Tilia spp.: Linden leaf is the dried leaf of the linden (lime) tree, a member of the Malvaceae family. Linden is a deciduous tree of temperate climates; in Türkiye several species occur naturally, chiefly silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) and Anatolian linden (Tilia rubra).

What is linden leaf?

Linden leaf is the dried form of the heart-shaped, serrated-edge leaves of trees in the genus Tilia. It is used as a plant raw material in herbal tea blends and in the food industry.

What is the difference between linden leaf and linden flower?

Two distinct herbal drugs are traded under the name linden. Linden flower consists of the flower cluster together with its attached bract and carries a more intense aroma. Linden leaf is obtained from the ordinary leaves of the tree; its taste is milder and it is mostly used as a blend component. The two are priced differently and are defined separately in purchasing specifications.

How is linden leaf harvested and dried?

Leaves are collected during the growing season, before they begin to yellow. They are dried in ventilated conditions away from direct sunlight so that colour and aroma are preserved. After drying, stems and foreign matter are separated, and the leaves are sieved, graded and baled.

What is linden leaf used for?

• Herbal tea industry: infusion teas, on their own or as a blend component
• Food manufacturing: tea bag production and flavoured beverages
• Extraction: raw material for botanical extract production

How is high-quality dried linden leaf identified?

The main criteria are a preserved fresh green colour, a low stem ratio, absence of foreign matter, uniform particle size and controlled moisture content. Leaves dried at excessive temperature or in direct sunlight turn yellow and lose aroma.

Traditional use of linden

In Anatolia linden is one of the most widely consumed infusion teas during the winter months and has traditionally been regarded as a restful drink. This refers to traditional use and is not a medicinal claim.

Bulk linden leaf supply and export

Organicure supplies and exports dried linden leaf in baled form, sourced by wild collection in the mountains of Anatolia. Please contact us regarding bulk linden leaf supply, contract harvesting and regular shipment programmes for herbal tea producers, the food industry and extract manufacturers.