How to dry blueberries at home

Blueberries are one of the healthiest and most delicious berries. Housewives know many recipes using blueberries: they bake pies and pies, rolls and sweet casseroles with them. Jams, preserves and pastilles are made from it. It is added when preparing compotes, jelly and mousses.

Blueberries are ground raw with sugar. It is worth remembering that blueberries are not only tasty, but also very healthy. It is thanks to the substances it contains that blueberries have a positive effect on the entire body. Blueberries improve vision, have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, have anti-inflammatory properties, lower blood sugar levels, and improve skin condition.

Therefore, housewives try to prepare blueberries in different ways: they freeze them, grind them raw with sugar, and make jam. I suggest trying one of the ways to prepare blueberries for the winter - drying them. These blueberries can be added to tea, baked goods, and simply enjoyed in the winter with dry berries as natural candies.

Blueberries are a small storehouse of vitamins, known to everyone as a berry that restores vision. But in addition to the positive effect on the structure of the eye, it has many useful substances that improve many processes in our body. Since ancient times, our ancestors have been harvesting blueberries for the winter in order to enrich themselves with vitamins during this period and treat certain diseases. That is why the best method was to dry the berries.

Peculiarities

Blueberries are low-growing perennial shrubs whose berries ripen in August. They are black with a blue coating, dark red flesh and many seeds. The berries begin to be collected from the moment they ripen, but the leaves - in May or June.

This shrub can only grow in natural conditions. The area in which the blueberry bush grows has special soil, humidity and temperature. In such favorable conditions for this shrub, the berries and leaves are filled with a lot of useful substances.

Blueberry fruit

The calorie content of blueberries is low - 60 kcal per 100 grams of berries.

Nutritional value: proteins – 1.3 g, fats – 0.9 g, carbohydrates 7.8 g, ash – 0.5 g, water – 88 g. The berry contains:

• tannins – 18%;
• organic acids – 8% (succinic, malic, oxalic, quinic, lactic, citric);
• sugar – 29%;
• ascorbic acid – 7 mg/%;
• carotene -0.73-1.8 mg/%;
• group of vitamins B – 0.06%.

Berry seeds contain 15% protein and 32% fatty oils.

blueberry leaves

Blueberry leaves contain:

• tannins – 21%;
• sugar – 17%;
• arbutin – 0.57%;
• hydroquinone – 0.049%;
• saponins – 2.3%;
• organic acids - tartaric, gallic, citric, malic, acetic, benzoic, oxalic.
• minerals - chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, sodium, iron;
• glycosides – neomirtillin 2%.

Beneficial properties of dried blueberries

Based on such a large composition of useful substances, You can identify what positive properties this plant has:

• the hypoglycemic effect is due to organic acids;
• an excellent remedy against diarrhea, since the fruits contain a large amount of tannins;
• improves vision and reduces redness of the eyes due to carotene;
• increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid due to irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa with organic acids;
• improves digestion;
• prevention of cancer development is carried out due to the antioxidant effect;
• antiputrefactive effect;
• antimicrobial effect;
• regenerative effect;
• healing effect.

Contraindications

Blueberries are such a unique plant that they have an extremely small number of contraindications:

• individual intolerance;
• chronic constipation, as the berries contain a large amount of tannins;
• pancreatic diseases. Such a rich composition of berries enhances the secretory function of the pancreas, and this is bad in pathological processes.

How to properly dry blueberries?

In order to dry blueberries for the winter, you will need:

• blueberries;
• baking tray;
• baking paper.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Preparing berries. The first step is to sort out the blueberries from debris and wash them. To do this, you will need a light surface, for example, a table with a white oilcloth, on which spoiled berries and unnecessary garbage will be clearly visible. To wash the berries from plaque, it is best to use warm water and a colander, in which we then leave the berries to completely drain the water.
2. Preparing the oven. After the berries have dried in a colander, you can turn on the oven to heat up. You will need a temperature of 60-65 degrees.
3. Drying blueberries. Place the blueberries on a baking sheet, which must be lined with baking paper in advance so that the berries lie in one layer. This is very important, since the fruits should not come into contact with each other, so that later during drying they do not stick together. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave for an hour. It is important to open the cabinet door occasionally. After an hour has passed, cool the blueberries, and do the same for 5 days in a row.

There is also a slightly different method. For it you will need:

• blueberries;
• baking tray;
• gauze;
• cotton fabric.

This method does not require an oven; instead, you need a dark, dry place.

The order of actions for this method:

1. Preparing berries. We perform it with precision as described above.
2. Drying berries. We place a cotton cloth on a baking sheet, onto which we pour the already peeled blueberries. This is necessary so that the canvas absorbs liquid that will evaporate during the drying of the berries. Then cover the blueberries with insect gauze.

