After the fruits have reduced in size, they can be removed from the oven and transferred to a dry glass container. When drying barberry in the oven, you need to adhere to the temperature regime. Optimal – no more than 80°C. To keep the berries soft, drying begins at maximum temperature, gradually reducing it to +35...+40°C. In this case, the surface will remain soft and the flesh will remain moist.
The duration of the procedure is 120-180 minutes. The dried roots and aerial parts of the plant are laid out dry on a baking sheet. It is necessary to heat the oven to 45°C, place the raw materials on the grill and close the door. To check the readiness of the raw material, you need to break the root: its core must be dry. To the touch, dried barberry berries spring slightly under your fingers, without releasing juice.
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In an electric dryer
Long-term storage of fresh barberry fruits is impossible; they contain a large amount of liquid. The operating principle of an electric dryer is based on the device’s ability to evaporate excess moisture from berries due to air circulation. The fruits do not change their appearance when dried; they decrease slightly in size.
The beneficial components present in barberry do not evaporate due to exposure to warm air.
Kitchen gadgets differ from each other in power: the smaller it is, the slower the fruit will dry. It is preferable to use infrared devices: the rays penetrate 10 mm into the structure of the berry, drying occurs at a low temperature. It is better to air dry the bark, leaves and other parts of the plant.
The device consists of several elements:
- lid;
- mesh trays;
- fan;
- a heating element.
Depending on the model, the last 2 elements may be located in the lid of the gadget or at the base of the electric dryer. If the heater is built into the lid of the device, the drying procedure is reduced by almost 2 times due to the fact that air blows over the products from all sides. The more trays in the dryer, the easier and faster it will be possible to prepare a large number of barberry fruits. Periodically you need to check that the berries located on the upper tiers do not dry out; you will have to change the trays.
Between the berries you need to leave a distance of 5-7 mm, which will ensure the flow of warm air to each fruit. The drying chamber differs in power from an electric dryer, but the operation of such a kitchen gadget is more difficult. The conservation process itself takes place in several stages:
- the fruits must first be washed with running water;
- place them on a paper towel;
- after the excess moisture has drained, the berries are laid out on mesh trays;
- Plug in the electric dryer.
You can line the trays with parchment paper to prevent excess liquid from getting into the heating element. After 3 hours, the berries are ready for consumption or storage.
On air
The most accessible and financially inexpensive method of drying fruits and other parts of barberry is air-thermal. Berries, leaves, roots and branches are laid out on clean newspapers in a well-ventilated area. It is not recommended to dry raw materials in the open sun - most of the beneficial properties will be lost in this case.
Barberry berries can be dried outside, in the shade, without prior blanching (soaking in hot water). In rainy weather, raw materials will have to be removed indoors. From time to time you will have to turn the fruits over and change the newspapers underneath them. The method is accessible and simple; the use of auxiliary equipment is not required. Drying occurs naturally (without the participation of chemical reagents).
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The fruits dry completely within a few weeks. The final result depends on air humidity. Fruits lose their aroma and attractive appearance after air-heat drying. You can prepare seeds; they are collected at the end of November.
When to collect barberry
The timing of harvesting ripe berries directly depends on the climatic conditions of the region where the crop is grown and the varietal characteristics.
It must be remembered that unripe fruits contain a high content of substances that can harm the human body. Therefore, it is important to know in which month a particular variety of berry crop ripens.
Depending on the area
In southern latitudes, you can start collecting ripe barberries in early August. In the middle zone, harvesting occurs at the end of August and continues until the first frost. The honey plant is not prone to fruit drop, so the berries can hang calmly on the branches throughout the winter.
Interesting! Barberry harvested after frost is characterized by a brighter taste and aroma.
Depending on the variety
The ripening of barberry fruits also depends on the varietal of the berry crop. Early varieties, including Thunberg barberry, ripen in early August, late varieties of the crop finally ripen in November.
