How to prepare horseradish leaves for the winter?
I would like to prepare horseradish leaves, not roots, for the winter. Are there any recipes?
*Preparing horseradish leaves for the winter* is quite simple: they are washed, dried in a ventilated, shaded place, then crushed and stored in closed jars. They are used in the same way as horseradish roots (for storage, they are cleared of soil, washed, planed on a coarse grater, dried in a low-heat oven, then ground and stored in glass jars in a cool place). Crushed dry horseradish leaves are added to canned vegetables stored in open jars.
To prevent cloudiness of the cucumber brine and the appearance of mold, pour a tablespoon of dried horseradish leaves into an open jar. Tomato paste will not mold in an open jar if it is sprinkled with dry horseradish leaves.
I had some horseradish leaves left over from pickling the cucumbers. I'm not going to make any more preparations for the winter. I know that horseradish leaves contain a lot of vitamin C (more than lemons), a lot of microelements and even contain protein (unlike many other plants). Of course, it is impossible to throw away such a valuable product. I decided to read on the Internet whether they can be used dried in winter. And for sure: you can add crushed horseradish leaves to jellied dishes, meat and poultry dishes, and soups.
You can dry the leaves by simply cutting them and drying them in the shade..
It is better to dry horseradish leaves for preparations. It's done like this. Dry the washed and dried horseradish leaves (without petioles) at a temperature of 45 degrees in a dryer for 2-3 hours, in the oven or simply in the shade during the day. Store in glass jars.
I dried horseradish leaves in an air fryer along with other herbs. You can simply dry it on newspaper. Horseradish leaves can also be added to soups, like bay leaves, to create a specific taste. Can also be frozen.
It is convenient to prepare horseradish leaves in dried form. Clean and washed leaves are cut finely. You can then dry it by laying it on the surface. They should then be poured into a clean, dry jar and stored as such.
You can prepare horseradish roots in the same way: chop the clean roots using a grater, not coarsely. Then dry in the oven, heating gradually, the temperature should not be high. We turn the dried horseradish roots in the oven into powder using a coffee grinder.
Horseradish leaves are also preserved along with other vegetables in jars: along with tomatoes, cucumbers or assorted vegetables in brine. To do this, vegetables are collected in a jar, garlic cloves, peppercorns, horseradish leaves, umbrella dill, cherry and currant leaves are added. Next, fill it with boiled water, let it cool, fill it with the same water again, only making a brine out of it, adding vinegar, and roll it up.
I dried horseradish leaves in an air fryer along with other herbs. You can simply dry it on newspaper. Horseradish leaves can also be added to soups, like bay leaves, to create a specific taste. Can also be frozen.
How to preserve horseradish for the winter
For many people, the taste of jellied meat and sausages without horseradish seems incomplete. This hot, spicy and piquant component complements meat dishes very well. Summer residents and gardeners will definitely find a piece of land on their plot for growing horseradish. After all, pickled cucumbers and tomatoes cannot do without its roots and leaves. And what wonderful seasonings can be prepared using it.
If you provide the horseradish roots with the correct storage conditions, then all the aromatic and taste qualities will remain in it until spring. So let’s talk in more detail about how to store horseradish at home.
Benefits and composition of horseradish
The vegetable not only adds piquancy to dishes, but also consists of a lot of substances necessary for the body. If you study the content of vitamins and minerals in it, horseradish can surpass even multivitamin complexes.
- Ascorbic acid.
- Phytoncides (powerful antibacterial substances).
- Vitamins of all groups.
- Essential and mustard oils.
- Potassium.
- Magnesium.
- Calcium.
- Iron.
- Manganese.
- Rough fiber and protein.
With all this abundance, horseradish has a calorie content of slightly more than 50 per 100 grams. But the amount of vitamins will directly depend on how you can preserve horseradish in the winter at home.
