The best ways to ferment Ivan-tea

Ivan tea is one of the most delicious, beautiful and healthy drinks used for the prevention of many diseases. Gives a powerful healing effect, invigorates and gives vitality. For the drink to be of better quality, it is important to observe a special technology for its preparation.

blooming Sally — Our distant ancestors knew about the healing properties of Ivan tea (fireweed).

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What is Ivan tea
Why and how to ferment Ivan tea at home
How to know when fermentation has occurred
How to dry fermented Ivan tea
How to brew Ivan tea
Conclusion
VIDEO: How to properly prepare Ivan tea.

What is Ivan-tea

The leaves of the plant can be found almost throughout Russia, since its seeds easily fly over long distances. Most often it appears near water bodies, in a coniferous forest, in garden plots and even near asphalt roads.

The botanical name is narrow-leaved fireweed, but the people called Ivan tea Mulberry, Elushnik, Ivanov tea, Red color, Burian tea, Koporsky tea, willow herb or firefighter. It takes root well in places of fire, in areas with fallen leaves of fireweed, other plants actively grow.

ivan tea herb — You can meet Ivan tea everywhere, since its seeds easily fly over a long distance, populating large areas.

The main thing that distinguishes Ivan tea is its composition, which differs from other caffeine-containing drinks. It does not contain such harmful elements as caffeine, oxalic acid or purine bases that disrupt metabolism.

leaves of narrow-leaved fireweed — To make the drink from this plant better quality, a special technology for its preparation is used.

The unique herb contains a large amount of useful substances that have a positive effect on the human body:

vitamin C (a large amount is collected from the ground part of the plant);
B vitamins;
organic acids, gallic acid;
pectin, lectins, tannins (up to 20%);
macro- and microelements (copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, calcium);
polysaccharides, coumarins, phytosterols.

fermentation of ivan tea — Fermentation is the process of fermentation of the leaves of a plant used to make a drink.

Tannins and a large amount of mucus have an enveloping effect. Tannin has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, and plant fibers improve the functioning of the digestive system. The dried herb is used as a pain reliever and sedative. Regular use helps to solve the problem with the genitourinary system, and acts as the prevention of tumor neoplasms. In addition, the tea drink improves blood composition, reduces intoxication of the body, normalizes blood pressure, relieves insomnia, and effectively fights against viral diseases.

benefits of Ivan tea — The procedure is performed in the period from several hours to several days.

For reference! Most of the healing properties of Ivan tea are similar to baking soda, since the grass often grows on the ash of peat and forest fires, which is the same alkali.

Why and how to ferment Ivan tea at home

Fermentation is an important step in preparing to use a healthy herb at home. Fermentation is the process of fermenting harvested leaves. It takes from several hours to several days.

fermentation ivan tea — The duration of the process, as well as the temperature used for this, affect the color, aroma, and taste of the drink.

The procedure is necessary, since the beneficial substances of fireweed mainly have an insoluble structure. Fermentation helps them dissolve for better absorption by the body.

If you immediately brew the harvested and dried leaves that have not undergone fermentation, then the real taste and aroma of the plant will not be revealed.

Koporye tea — If the fermentation process is not stopped in time, the leaves of the plant can become moldy.

Ivan tea, fermentation at home:

During processing, chemical transformations take place in the cells of the plant. The interaction of enzymes with oxygen and oxidation begins, improving the aromatic qualities.
Microorganisms are activated, prebiotics begin to multiply.
During the rolling of leaves, prebiotics interact with the sap, actively feeding.
The final stage of processing - the leaves are dried.

Important! After collecting the herb, the leaves are not washed as the beneficial microorganisms necessary for fermentation can be removed.

Ivan's tea collection — This procedure is also very responsible, since under-dried leaves can deteriorate in the package, overdried ones will acquire a burnt aftertaste.

There are many ways to ferment tea at home. Before the process of performing the technology, the leaves must be slightly dried.

In its own juice

The simplest method. The dried raw materials are divided into two equal parts. One half is ground in a juicer, the second part is laid out in a thick layer in a deep dish.

fermentation ivan tea photo — Fireweed contains many useful substances, but for the most part, they have an insoluble structure.

How to ferment Ivan-tea in its own juice:

the laid out leaves of narrow-leaved fireweed are combined with juice;
the container is covered with a lid on top (the diameter should be slightly smaller than the selected container);
a heavy load is placed on top of the lid.

Leave in this position for 24-48 hours, after which the raw material is dried at a temperature of 90-100 °.

fermentation ivan tea at home — Fermentation will help turn beneficial elements into soluble, easily absorbed by the body.

Using linen

In this case, you need linen fabric. The canvas should be damp (it is necessary so that the juice of the leaves is not absorbed). The raw materials are evenly distributed in a thin layer (3 cm is enough), after which the tablecloth is tightly rolled into a tube.

making ivan tea — Ivan-tea leaves are not washed after collection, since beneficial microorganisms participating in fermentation can be removed from them.

Within half an hour, the canvas is actively manually kneaded. As a result, the structure of the leaves is destroyed at the cellular level. Then leave for 3 hours for fermentation, periodically checking the temperature. As soon as the mark exceeds 37 °, the initial fermentation process is over.

fermentation ivan tea with your own hands — If you brew a torn and dried leaf, then neither the taste nor the aroma of fireweed will be felt.

The final stage is dense packing of the leaves in a glass jar. Covering the top with a lid, the raw material is left for further fermentation for 36-40 hours. The storage place must be warm, otherwise the fermentation process of Ivan tea leaves will last.