Step-by-step recipe with photos
Every autumn I try to stock up on dried barberry for the winter so that I always have this necessary ingredient on hand to create pilaf. This dish includes four main tastes: sweet - caramelized carrots, bitter - garlic, salty - salt, but barberry is responsible for the sour taste. Fresh berries can become moldy, so it is better to dry them.
To dry barberries, I use the oven, but if you have an electric dryer, it will be even easier. In the oven, the berries are dried approximately two to three times for 30 minutes, and in an electric dryer they can be dried in about 1 day - it all depends on the power of your equipment. It is advisable to give drying berries light breaks so that they can cool for 2 hours, then warm up again. The barberry prepared in this way is thoroughly dried inside; in other cases, the berries may become moldy when stored in a closed container.
So, let's prepare the necessary ingredient and start cooking!
The most difficult thing in this recipe is to remove the berries from the branches, removing the leaves and stems. It is advisable to do this efficiently so that they do not end up in the dishes that you will prepare by adding barberry.
Be sure to rinse the berries in water, lightly rubbing them between your palms. Don't worry, they are dense and won't burst in your hands.
Place the barberry on a paper towel and dry it, then pour it onto a baking sheet or into an electric dryer pan. Preheat the oven to 60°C, place the baking sheet in the appliance and dry for 30 minutes, opening the door slightly for better air circulation.
Then turn off and let cool for 2 hours. Dry again, etc., until the barberry is dry both inside and out.
Pour the dried mass into a bowl or bowl and leave until it cools completely. Under no circumstances should you seal the hot mass of barberry in jars - it will create condensation inside the container and the berries will draw it back in, and then become moldy during storage.
Now you know how to dry barberry at home correctly!
Barberry picking berries
Honey plant bushes tend to grow quickly, so often the harvest has to be collected in the thorny thickets of the plant.
Manual collection
If berry picking is done manually, hands must be protected with thick gloves. Otherwise, the plant's thorns may cause injury to the skin. Clusters of berries are cut from the branches and placed in prepared boxes for further transportation.
With the help of devices
To simplify the process of picking berries, use tall wooden pegs or rakes to secure overgrown bushes. In their garden plots, experienced gardeners spread film under the bushes and shake the plant. Fallen fruits are collected in prepared containers.
How to dry other parts of the plant
In addition to vitamin fruits, other parts of the berry bush also have beneficial properties.
How and when to prepare healing mixtures, we will understand further.
Roots
Barberry rhizomes grow quickly, so preparing a medicinal collection does not present any particular difficulties.
Rhizomes are dug up at the end of autumn, after the end of the growing season. The required number of roots is cut off and thoroughly cleaned of soil. The roots are dried naturally, after dividing them into small parts.
Bark
Honey plant bark also contains many vitamins and nutrients. The bark is collected at the beginning of the spring season, until the plant has finally adapted after winter rest.
The collected raw materials must be dried under natural conditions and then used if necessary.
Blank
Before moving on to the story of how to dry barberry, we will tell you how to properly prepare and process raw materials for subsequent drying.
Fruit
Barberry berries are harvested after they are fully ripe. This usually happens in late autumn, in the middle zone, almost before the frosts. At this time, they accumulate the greatest amount of vitamins. The fruits are carefully picked, then sorted and washed in a colander under running water.
Attention! Unripe barberries are slightly poisonous and eating them can cause stomach upset.
Leaves
Barberry leaves are cut into small branches. The shoots of the current year, approximately ten centimeters long, are cut from the tree. This procedure is carried out at the end of May or beginning of June, preferably the day after the rain. This is done because the leaves are not washed before drying, and the recent rain washed away the accumulated dust from them.
When transporting, it is not recommended to stack the chopped branches in a layer thicker than ten centimeters, so as to prevent their premature fermentation.
Thus, simultaneous harvesting of both leaves and bark from the branches occurs.
Roots
Harvesting roots on one barberry bush can be repeated no earlier than ten years later, otherwise the plant may get sick and die. The roots are collected in the fall after the plant goes dormant before winter. The ground under the bush is carefully cleared and a third of the roots are cut off from different sides.