It is not difficult to prepare this vegetable for future use. Both roots and leaves are suitable for storage. It is impossible to keep the greens until spring, but the lower part is quite possible. There are a great many connoisseurs of horseradish as a seasoning. Therefore, the variety of recipes and preparations with it never ceases to amaze. Horseradish is dried, pickled, frozen, salted and prepared into hot sauces.
At the same time, its taste almost does not change. A mixture of horseradish and tomatoes, prepared in the fall, remains hot and vigorous until summer. This is the most popular seasoning for meat. But for high-quality preservation of horseradish roots and leaves, the harvest should be harvested correctly and on time.
Harvest
Horseradish is a perennial crop. For harvesting, it is best to use two-year-old roots; their taste is more expressive. Horseradish is harvested in the fall (October-early November). If you delay harvesting and dig up horseradish after the first frost, its roots will be brittle.
Before digging up the roots, cut off the horseradish leaves. This plant has very deep roots; if they partially break off and remain in the ground, it’s okay, new bushes will grow from them next year. To ensure that the roots remaining in the ground overwinter well, hide them from frost and cover the area with leaves or straw.
The dug horseradish must be sorted. Set aside the annual roots; they will be useful as planting material next spring. Older roots will be stored and processed.
To store horseradish root for a long time, it should not have dents, cracks or signs of rot. Inspect each root carefully, clean off the soil and remove any remaining tops. Treat the areas where the leaves were cut with iodine. For a day, put the roots in a shed with good ventilation and above-zero temperatures, let them dry a little after wet soil.
On roots that are broken, damaged or showing signs of rot, cut off the damaged areas and immediately put them into recycling.
Methods for storing horseradish
There are several options for storing horseradish for the winter. Let's look at each one separately, and you can choose for yourself which is more convenient.
Storing horseradish in the cellar
To store horseradish in the basement, first of all you need to properly prepare the room itself. Before storing vegetables, be sure to carry out a general cleaning, carefully inspect for pests or mold, and if necessary, treat the cellar using professional exterminators. Many people recommend using smoke bombs. This method is indeed guaranteed to help solve problems, but at the same time there should be no food in the basement, and then for another two weeks it will not be possible to put the preparations and harvest into it.
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To keep horseradish fresh for the winter, you will need wooden boxes. Pour soil into the bottom and place the roots on it so that they do not touch each other. Pour wet, clean sand without impurities on top and place the horseradish roots again. So make several layers.
Horseradish roots need to be inspected periodically. If rotting ones are found, they should be thrown out immediately, and the rest should be treated with an antifungal solution and covered again with new sand. If you find that the roots are drying out, you will need to additionally moisten the sand in which they are stored.
Using this method, horseradish can be preserved until the next harvest. The main thing is to ensure the room is clean and ventilated, as well as the temperature is about 0 degrees.
You can also put buckets of soil in the basement, moisten the soil a little and stick horseradish roots at a distance from each other.
Storing horseradish in the refrigerator
But what should those who don’t have a cellar, but want to save fresh roots, do? There is no other option but to store horseradish in the refrigerator.
Take cling film, make several holes in it so that air can circulate in the future, and wrap the horseradish roots, peeled from the soil. Wrap each root separately and store in the vegetable compartment. So horseradish can stay for about a month.
In a plastic bag, horseradish roots will last longer. They must be thoroughly washed, side shoots trimmed and dried. Then put it in a bag and seal it tightly, store it in the lower vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
If you need to preserve the roots even longer, then put them in the freezer. Negative temperatures will not in any way affect the taste and aroma of horseradish, so it can be stored for up to a year. It is better to freeze the roots in small pieces. To do this, cut the washed and peeled horseradish into small slices. Dry them a little so that there is no excess moisture. Then place it on a kitchen board or tray in one layer and place it in the freezer. When the pieces of horseradish are frozen, pour them into a bag; when frozen, they will no longer stick together, and you will save space in the freezer.
