13 best ways to keep sorrel at home for the winter

Many housewives are looking for ways to better save sorrel for the winter, since this plant is very often used in cooking. There are many such ways, the main thing is to follow the rules and take into account all the pros and cons. With proper storage, all beneficial properties and nutrients do not disappear.

Features of storage of sorrel

Sorrel is very easy to store, it tolerates negative temperatures well and does not lose its taste. The plant is stored both separately and in twists, using it as a spice for various dishes. This product is perfect for culinary purposes and will add a new flavor to the dish.

How to properly prepare for long-term storage

To begin with, sorrel is sorted, damaged and unnecessary leaves are discarded. Sorrel is washed or sprinkled with boiling water to remove dirt and germs. Later, the leaves are dried on a paper towel, the stems are cut. Then choose a storage method.

Storage methods

There are very different methods, depending on the future destination of the sorrel.If later a variety of food is prepared from the plant and it is needed fresh, then freezing is used. If it is a dressing for dishes, then most often canned food is prepared.

Drying

It is important to provide a supply of vitamins for the winter. The easiest way to store sorrel is to dry it. The plant is dried both naturally and with the help of heaters. If the plant is air-dried, it is not washed, but simply sorted beforehand. The bunches are made of sorrel, which are suspended.

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Natural

Dried sorrel in bunches or on a napkin. Leave to dry for 11 to 15 days avoiding direct sunlight. Then the leaves will not wither. A sieve is also used for drying. For quick drying, sorrel is cut.

Accelerated

To speed up the process, the seedlings are placed in fruit and vegetable dryers. Electric dryers are used, in which the number of drying days is significantly reduced. Maintain the temperature at around 40 degrees. The process will take 5-6 hours.

Preservation

Preservation is carried out early, while the leaves are young and juicy. This process takes place in May. There are many ways to spin, and each has its own pros and cons. Sorrel is not sterilized before spinning, as it will resorb and become unusable. This plant contains a lot of acidic sap, which itself does this task well.

In his juice

Using this method, you can retain all the beneficial properties and taste of the plant. Greens are washed and put on the bottom of the pot, after which they are pressed to the bottom and kept in a water bath. Gradually the sorrel sags, the juice begins to stand out.Repeat several layers in this way. Then, when the jars are full of leaves and juice, they are put in the refrigerator. You can leave a few stalks because that's where the most juice is.

in brine

First, the greens are well washed, finely chopped, the stalks are discarded. Boil and salt the water, let it cool a little. The plant is placed in pots, but not very tight. After that, it is poured with cold brine. All this is covered with lids. Store in a dark place.

In vitamin puree

First, greens are washed and cut, then they can be chopped through a meat grinder. The prepared mixture is placed in jars and covered with lids. After the herb jars are sterilized in hot water. Then the boxes are twisted. Throughout the winter, the substance is stored in a cold place, such as a refrigerator.

You can also create mashed potatoes with other vegetables or foods to diversify the taste and nutrition.

In containers

The treated leaves are put in bags and stored in the freezer. Before that, the greens are also washed, slightly dried. Remove yellow or diseased leaves. You can cut the stems.

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vacuum packed

The product is hermetically sealed, so it will not receive air from the outside environment. The packages are also placed in the refrigerator or freezer. So the sorrel stays fresh for a long time.

In cellophane

The easiest storage method. You just need to wash and sort the plant. Then dry and store in bags and put in the freezer. The cellophane is twisted or bound. It will not let air through and will protect against dirt and temperature changes.It will also prevent frostbite and damage to the soft tissues of the plant.

In water

Another method of swirling, however, liquids are used a bit more. It is necessary to store the preservation in a dark place in order to avoid flowering and the development of microbes.

In the towel

Drying of greens takes place after processing: washing, removal of damaged stems and leaves. This method allows you to remove excess moisture, the product will not spoil so quickly. Choose a clean, dry towel. There should be no stagnation of moisture. You can use paper towels or dry towels.

Preparation for borscht

Start by washing and sorting the sorrel. It is cut and sprinkled with salt. This is done to bring out the juice. It takes 1 hour. Prepare boxes, lids for twisting. The sorrel is boiled over low heat. Stir until boiling. After boiling, pour into jars and close. The mixture may change color during cooking.

Common Mistakes

If the whirling is done in its own juice, the rods should not be thrown away. They contain a lot of acid, which will contribute to good sterilization. It is also important to remember that the product, and especially the mash, will not keep for long in the refrigerator. Therefore, use greens in the near future.

It is worth carefully checking the plant for diseases and dirt, because after twisting the cans can explode. Sterilization is also mandatory, as this increases the chances of a long shelf life of the product.

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Often the sorrel is left to dry in an open place in the sun. This damages the greenery. It can prematurely lose its taste or wither, turn yellow.Then it will not be suitable for storage. Young sorrel is best for storage, as old sorrel picks up bitterness. Its leaves are hard and tasteless, so they are not suitable for seasoning dishes. Sorrel keeps well in the freezer.

Additional tips and tricks

Before placing greens in the freezer, it is recommended to wrap them in cellophane or in an airtight packaging. This will protect the plants from temperature changes and environmental influences.

Before freezing and storing, make sure the plant does not sit for long.

It is advisable to use a fresh product, this greatly affects the quality of the spin, the presence of juice and the further use of sorrel for culinary purposes.

When laying the plant, you do not need to press hard, since the leaves must have access to the liquid, otherwise they may mold or deteriorate. During the infusion, it is recommended to use salt, as it will kill unnecessary microorganisms and stimulate juice secretion. You can add other vegetables or foods to the sorrel when mashed for a better taste experience.