When and how to harvest hawthorn
People started using hawthorn and rose hips a long time ago. Thanks to their medicinal properties They are widely used in folk medicine to treat insomnia, digestive disorders, and to prevent cardiovascular disease. To maximize the benefits, the plants should be collected, dried, and stored properly.
Where does hawthorn grow in Russia?
Hawthorn is a very popular and widespread semi-evergreen plant (shrub or tree) of the Rosaceae family. Scientists have identified over 250 species in the wild, of which over 50 grow in Russia.
The most famous places where the shrub grows are:
- Southern regions of the country (Krasnodar Krai);
- Siberia and Transbaikalia;
- Altai Krai;
- Far East;
- Ural, Moscow region;
- Sakhalin;
- Kamchatka;
- Kuril Islands.
The most common hawthorn varieties include Siberian, Altai, Daurian, Large-spined, Maximovich, Common, Spiny, Green-fleshed, Round-leaved, and Pontic. They all differ in size, berry color, and leaf color. Large-fruited garden hawthorn can be successfully grown in a garden plot.
When to harvest hawthorn for the winter
Not only the berries, but also the leaves and flowers of hawthorn are used for medicinal purposes. They are used to make healing tinctures and vitamin-rich teas. The leaves are harvested for drying for the winter throughout the plant's flowering period. The flowers are best picked at the very beginning of flowering: in late May or early June.
The fruits usually ripen towards the end of the summer season or early fall. They can be harvested from August to September. Specific harvest times vary depending on the region's climate.
In the middle zone
In the central European part of the country (Smolensk, Tver, Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Tula, Yaroslavl, and other regions), the medicinal plant's fruits ripen by the end of September. This is also the time when they are harvested for winter storage.
The right time to harvest berries is determined by their ripeness. Ripe fruits are bright red or orange, indicating they have accumulated the maximum amount of nutrients.
In the Moscow region
In the Moscow region, the first night frosts occur as early as late September. Hawthorn berries must be harvested by this time, otherwise they may freeze and lose their medicinal properties. Frost-bitten berries are not suitable for winter storage.
The optimal harvesting time in the region is late August to early September. Harvesting should take place in warm, sunny weather.
In the Urals
The Ural climate is much harsher than that of the Moscow region. Summers here are very short, with frequent winds, and cold weather sets in earlier than in central Russia.
The first frosts in the region occur as early as September. Therefore, it's important to harvest these medicinal berries even earlier—in early August.
In Siberia
Siberia is the coldest region of Russia. Winters here are long and cold, sometimes lasting up to nine months, and summers are short.
Hawthorn harvesting for drying begins early in the region. Typically, under favorable weather conditions, the ripe berries are harvested in August. However, if the summer is cold, harvesting begins even earlier—in the second half of July.
How to harvest hawthorn
Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries are collected for drying and storage. Choose a sunny, warm day for the process. It's best to choose a time in the afternoon, when the dew has dried.
The foliage is carefully cut off or plucked along with the stalk. Only dry, clean leaf blades that have not been damaged by insects are selected. The berries are picked in clusters and placed in baskets. Care must be taken to ensure that the top berries do not damage the ones above them.
The flowers of this medicinal plant are harvested not individually, but in whole inflorescences. They are carefully plucked and placed in a dry container so as not to deform.
How to properly dry hawthorn
Fruit can be dried both naturally and artificially. The first method involves washing the berries and spreading them on a clean, dry cloth or paper and leaving them in a well-ventilated area. As they dry, the berries become wrinkled, shrink in size, and develop a bitter taste and distinctive odor.
When artificially drying, the berries are placed on a baking sheet and placed in an oven preheated to 60°C. The oven door is periodically opened to maintain the desired humidity level. The fruits are turned over as they dry.
How to store hawthorn
Dried medicinal herbs can be stored in a variety of containers. Glass jars, plastic containers, cardboard boxes, or fabric bags are all suitable. The most important requirements are good air circulation and a moisture-free environment. It's best to avoid plastic bags, as they can cause the herbs to rot quickly.
Containers with the prepared raw materials should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. Dried hawthorn can be stored for up to two years, but it's best to use it within the same year.
Berries can be frozen. This will preserve them perfectly and retain their beneficial properties after defrosting. Frozen, they can be used in main courses and drinks.
The optimal freezing temperature is between -20 and -25°C. Higher temperatures can cause the berries to release juice, while lower temperatures can destroy their beneficial nutrients.
Hawthorn is also beneficial when preserved. Using various recipes, the berries can be made into jam, jellies, or compotes and stored for the winter. These preserves are enjoyed by both adults and children and will boost the immune system.
Hawthorn is an excellent natural remedy. Following traditional medicine recipes and the advice of experienced doctors, you can use hawthorn both raw and dried. Its berries, leaves, and flowers contain a wealth of minerals and vitamins, and drinks made from it strengthen the body and make it less susceptible to various illnesses.