When I saw the grape vines had already covered my solar lights within only a matter of a few days, I realized I needed to get busy and start pruning them back so my lights could get sun and give out light in the evening. A couple of years ago, I had decided to look into grape leaves to find out what uses they might have and was pleased to find they are not only edible, but loaded with nutrients and benefits to health. So now when I prune, I do not just throw out those precious greens, I dehydrate them for future uses!
one of my solar lights after pruning back the grape vines around it
In the summer when I am making lots of vinegar, I like to use the larger grape leaves to cover my fruit and herbs in order to keep them under the water while brewing.
A batch of rose petal vinegar just being started
They also are great for adding to cucumbers when pickling to help keep them crisp.
a batch of my lacto fermented pickles
I have added the young, more tender leaves to salads, used in stir fries, and even have made dolmas, which is pretty much the Greek version of cabbage rolls.
The number one thing I do with my grape leaves, however, is to dehydrate them and add them to my mixed greens blend that I use in nearly every meal I cook. I do this because it is another way I can add more nutrients to our diet. I will talk more about my mixed greens blend in another post later on and what all it contains.
Grape leaves are high in fiber and vitamins A and K. They also are a good source of Calcium and Iron. Other important nutrients they contain is magnesium, manganese, Vitamin C, and several others.
The health benefits of grape leaves include the ability to help boost the immune system, prevent cancer, promote bone, joint, skin, and eye health, help with heart function, protect the nervous system, and so much more.
With all this in mind, make sure to start harvesting some of those grape leaves that any of us grape growers know, come in an abundance, and start making use of them!
How my grapevines look around my deck in mid summer
NOTE: I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling! Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!
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