You cannot dry the berries in the sun, as ultraviolet radiation destroys many of the components that make up blueberries. The best solution would be a hot room with good ventilation, for example, in a private house this could be a veranda.

Today, household appliance stores sell special dryers for fruits and berries. If you purchased such a useful device, then you can safely use it. Since modern developments provide for maximum preservation of the beneficial composition of a particular berry.

To learn how to properly dry blueberries, watch the following video.

Rules of application

Dried blueberries can be used as a treat, medicine and preventatively according to indications.

• In the winter, tea made from dried fruits will help you with frequent colds. To do this, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of blueberries into a cup and pour 200 ml of hot water. Let it brew for 5-7 minutes. Vitamin tea is ready to drink.
• Blueberry jelly will not only enrich your body with vitamins, but will also be an excellent treat for your child. To do this, boil 20 grams of blueberries in one liter of water and mash the berries. Then add 40 grams of starch, 20 grams of sugar and continue to cook over low heat until fully cooked.
• Blueberry infusion is prepared from 10 grams of berries, which are poured into 200 ml of hot water. Then let it brew for at least 2 hours. This drink can be drunk both warm and cold. This infusion should be drunk when you have a cold about 4 times a day, warm.
• Dried blueberry compote. For this you need 2 cups of fruit, 3 liters of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar (if you like something sweeter, you can use 5 tablespoons). All ingredients must be mixed and simmered over low heat. This drink should boil for 15 minutes.

• Vitamin cocktail. Since blueberries have antioxidant properties, they can be used in combination with milk and banana. To do this, pour a tablespoon of berries with warm milk, and then add chopped bananas. After which all this must be ground in a blender until smooth. This nutritious vitamin cocktail heals the body with its unique composition.
• Your pie will become much more aromatic and tasty if you add dried blueberries to the dough.
• You can enrich yogurt with vitamins very simply. To do this, pour boiling water over the blueberries to make them softer. Then drain the water and add yogurt to the cup and stir.
• Dried berries can be ground into powder, then the container for storing the useful powder will need a much smaller size. It can be added to any culinary product for taste and benefit.

To ensure that the use of blueberries brings only benefits, take advantage of expert advice.

• Don't forget that even dried berries need to be sorted. Since during storage, dried blueberries can deteriorate. It is strictly prohibited to use a spoiled product due to the release of toxins that have a detrimental effect on human health.
• Dried blueberries should not be used for medicinal or prophylactic purposes without consulting a doctor. Due to the individual characteristics of each organism and previous diseases, there may be contraindications to the use of blueberries.
• It is important to remember that dried berries have an expiration date. And if this period has passed, and the fruits still have the same appearance, it is best to dispose of them so as not to harm the body.
• Before giving your child a decoction or any other blueberry product, you should first consult with a pediatrician.

Just because blueberries are your favorite berry doesn't mean you can eat them in large quantities. After all, this fruit gives allergic reactions in the form of urticaria and Quincke's edema.

A small, tasty summer berry, blueberries have a truly huge range of beneficial properties that have a good effect on the functioning of the entire body. And they help in the fight against various diseases. This also prevents the appearance of low-quality tumors, which is carried out by the anthocyanins and antioxidants contained in blueberries. And cleansing the intestines of toxins and metals thanks to pectin. As well as disinfection and improvement of intestinal microflora due to various microelements and nutrients.

Blueberries are a real panacea for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation and diarrhea; they also have an anti-inflammatory effect and have dietary value.

But in order to be able to use the beneficial properties of the berry throughout the year, you need to know how best to harvest blueberries. And how to dry it properly. After all, the preservation of most of the important medicinal qualities contained in this amazing berry depends on this.

Possible options for harvesting blueberries

Among the preparation options are drying, freezing and preservation in the form of compotes, preserves and jams. The last method (preservation) preserves the benefits somewhat worse. This happens because the berries are cooked. Even prolonged boiling or scalding reduces the average percentage of nutrients in the product.

It is also not recommended to store berries fresh, since already on the second day of aging them at home (albeit in cool conditions), vitamins are also lost. The tastiest and healthiest berries come only from the bush. What should you do if you want to preserve this benefit for yourself and your loved ones during the cold winter period? Let's try to figure out together how best to prepare blueberries.

Drying

This issue should be approached with special attention. Indeed, during traditional drying, almost 80% of anthocyanins are lost and thereby significantly reduce the usefulness of the berry. Therefore, drying must be carried out at a temperature no higher than 40-70 degrees and in no case should the blueberries be exposed to direct sunlight.

Berry picking should be done in warm, sunny weather and only whole, unspoiled and ripe fruits should be selected. Immediately before drying, you need to sort out the blueberries and clean them of leaves, stalks and twigs. Then rinse the berries under running water and let dry. To do this, spread a towel on the table, preferably several layers of paper. Because blueberries will stain the fabric, and a linen kitchen towel will no longer be able to remove the purple juice.