There is another freezing option. Grind the horseradish in a meat grinder and freeze the resulting pulp into small portioned cubes. It’s very convenient - if necessary, you take out one cube, throw it where you need it (in soup or sauce) and the aroma of horseradish spreads throughout the kitchen.
Dry
A great option for storage is drying horseradish roots. In this form they retain absolutely all their beneficial qualities and properties. This preparation method is perfect for later using horseradish for preparing hot first courses (cabbage soup, soups, borscht), seasonings and sauces. By the way, rejected roots that have not been selected for long-term storage are suitable for drying.
Cut the washed horseradish roots into thin slices, place on a baking sheet in one layer and place in an oven heated to a temperature of 60 degrees for 1.5 hours. Grind the dried horseradish into powder using a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, or food processor. Pour into a glass or porcelain bowl with a tight-fitting lid or a special jar for seasonings and spices. So horseradish powder can be stored for up to two years.
You don’t have to chop the dried horseradish sheets right away, but do it before using it. There is another option - immediately dry the chopped horseradish. To do this, grate it on a medium grater, spread it in one thin layer on a baking sheet and dry it.
In a similar way, you can dry horseradish leaves, then chop them and store them in a glass jar.
Horseradish pickled
For this storage method, washed and peeled horseradish roots must be chopped. This can be done on a grater, using a meat grinder or food processor.
Place the chopped horseradish in a clean, dry, pre-pasteurized jar, pour in the marinade (a glass of boiling water, 1 tablespoon each of sugar and salt, 125 ml of vinegar) and roll up the lid.
You can store grated horseradish in the marinade for about two to three years.
It is better to roll pickled horseradish into small jars so that once you open one you can use it quickly. The longer horseradish is stored open, the less its strong taste will appear over time.
How to use prepared horseradish?
Horseradish is widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology. We offer you several options for using this blank:
- prepare an amazing horseradish seasoning with tomatoes, serve it with aspic and meat dishes;
- for fish dishes, make a sauce from horseradish, sour cream, grated sour apple and lemon juice (salmon, carp and cod are especially tasty with this sauce);
- There are many options for adjika with horseradish, here is one of them;
- The salad with horseradish and beets is very tasty;
- compresses using horseradish will help with colds, radiculitis, and joint diseases;
- make horseradish tincture and use regularly to improve appetite;
- wipe your face with horseradish infusion, you can use it to whiten your skin and get rid of freckles;
- Better than any store-bought alcoholic drinks is homemade horseradish with honey and ginger.
You can also put buckets of soil in the basement, moisten the soil a little and stick horseradish roots at a distance from each other.
Methods for freezing horseradish root
Before storing the product in the freezer, it must be thoroughly washed and cleaned with a knife. To better wash off the dirt, the rhizome can be soaked for a couple of hours in a large container of water.
Large rhizomes can be easily peeled with a vegetable peeler, while small and thin rhizomes can be scraped off from dirt with the tip of a knife.
Cleaning rhizomes is a long and not very pleasant task.
To completely prevent contact of horseradish with air, the peeled roots must be placed in a container with cold water. This will keep the aromatic substances of the plant intact.
After all the horseradish has been cleaned, it must be blotted with towels to remove excess water. Now you can start freezing!
Horseradish pieces
The cleaned rhizomes are cut into small pieces, 2–3 centimeters in length.
The workpiece is placed in freezer bags or small containers.
The tightly packed container is sent to the freezer for storage. If necessary, horseradish can be taken out and chopped in a meat grinder or in a blender without defrosting, and used for its intended purpose.
Watch the video from the channel “Know and be able” - How to preserve horseradish for the winter. The freezer can help you!
Grated horseradish
Horseradish can be chopped before placing in the freezer. To do this, use: a hand grater, a meat grinder or a blender.
The manual method of processing horseradish is extremely labor-intensive.
