Do not make these common mistakes when drying linden flowers. You could destroy the entire harvest

Did you love the smell of linden trees? If you do, now is the time to stock up these lovely and healing flowers. Collecting linden flower may give you a substantial adrenaline rush because you may be competing with many bees… and to make things even worse, drying is not a piece of cake either.

Which linden tree should you choose? It doesn’t really matter. They are all medicinal. However, most often you will see the small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata) and the large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos).

When and how to collect

Collect flowers on dry days. Do not even try after rain. Wet flowers will not dry easily and may even rot. Use a basket, cloth bag or paper box. Do not use a plastic bag. Linden flowers need to breathe. And contrary to a popular belief, do not collect fully developed flowers but take developing buds together with the closest leaf and put them in the basket.

Photo: Pixabay

You need to follow proper drying rules

Linden flowers harbour many “undesirable” inhabitants and of bugs, which you certainly do not want in your dried medicine. To get rid of these unwanted pests place flowers somewhere in the fresh air for a few hours and allow them to move elsewhere…

Dry flowers slowly in a warm and shaded place. Using an oven or dryer will destroy most of the valuable essential oils and you don’t want that. Dry them at home for example, preferably on a permeable cloth. And how can you tell that your flowers are dry enough? Well, try rubbing them and they should rustle but there should be hardly any change in colour. Properly dried flowers may be safely used these to treat coughs and colds.

Lastly, you need to store dried flowers properly. A dark, preferably vacuum-sealable container is recommended. Vacuum will preserve the unique fragrance and protect them from mould or fungus. Now, all you have to do is make a great-tasting healing tea and that’s it.

Preview photo: Pixabay