The meadowsweet, or Filipendula ulmaria, is an ideal perennial plant for a medicinal and aromatic garden. Its fluffy white inflorescences, with a subtle fragrance, are valued for their natural beauty and traditional uses, particularly in meadowsweet tea. To preserve the benefits of meadowsweet and its aroma, it is essential to master the harvesting and drying process. Discover the simple steps and best practices for harvesting and drying meadowsweet.
When to harvest meadowsweet?
The harvesting of meadowsweet takes place in summer, generally between June and August, depending on your region and the progress of flowering. To benefit from the aromas and compounds present in its flowers, it is recommended to pick:
- The flowering tops, just before all the small flowers are fully open. This is when their concentration of natural principles is most interesting.
- In dry weather, preferably in the late morning or early afternoon, once the dew has evaporated.
How to harvest meadowsweet?
Equip yourself with clean pruning shears or scissors and only take the flowering tops, that is, the upper parts bearing the flowers, when they are just beginning to open.
Tips:
- Avoid harvesting in polluted areas or by the roadside: meadowsweet easily absorbs impurities from the air.
- Do not harvest all the flowers from a single clump: leave some for pollinating insects and to allow the plant to reseed naturally.
How to dry meadowsweet?
Drying should be done quickly after harvesting to preserve the aromas and natural properties. Here are the steps:
- Lay the flowers flat on a clean cloth or sieve, in a dry, ventilated place away from sunlight.
- Alternative: You can form small bouquets and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated room, away from moisture.
- Turn the flowers or bouquets every two days to encourage even drying.
The drying time varies depending on the conditions, but expect an average of one to two weeks. The flowers are ready when they become brittle to the touch.
Tip: Avoid direct sunlight drying, which alters the aromas and reduces the qualities of the flowers.
Storing dried meadowsweet flowers
Once thoroughly dried, meadowsweet flowers can be stored for several months:
- Place them in an airtight glass jar or a metal box.
- Store them away from light and moisture, in a cool, dry place.
- Label your containers with the harvest date: the flowers retain their qualities for up to a year.
- These dried flowers are perfect for making meadowsweet infusions. Check out our article: "Meadowsweet: a beautiful and useful medicinal plant" to learn more about meadowsweet infusion.
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