In the oven

After initial processing, place the berries in one layer on a baking sheet or perforated baking paper. Place in the oven at the required temperature of 40-70 degrees. Be sure to keep the oven door ajar. Otherwise, the workpiece will simply be baked. Follow these instructions until the juicy balls turn into wrinkled dry beads. The berries should be turned over periodically until they are fully cooked.

In an electric dryer

If you are afraid of doing something wrong with the oven, use a home electric dryer. Different models have different usage requirements, so read the instructions for your dryer carefully.

General principles of operation of an electric dryer and the preparation of small berries in it:

1. Place dry berries on baking sheets (you can cover the drying trays with a layer of perforated sheets of baking paper - this is suitable for drying small berries);
2. insert the baking sheets into the dryer so that there is space between them for warm air to circulate;
3. close the lid;
4. turn on the electric dryer - temperature 30-40 degrees;
5. after 40-45 minutes of operation, turn off the dryer;
6. rearrange the baking sheets in a different order and close the dryer again, let it cool;
7. put the device back into operation for another 40-45 minutes at the same temperature setting.

So dry until you get the desired result.

Storing dry berries

Then prepare a fabric bag with ties made from natural materials - cotton, linen, tweed. Place the blueberries in it, tie it and hang it in a warm, well-ventilated room without any strong odors. When storing, the bag should not be in a place where air humidity periodically increases, otherwise the workpiece will absorb liquid and disappear.

Do not store dried product in hermetically sealed containers or glass jars. This is fraught with rotting of the workpiece. Because even 0.1% of the moisture remaining in the berry can lead to spoilage of the entire mass.

Freezing

The best option for preserving blueberries is to freeze them. In this case, the maximum amount of useful qualities remains in the berry. Clean and dried blueberries should be placed on a tray and left in the freezer until completely frozen. Then place it in thick plastic bags or special containers. Store in the freezer.

You can prepare frozen berries not whole. And in the form of puree with or without sugar. For example, grind blueberries into puree, place them in ice-freezing molds or any small silicone molds. Freeze like this for a couple of hours. And then put it into bags and store it.

If you like to drink a variety of cocktails, cool compotes or herbal teas in the winter, you can make fruit ice with berries. To do this, place one blueberry in ice trays. Place there a small leaf of fresh mint or any other dessert herb (oregano, cherry, currant). Add boiled cool water. Freeze. Store as you would regular ice for drinks.

The freezing option is the most convenient and appropriate:

• takes little time;
• retain maximum benefits in blueberries;
• berries will always be on hand.

Conservation

But, of course, most often many housewives want to preserve blueberries not for medicinal purposes. And most importantly, in order to pamper yourself and your household in the winter. And in this case, they resort to different, no less good alternatives. This is, of course, conservation.

How to prepare blueberries in jars:

• in the form of jam, jam;
• cook compotes;
• marinate with apple cider vinegar;
• preserve in its own juice;
• close up blueberry jelly with chocolate.

In addition, you can harvest berries not alone, but with additives. Excellent options for blueberries would be pieces:

• pears;
• zucchini;
• apple;
• rhubarb.

Recipe: blueberry jelly with chocolate

Let's consider one of the canning possibilities - blueberry jelly with chocolate. Close it in small portions - in jars of 300, 350, 500 g.

What you need for the blueberry jelly with chocolate recipe:

• blueberries – 1 kg;
• sugar – 0.6 kg;
• chocolate – 0.2 kg;
• agar-agar – 3-4 s. l.

How to make blueberry jelly with chocolate:

1. Mix agar-agar with cool water in a ratio of 1:4. That is, 1 part powder to 4 parts liquid. Let the mixture swell well.
2. Sprinkle the berries with sugar in a saucepan. Instead of sugar, you can use bee honey if you wish. But the bookmark will be different. To replace 600 g of sugar, you will need to take 750 g of natural honey.
3. Place the pan over low heat. Stir until the sugar turns into syrup. Then cook, stirring over low heat for about 25 minutes.
4. Take dark bitter chocolate. With this, the workpiece will last longer and delight you and your loved ones all winter. Break the chocolate bars into pieces. Place in a saucepan with jam. Stir.
5. After 5-7 minutes, add agar-agar. Stir again. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
6. Place in jars previously sterilized with boiling water. Seal tightly with lids. Leave on the counter until completely cool naturally. Then store in a cool place to store.

The recipe specifically uses agar-agar. This is a gelling substance that is not afraid of high boiling temperatures of jam. On the contrary, when boiling, the agaroid becomes even stronger and forms a stable jelly. But its “brother” gelatin cannot boast of such qualities. When boiling, it completely loses all its gelling properties and can only ruin the dish.

