Don’t throw away strawberry leaves and stems: they turn into a powerful “health” drink to digest and purify your intestines.
At the moment, the stalls of French markets and supermarkets are full of fragrant strawberries. If we like to enjoy the fruit on a pie or simply with a little sugar, we often throw the leaves and green stems in the trash. Big mistake: wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) or cultivated strawberry leaves have been used as an infusion for centuries for their health benefits.
Strawberry leaf infusion has two major benefits. Firstly, its exceptional richness in condensed tannins gives it powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for soothing the digestive system and combating mild intestinal discomfort. In the stomach, it gives a feeling of “calm”. We feel less bloated, lighter (just like with raisins, a fruit that protects the intestines).
Secondly, a study published in early 2023 in the journal Molecules highlights that the leaves contain a concentration of polyphenols up to 122 times higher than that of the fruit itself. These compounds play a crucial role in reducing cellular oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the prevention of metabolic diseases. This synergy between intestinal comfort and cellular protection makes this drink a real shield for spring.
Strawberry leaves do not taste like strawberries: they taste more like a light black tea (without the bitterness) or a raspberry infusion. To prepare this drink, you need about 2 grams of dried leaves (or a small handful of well-washed fresh leaves) per 250 ml of water heated to 85-90°C. Leave to infuse for 7 to 10 minutes to extract the tannins without altering the aromas. Since the taste is quite neutral/grassy, feel free to add a slice of lemon or a crushed fresh strawberry to the bottom of the cup.
For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to consume this infusion after meals to facilitate digestion, or upon waking up to benefit from its remineralizing effect. One or two cups per day are enough to benefit from its virtues without saturating the body with tannins.
The ideal time to pick strawberry leaves is late April/early May, before the flowers have fully bloomed. This is where the nutrients are at the peak. Take the young leaves, very green and without brown spots. Make sure you use organically grown leaves to avoid any concentration of pesticides. If they are not organic, wash them thoroughly to remove any traces of pesticides or soil parasites.
