Drying is one of the most important methods for preserving herbs, which you can also use for nasturtium. So you can enjoy the spicy, slightly hot taste even during the winter months.

Which parts of the nasturtium are suitable for drying?

In principle, you can dry all parts of the nasturtium. However, depending on the subsequent use, there are other methods of preservation and storage that may be more suitable. In principle, the dried parts of the plant are not particularly suitable for raw consumption, but they can be used to flavor cooked dishes. If you would like to season salads later, we recommend making flower vinegar.

Preparations for drying

The more tender the parts of the plant that you want to dry are, the lower the drying temperatures should be and the more careful you should pretreat the drying material. For example, the flowers are not washed, but only dry cleaned. Dry the different parts of the plant separately, they require different drying times. This is especially true when drying in the oven.

Fill the dried and completely cooled parts of the plant into a dark screw-top jar. Tightly closed, stored in a dark and dry place, the nasturtium will keep for several months. In the case of moisture, on the other hand, there is a risk of mold growth.

You can easily dry the seeds of the nasturtium in the sun. They are edible and taste spicy and hot. It is best to use the seeds freshly ground. You should save some of them and sow them in the following spring, then you can count on a rich harvest again next year.

The most important drying tips:

  • Only dry flowers at low temperatures
  • It is best to air dry seeds
  • Protect dry goods from mold

The use of dried nasturtium

You can make tea from the dried leaves and flowers of the nasturtium. For half a liter of water you only need about two teaspoons full of dried herb. The water should be hot but no longer boiling. Let the nasturtium steep for about ten minutes and strain the tea. The tea helps, for example, with colds or cystitis.

tips and tricks

It is best to dry the seeds in the fresh air so that they remain germinable.

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