At the same time, aromatic vapors corrode the eyes and prevent you from breathing freely. Therefore, to grind horseradish, it is better to use a manual or electric meat grinder or blender.
If you use an electric meat grinder, then place a plastic bag over the outlet to prevent the release of essential oils that cause burning and tearing of the eyes.
The “safest” method of chopping horseradish is cutting it using a blender or food processor. Since the rhizome is extremely hard and dense, the power of the unit must be at least 600 - 700 W.
The Brovchenko family will tell you in their own video how to clean and grate horseradish.
Painless and tearless way.
Horseradish with apple and lemon juice
An excellent option for freezing horseradish immediately in the form of a sauce or snack. So, for example, you can freeze chopped horseradish root with grated apple. To do this, the products are taken in equal proportions and mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
This preparation can be frozen in ice cube trays or in a bag, spreading it out into a narrow layer.
After preparatory freezing, horseradish cubes are removed from the molds and transferred to packaging bags or containers.
how to preserve horseradish leaves
Ingredients used in the recipe: - horseradish leaves Cooking instructions: Horseradish leaves are usually used for pickling cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables; they can be used for storing canned vegetables in open jars. To prevent the brine with cucumbers or tomatoes from becoming cloudy or moldy, you need to pour a tablespoon of crushed dried horseradish leaves into it - mold will not appear, the brine will be clear and tasty.
So, wash the horseradish leaves, dry them and then chop them. Store the powder in closed jars.
Ingredients used in the recipe: - horseradish leaves Cooking instructions: Horseradish leaves are usually used for pickling cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables; they can be used for storing canned vegetables in open jars. To prevent the brine with cucumbers or tomatoes from becoming cloudy or moldy, you need to pour a tablespoon of crushed dried horseradish leaves into it - mold will not appear, the brine will be clear and tasty.
Useful uses of horseradish leaves
Horseradish leaves are often used by connoisseurs and cooks. They are a mandatory component of conservation. These leaves are excellent at fighting mold. Therefore, they are added when rolling pickled cucumbers and tomatoes.
Young Armoracia leaves are an excellent addition to meat dishes. They give food a spicy, incomparable taste. Horseradish leaves are also often added to first courses. They are used to decorate cold appetizers. Experienced chefs use powdered seasoning made from dried horseradish leaves in cooking. They flavor jellied dishes, poultry, and pork with this seasoning. The result is a real masterpiece for true connoisseurs of haute cuisine.
Without tears and disappointments: how to preserve the freshness and benefits of horseradish at home
Horseradish is one of the most popular hot seasonings, so many vegetable growers are happy to grow it in their summer cottages and garden plots.
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However, this vegetable is available fresh only in the warm season, so gardeners are looking for ways to preserve horseradish at home in order to use it throughout the winter. Check out several storage options. They will be useful to residents of both private houses and city apartments.
Harvesting horseradish greens
Horseradish leaves are often used fresh as a seasoning for pickling cucumbers. But in recent years, housewives have been willing to use greens in dry and frozen form.
Unfortunately, you can’t preserve greens without processing for long. To do this, you will need to wrap the unwashed leaves in cling film and keep them in the refrigerator. They need to be packaged in small quantities to be used at a time. You can also wrap the greens in a wet cloth and place them in the basement. The properties and appearance with this method are preserved for a month.
Benefits of horseradish
The composition of horseradish, in addition to a certain proportion of proteins and fats and a fairly large amount of carbohydrates, includes fiber, phytoncides, essential oils, vitamins C (more than in lemons), PP, E, group B, carotene, and mineral compounds: it contains phosphorus salts , sodium, iron, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium.
The fresh juice of the plant is rich in natural antibiotics - lysozyme and disozyme, the green leaves contain a large percentage of ascorbic acid and alkaloids, and the seeds contain fatty essential oil.
This beloved vegetable has long been known for its analgesic, powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used as an appetite enhancer, expectorant, choleretic and diuretic.
