Can dried cornus berries be soaked in alcohol? How to do it?

Dried cornus berries are commonly used to make medicinal wine. This can be done by following steps such as preparing the materials, washing and air-drying, placing into a wine jar, adding white spirit, and sealing for soaking.

I. Can dried cornus berries be used to make medicinal wine?

For healthy adults, moderate use of dried cornus berries to make medicinal wine is generally acceptable. Cornus berries are believed to nourish the liver and kidneys and help consolidate vital essence. Drinking cornus berry-infused wine may contribute to health maintenance.

When making the medicinal wine, it is essential to choose pure grain-based alcohol without any added chemical ingredients to ensure quality and safety. Although cornus berry wine has health benefits, excessive consumption may burden the body. Therefore, moderate consumption is recommended to achieve the desired health effects.

II. How to make cornus berry medicinal wine

1. Prepare materials: Select high-quality dried cornus berries, removing impurities and damaged berries. Prepare high-proof white liquor, such as sorghum wine with an alcohol content of 50% or higher. The amount of alcohol can be adjusted based on the quantity of cornus berries and personal preference. Prepare a clean glass or ceramic jar free from oil and water.

2. Wash and dry: Quickly rinse the dried cornus berries with clean water to remove surface dust, then air-dry them in a well-ventilated area or gently pat dry with a clean towel. Ensure the berries are completely dry to prevent moisture from causing spoilage when introduced into the wine.

3. Place into the jar: Put the dried cornus berries into the jar, filling it approximately one-third to one-half full to allow sufficient space for the alcohol. Handle carefully to avoid crushing the berries, which may affect the wine's quality.

4. Add white spirit: Slowly pour the prepared white liquor into the jar until the cornus berries are fully submerged. Gently stir the berries during this process to ensure thorough contact between the alcohol and berries, facilitating the extraction of active components.

5. Seal and soak: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. The typical soaking period is between 15 to 30 days. Shake the jar every 2 to 3 days during this period to enhance the infusion of medicinal properties into the wine. The wine can be consumed after the soaking process is complete.

Prior to making cornus berry medicinal wine, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or nutrition expert to determine if your body constitution is suitable and to obtain proper dosage guidance. Maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods.