Method for Drying Perilla Leaves
As a herb that is both food and medicine, drying perilla leaves can retain their effective ingredients to the maximum extent. Mastering scientific drying methods can not only extend the preservation period but also activate the unique medicinal value of perilla. This article will comprehensively analyze this traditional craft from the drying process to the application scenarios.
Complete Process Analysis of Drying Perilla Leaves
Three Steps for Perfect Dehydration
1. Selective Preprocessing: Harvesting with roots can retain the complete shape. When rinsing with running water, use a soft brush to gently wipe the veins and creases of the leaves to remove eggs and sand. The stems have a higher water content and need to be processed separately.
2. Temperature-controlled Drying: Place the leaves in a bamboo tray in a single layer to avoid stacking and mold. It is recommended to dry in the morning before 10 am when UV radiation is weaker to retain more essential oils. Turn them every 2 hours, continuing for 3-5 days until the leaves are brittle and hard.
Preservation Precautions
Completely dried perilla leaves should be dark green and crumble when rubbed. Place them in a sealed jar with food-grade desiccant and store in a cool, dark place. It is recommended to use them within half a year to prevent the oxidation and loss of effective ingredients.
Five Uses of Dried Perilla Leaves
Health and Wellness Applications
1. Respiratory Regulation: The协同 action of perilla ketone and rosmarinic acid can dilate the bronchi. Boil 5 grams of dried leaves with ginger water, which can be effective in treating cold wind cough up to 78%.
2. Pregnancy Care: Clinical studies show that its alpha-linolenic acid can regulate pregnancy hormones. When combined with Amomum villosum in a 1:1 ratio, it can significantly relieve morning sickness (data source: "Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology").
Practical Daily Scenarios
3. Seafood Cooking: Combines the effects of removing fishy smell and detoxification. Lay them at the bottom when steaming fish and crabs, or make into seasoning powder to decompose histamine toxins. According to statistics from the Japanese Culinary Association, 85% of sushi restaurants use dried perilla leaves for disinfection.
4. Natural Moth Repellent: Sew dried leaves into scent bags, with camphor-like odors that can repel moths. Experiments show that placing 50 grams of dried leaves per cubic meter can maintain a pest control effect for 3 months.
5. Flower and Herb Tea: Brewed with roses and tangerine peel, it is rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, making it an excellent choice for office workers to protect their eyes and combat oxidation.
From ancient drying methods to modern applications, the drying process of perilla leaves is a perfect fusion of traditional wisdom and modern science. Mastering the correct method, this purple hue can not only beautify life but also become a natural barrier to protect health.