Products that remain fresh much longer are stored next to fresh horseradish, and young leaves are placed in jars during the process of pickling or pickling tomatoes and cucumbers.
How to dry
Roots that are unsuitable for long-term winter storage can simply be dried. Before drying, prepare them: clean off any adhering soil, cut off the tops and small shoots.
Then rinse them under running water, dry them with a clean towel or cut off the thin top layer with a sharp knife, then air dry them a little.
It is better not to dry horseradish in direct sunlight: phytoncides quickly evaporate from it and some of the beneficial compounds are destroyed.
It is better to dry horseradish roots in a heated oven or electric dryer. You can prepare them in the following ways:
- cut lengthwise with a sharp knife;
- cut into thin slices or strips;
- grate on a coarse or medium grater.
Place the slices on a baking sheet, preheat the oven to 50-60°C and place the baking sheet in it. Leave the horseradish in the oven for 2-3 hours. During this time, turn it over periodically. Do not close the oven door tightly to allow excess moisture to escape.
The second drying method is to put the slices in an electric dryer at 40°C. Leave for 1 hour, then turn off the dryer to allow the horseradish to cool. Repeat heating and cooling 3 or 4 more times.
Pour the dried mass into clean, dry jars, compact them tightly, close with plastic lids and place them in a dry, dark, cool place, for example, in a kitchen table, closet, or pantry. Shelf life - 2 years. To use dried horseradish, you need to soak it in warm water.
How to properly store horseradish in the cellar for the winter so that it does not spoil
Thick, smooth and juicy roots can be stored in the cellar. They must be free of damage, rotten spots, and dents. To prevent the root from spoiling, before placing it in underground storage, prepare:
- free from the remains of the earth;
- carefully trim the leaves without touching the tops;
- Wipe the entire length of the horseradish with a piece of thick cloth to remove small thin roots.
Place the prepared roots in wooden boxes with a layer of damp sand at the bottom. Place them so that they do not touch each other and sprinkle each layer of vegetable with sand. The temperature at which horseradish is best stored is 0-5°C, humidity 80-90%. If stored properly, vegetables can last without much loss until the next harvest.
How to store fresh horseradish root in the refrigerator and freezer
Young thin roots no longer than 30 cm are best suited for storage this way. Clean them from the soil, fold them in 5-10 pieces. in plastic bags or wrap in cling film. Make several small holes in the package and place the packages in the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment. Horseradish can be stored there for 1 month.
It can last even longer in the freezer. But in this case, the roots need to be washed, dried and cut into small pieces.
Place the slices in bags or plastic containers, close tightly and place in the freezer. This way you can preserve horseradish for 6 months. If you need it, just take it out and, without defrosting, grate it.
Where and how to properly store horseradish
There are several options for storing horseradish for the winter; the main thing is to choose a suitable container, create optimal temperature and humidity levels, and observe the expiration dates of the product.
At home
A refrigerator, freezer, glazed balcony or loggia in the apartment makes it easier to store horseradish for the winter. Even if you have a very small area, if you can equip it correctly, you will get an ideal place for storing roots.
In a refrigerator
In an apartment, horseradish can also be kept in the refrigerator, but for no more than 2 months. To do this, you should choose roots no longer than 25 cm. Clean the plant from the soil and place it in cling film; be sure to make several holes for air circulation. It is recommended to store the product in the vegetable compartment.
It is important to periodically inspect for product damage.
In the freezer
To make horseradish root a frequent guest not only on the holiday table, but also on the everyday table, you can freeze it. To do this, you need to carry out the following procedure:
- Before planting, soak the roots overnight in cool water.
- Wash the plant well with running water and remove the peel.
- Chop the root vegetable into pieces 5-7 cm long.
- Pack in portions into bags, ensuring the integrity of the packaging.
This storage method will allow you to enjoy the savory vegetable until the next harvest. At the same time, the product will not lose its taste and healing power.