In banks

To obtain finished raw materials, it is necessary to adhere to the algorithm of simple actions. How to ferment in a glass jar Ivan tea:

dried leaves are tightly rolled into a tube until juice appears;
tightly placed in a jar, pressing each layer strongly with your hands;
cover the top with a cloth moistened with water;
placed in a dark place for fermentation for 36 hours.

fermentation ivan tea in a jar — Fermentation changes the structure, which contributes to the improvement of its characteristics.

After the time has elapsed, the raw materials are taken out, laid out on a baking sheet and dried in an oven at a temperature of 90-100 °.

For reference! You can prepare the leaves by placing them in the freezer. Ice crystals have a destructive effect on the structure of leaves.

fermentation ivan tea in the oven — Unlike the traditional drink, Koporsky tea (another name for Ivan-tea) contains no caffeine, but contains useful substances necessary for the health of the body.

Using a meat grinder

Least time consuming option, while producing a large amount of juice. To make the raw material pass without difficulty, a mesh with large holes is used. As a result, large granules are obtained. The resulting raw material is placed in a container, tamped, covered with a damp cloth and left for fermentation.

fermentation of ivan tea with a meat grinder — With the constant use of fermented fireweed tea, the work of the internal organs improves, respectively, the quality of life.

However, this method has a drawback. During processing, the quality of raw materials decreases, since oxidation occurs due to the interaction of leaves with metal.

How to know when fermentation has occurred

The raw materials processed by any of the selected methods are placed in a container, covered with a damp cloth and placed in a place protected from sunlight. The optimum storage temperature is 24-27 ° C. Compliance with the indoor climate is essential during the fermentation process. If the temperature regime is violated, fermentation will end prematurely, and the tea will lose not only taste, but also useful properties.

fermented ivan tea — The crushed raw material is placed in containers, tamped, covered with a damp cloth, and left for fermentation.

The fermentation readiness is determined by the duration of the procedure. It is important to comply with all conditions and processing times. There are three levels of fermentation:

Weak (light). Fermentation lasts no more than 3-9 hours. When a light floral-fruity aroma develops, the leaves are ready to brew. This drink is characterized by a light yellow color with a mild taste.
Average. The duration of the procedure is 10-19 hours. The finished tea is characterized by a tart taste, with a slight sourness and rich aroma. The color of the drink is greenish.
Strong (deep). The processing process lasts from 1 to 2 days. The dark drink has a tart taste and dark shade. A rich fruity aroma is felt.

correct fermentation of ivan tea — If you add currant, strawberry, raspberry leaves to Ivan-tea when grinding, then the drink will turn out to be even more fragrant and healthier.

For reference! It is not recommended to ferment for more than 4-6 days. The longer the fermentation time, the greater the chances of mold formation.

After the time period has passed, the leaves are ready. During extraction from the container, they should be taken out in layers moist from the juice.

ivan tea fermented — When choosing longer degrees of fermentation, it must be remembered that the longer the fermentation time, the greater the likelihood of mold in the raw material.

How to dry fermented Ivan tea

Drying the leaves is the final process. This will require a baking sheet, parchment paper, and finely chopped leaves. A thin layer of raw materials (no more than 1 cm) is laid on a metal sheet covered with paper. To avoid lumps, the leaves are slightly loosened.

drying Ivan tea — A baking sheet with leaves is placed in an oven preheated to 90 ° for 2 hours.

The oven is heated to 90 ° and the baking sheet is placed for 1.5-2 hours. For final drying and moisture release, the heating is reduced to 50 ° -60 °. For uniform drying, the leaves are periodically mixed. Once they darken and begin to break, the tea drink is ready.

You can also dry the tea in a heavy-walled pan. To do this, the mass is simmering over very low heat for 30 minutes with constant shaking. Then they increase the heat and, stirring with a wooden spatula, bring to a ready state.

drying ivan tea photo — The raw materials must be constantly mixed for uniform drying.

Important! The final stage is carried out with the oven door open.

After the dried grass has cooled down at room temperature, it is poured into cloth bags and ventilated in the open air. If the bag rustles when you shake it, then the tea is well dried.

Ivan tea in bags — The place where the containers are kept must be dry and dark.

To store Ivan tea, tin, birch bark or glass jars with appropriate lids are used. Store only in a dark and dry place.

How to brew Ivan tea

To make the drink high-quality and healthy, you need to follow the brewing rules. For brewing, a ceramic, porcelain or glass teapot is taken. For a teapot with a volume of 0.5 liters, 2 teaspoons of prepared tea is enough. The tea leaves are poured with boiling water and tightly covered with a lid. It is important to maintain the brewing time interval. You need to leave for 40 minutes, then shake without removing the lid. This is necessary for the tea grains to mix and activate the essential oils.

how to make ivan tea — In order for the drink to give all its useful properties, it must be brewed correctly.

Due to the content of a large amount of natural aromatic compounds, the finished drink can be stored for several days. Can be taken hot or cold.

For reference! Even if the raw materials are of excellent quality, the aroma and health benefits of the tea will depend on the water used in the brewing.

Ivan tea in a cup — Only by correctly observing all the stages from collecting the leaves to drying them, using fermentation, you can get real Ivan tea.

Conclusion

Fermentation allows you to make fireweed much tastier and healthier. To get real tea, you need to follow not only the stages of fermentation or drying, but the collection and preliminary preparation of the leaves themselves.