Recipe – compote with blueberries and zucchini

This is a great option for storing vitamins in a jar. Pieces of zucchini will add extraordinary tenderness and some piquancy to the drink. After tasting the compote, your guests and loved ones will hardly guess that it contains zucchini.

What you will need for the blueberry and zucchini compote recipe:

• blueberries – 0.2 kg;
• zucchini – 0.2 kg;
• granulated sugar – 0.4 kg.

How to prepare compote with blueberries and zucchini:

1. First, carry out the initial processing of the ingredients. Sort the blueberries, rinse and dry on a cloth or paper towel.
2. Rinse the zucchini, remove the skin and seeds. Cut the pulp into small cubes.
3. Take a three-liter glass jar. Sterilize it with boiling water, hot steam or in the oven.
4. Place blueberries, zucchini and sugar in a jar. Do not completely fill with boiling water. Cover with a lid.
5. Place in a suitable pan of slowly boiling water to sterilize. For a three-liter jar, 35-40 minutes is enough. After this, carefully remove the jar and seal the lid tightly.
6. Leave on the counter until completely cool, and then store in a cool storage room.

Dried blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are no less healthy than fresh ones. They are low in sodium and calories, have no cholesterol, but are rich in nutrients important for health. And most importantly, they are available all year round.

You guessed it right - there are differences.

Why is it useful?

Blueberries contain many beneficial compounds. These include: antioxidants, anthocyanins, bacterial inhibitors, folic acid, vitamins A and C, carotenoids, ellagic acid, dietary fiber and much more.

Dried and fresh fruits have many similar beneficial properties, confirmed by scientific research:

The product has a number of useful benefits associated with the content of vitamin K, which has a beneficial effect on blood clotting and also helps the body absorb calcium. The result is strengthening of bone structures.

Recent studies suggest a reduction in the risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women (at increased risk for osteoporosis).

Another equally important nutrient that dried blueberries are rich in is vitamin C. Its main beneficial properties are:

• promotes bone growth in children;
• strengthens the immune system;
• accelerates wound healing;
• maintains dental health;
• participates in the formation of collagen.

Collagen is an important protein in the human body, involved in the construction of ligaments, skin, blood vessels, tendons and cartilage. Being an antioxidant, it also limits the harmful effects of free radicals on the cells of our body.

Medical studies of the therapeutic effects of dried blueberries showed noticeable improvements in subjects in terms of metabolic risk factors, such as:

• glucose metabolism;
• lipid peroxidation;
• total antioxidant activity of plasma;
• degree of oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.

Harm and contraindications

There is no doubt more sugar and calories in the dried product than in fresh berries. Therefore, dehydrated blueberries should be consumed in moderation, especially if you suffer from diabetes or are overweight.

Direct contraindications are:

• pancreatic diseases;
• sluggish intestinal motility;
• disturbances in the functioning of the biliary tract.

Traditional medicine recipes

Teas, infusions, compotes, jelly and decoctions are not a complete list of medicinal products with dried blueberries. Here are two of the simplest and therefore popular recipes.

• Cold infusion. 2-3 tbsp. l. pour a glass of cold but boiled water, leave for 8 hours, then strain. Take half a glass 3-4 times a day.
• Classic infusion. 3-4 tsp. dried raw materials, pour 400 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 2 hours and strain. Take 1/4 cup 5-6 times a day.

How to dry blueberries at home

First of all, you should sort out the blueberries. It is necessary to get rid of the stalks, as well as berries with traces of mold and damage (including from insects and birds). The best choice is large, ripe fruits.

1. Rinse the selected blueberries.
2. Place in an electric dryer for several hours and turn on the mode specified in the instructions for the device.
3. It is not difficult to check readiness: the fruits should not stick together and “stain” the skin when squeezed in the palm of your hand. If the berries are elastic and hard, you succeeded!

You can dry blueberries the old fashioned way, by laying them out in the open air on a thin layer of cloth or paper. But such berries require additional heat treatment at a temperature not exceeding 60 °C.

It is not difficult to find dried fruits for sale - they are available in many city pharmacies, both separately and as part of gastric preparations.

Shelf life: 2 years.

How to use

In addition to delicious compotes and jelly, you can prepare your own vitamin cocktail from dried berries, banana and skim milk. And the simplest and most obvious solution is to add blueberries to your favorite porridge, corn flakes or muesli. And no one forbids using this product in recipes for homemade muffins and pastries.

¹ Lyophilization is a gentle drying method, according to which the product is first frozen and then sent to a vacuum chamber to sublimate the liquid.

² The corresponding study was carried out back in 1976 by Swedish scientists (see works by Kovalchuk).