Before eating, it is recommended to mince frozen root vegetables.
How to preserve horseradish for the winter using the freezer:
On the balcony
In an apartment, the healing product can be kept on the balcony. The roots need to be placed in containers with sand. You can also use peat bedding. The material has antiseptic properties and helps protect the product from rot.
Acceptable temperature ranges from 0 to +3°C, humidity level 80-90%. It is important to take into account that horseradish stays fresh for a long time only in a well-ventilated area.
The horseradish stock must be systematically checked. If some of the root crops rot, it is necessary to dispose of the affected specimens, the rest must be treated using antifungal drugs.
In the cellar
The best place for winter storage of vegetables, including horseradish, is the cellar. High indoor humidity (85-90%), maintained temperature conditions (from 0 to +2°C), darkness and a well-thought-out ventilation system contribute to better preservation of the product and also prevent the active spread of mold and various infections.
Before planting horseradish, you need to carry out the following range of work:
- Dry and ventilate the cellar, disinfect it using a sulfur bomb.
- Cover the walls, ceiling and floor with a layer of whitewash with copper sulfate.
- Dry the boxes and pallets and treat them with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Only after this the cellar is ready to receive the new harvest. There are several ways to store horseradish in the cellar.
In sand
Clean the roots from the soil and place them in boxes with sand so that they do not come into contact with each other. Cover each row with a layer of 3 cm. For long-term preservation, the sand should be periodically moistened using a spray bottle.
Temperatures should not fall below 0°C, and humidity should be between 80-90%.
In the package
Before placing the roots in a plastic bag, they must be rinsed with special care with cold water and then dried with a paper towel. Place prepared horseradish in bags and fill with air. Such sealed packaging will allow you to preserve the product until spring.
In the peat
The roots must be placed in boxes in rows, sprinkled with peat, the layer thickness is 4-5 cm. This option is quite popular, since the vegetables do not rot and can withstand minor frosts.
In limbo
To save space in the cellar, rhizomes can be collected in a bunch of several pieces and hung from the ceiling. At the same time, you need to ensure that they do not come into contact with other products.
When using this method, it is necessary to remember that high humidity can provoke rotting, and low humidity can cause drying of the roots.
Storing grated horseradish
You can also store grated horseradish in its pure form in the freezer. The convenience of this method is that the vegetable in this form does not take up much space and is already ready to eat. You can grate the root or grind it in an electric meat grinder.
To make the roots easier to yield, soak them for 1 hour in cold water, and to prevent volatile substances from irritating your eyes, place a plastic bag over the outlet of the meat grinder, into which the ground mass will fall.
Tie the ends around the hole or secure with an elastic band. If you have a food processor, you can also use that.
Place the resulting liquid pulp in small portions into bags, wrap them tightly and put them in the freezer. Frozen horseradish completely retains all its beneficial substances and can be stored for up to 1 year.
Other ways to prepare horseradish leaves
Drying. It is necessary to thoroughly rinse the horseradish leaves and place them in a well-ventilated but dark room until completely dry. After this procedure, the plant must be crushed and stored in a closed jar. You can also dry the leaves on a radiator or in a slightly heated oven. In addition to jars, horseradish can be stored in handfuls in gauze.
Fresh storage. Place the leaves in a wet plastic bag, seal tightly and put in the refrigerator. In this form, the plant is stored for about six months.
Freezing. Wash the leaves, let the water dry, close tightly in a bag or container, and put in the freezer.
There are several ways to pickle horseradish leaves:
Homemade seasonings
You can store horseradish by preparing seasonings based on it. To do this, you also need to grind it on a grater or meat grinder. In this case, the grater and mesh should have the smallest holes so that the output is a liquid mass. It is better to take thin and juicy root.
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Add to a liquid pulp of 200 g:
- 1 tsp. salt;
- 1 tbsp. l. Sahara;
- 7 tbsp. l. wine vinegar;
- 1 medium beetroot, chopped.
Divide the mixture into small jars and place them on the top shelf of the refrigerator. Shelf life: 3-6 months.
Horseradish can be stored even longer, up to a year, if you prepare it according to the following recipe. Take:
- 200 g horseradish and garlic;
- 2 kg tomato;
- 1 tbsp. l. sugar and salt;
- 3 tbsp. l. vinegar;
- 0.5 tbsp vegetable oil.
Grind the tomatoes in a meat grinder, mix with sugar and salt, place on the stove and bring to a boil. After 15 minutes, pour oil, vinegar, mashed horseradish and garlic into the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into sterilized jars, seal them with lids and store them in a cool place.
The video presents one of the recipes for making horseradish, which can be stored all winter.
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How to store leaves
Not only the roots, but also young horseradish leaves can also be stored in the refrigerator. Rinse the leaves under running water, dry them so that there is not a drop of moisture on them, and then put 1-2 leaves in bags. Place the bags in the refrigerator. In it, greens can remain fresh for about 3 weeks.
Another way to preserve horseradish leaves is drying. Wash the leaves under running water and place them in a warm oven to dry. When they are dry, grind them into powder and pour it into dry jars. Shelf life: at least 1 year.
Preserving horseradish for the winter is quite simple. Use any of the proposed methods, and you will always have roots or leaves of this vegetable on hand, even when it is frosty outside.
You can also store grated horseradish in its pure form in the freezer. The convenience of this method is that the vegetable in this form does not take up much space and is already ready to eat. You can grate the root or grind it in an electric meat grinder.
Canning horseradish
Horseradish leaves can be pickled for the winter, then added as a seasoning for a sharp taste.
There are several ways to pickle horseradish leaves:
1. Wash the leaves, dry them in a dark place, and chop them into large pieces. Next, put in the jar in layers: salt, leaves, salt and so on. It is advisable to put everything in a sterile jar in dense layers to create something like a brine.
2. These greens can be used as a seasoning for other dishes that need to be salted or pickled for further use in the winter. For example, the famous sauce called “Hrenovina”, for which there are many recipes. Here is one of them:
For preparation you need:
— tomatoes 1-1.5 kg; - garlic to taste (3-5 pieces); - 150-300 g horseradish leaves; - salt and sugar, to taste.
The garlic must be peeled. Rinse horseradish leaves thoroughly. Wash the tomatoes well and remove the stem. Scroll everything through a meat grinder.
Before chopping horseradish leaves, you need to put a plastic bag over the neck of the meat grinder so that your eyes are not irritated, just like what happens when chopping onions.
After grinding all the ingredients, mix them well and add sugar and salt to taste.
For a richer taste, place the “horseradish” in the refrigerator for a day. Then you need to pull it out and close it in jars prepared for twisting.
Do I need to cut off horseradish leaves for the winter?
Usually, leaves are not cut off from horseradish plants in the fall unless you intend to dig up the roots from the ground. Horseradish is practically not affected by fungal diseases (except powdery mildew, which is rare) and other diseases, and the leaves left behind will not become breeding grounds for infection. Although, pests can hide under them for the winter. Horseradish can be affected by aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage bugs. If signs of diseases or pests were observed in the summer, the above-ground part is cut off, carefully removing all plant debris from the soil. The soil around the bushes is spilled with Bordeaux mixture.
Attention! If the plant is completely healthy, there is no need to trim the above-ground parts.
If you don’t like the sloppy appearance of yellowed leaves, cut them off at the beginning of autumn.
Conclusion: there is no exact and only correct answer to the question. Everyone does what is most convenient for them.
Where to put horseradish leaves after trimming
Not everyone knows that fresh green horseradish leaves have a number of beneficial properties, along with the roots of the plant. They contain vitamin C, in greater concentration than lemon. Horseradish greens are rich in magnesium, sulfur, copper, carotene, iron, and amino acids.
They also have pronounced bactericidal properties, inhibit the growth of mold and pathogenic microorganisms. Since ancient times, fresh horseradish leaves have been used to keep perishable foods warm:
- they wrap freshly caught fish, pieces of butter and cheese in horseradish leaves (the food does not spoil for several days without refrigeration);
- put in brine when salting cucumbers and mushrooms.
In cooking, young horseradish leaves are cut into salads (their taste is similar to cabbage, with a slight bitterness). Large leaves are used to make cabbage rolls.
In folk medicine, an alcohol tincture is prepared from the aerial parts of horseradish, which helps with pain in the back, neck and lower back. The tincture is rubbed into the skin and a compress is made. The medicine is taken internally as a stimulant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Green, clean and not old leaves are suitable for medicinal purposes and food consumption. They can be cut from the plant starting in mid-summer. In July, bunches of young greenery formed from the side buds are cut off, without touching the central rosette.
In September, you can cut off all the foliage, leaving small stumps of stems 5-7 cm high.
The healing properties of horseradish
Due to its rich internal content, horseradish leaves have a wide range of medicinal properties. What are the benefits of green parts of the plant:
- Positive effect in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Horseradish has proven itself to be an effective remedy for osteochondrosis, arthritis, radiculitis and muscle pain in various locations.
- This is an effective natural antibiotic. For external use, crushed greens are applied under bandages, and oral administration helps relieve inflammation from the mucous membranes. Bactericidal and antiseptic properties are used in the treatment of stomatitis, periodontal disease and other inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The juice of the plant will help relieve toothache.
- Greens relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract. Tinctures and infusions are used to treat and gargle for sore throats; to remove sputum when coughing, mix green gruel with honey.
- During the period of rampant infectious diseases, colds and flu, vitamin deficiency has a general strengthening effect on a weakened body.
- They help fight women's and men's health problems - menstrual irregularities, prostatitis and prostate adenoma, sexual impotence.
- The bitterness contained in the ground part and roots stimulates the appetite and promotes the production of gastric juice and enzymes. Due to this, the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract improves and metabolism increases.
- Pathologies and liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, are more successfully treated using products from horseradish greens. This is possible due to the choleretic effect and the ability of the plant to remove toxins and restore the functioning of the organ.
- Substances that make up the green parts of the plant have a diuretic effect. Their use is justified in cases of inflammation of the urinary tract, uncomplicated cystitis, and kidney stones.
- It has a vasodilating and tonic effect on the cardiovascular system. Thanks to this, leaf-based remedies are used for heart disease, anemia and high blood pressure.
- Cleanse the body of toxins and waste. They are used in the treatment of joints, in particular, from salt deposition and restoration of cartilage tissue, to relieve pain.
- The healing properties of the bitter plant are actively used in cosmetology (improving the condition of the skin, nails and hair).
Disposal of old and dry leaves
Foliage that is not suitable for use can be burned. But it’s wiser to put it in compost. By rotting, plant materials turn into valuable fertilizer, which can be used to fertilize beds or prepare nutrient solutions.
The leaves can be put whole, but it is better to chop them into crumbs with a shovel and, together with other plant debris, compact them tightly in a prepared container or hole. To speed up the decay process, the mass is spilled with a solution of the drug Baikal M. It is recommended to cover the pile with black plastic film to increase the temperature inside the compost. At elevated temperatures, pathogens and parasite eggs die.
Important! Only horseradish leaves are placed in the compost, without pieces of plant roots and buds. Even a small bud with a particle of root, if placed in a favorable environment, will take root, clogging the area.
To avoid contamination of the area with horseradish, the plant is grown in containers without a bottom (buckets, tanks), the horseradish bed is fenced off with sheets of metal or slate dug into the soil to a depth of 60 cm. When digging up the crop and cutting off old leaves, it is necessary to ensure that root particles do not fall into soil.