Sea buckthorn: The vitamin powerhouse from coastal dunes
The fruit, sometimes called the "lemon of the north," contains significantly more vitamin C than popular citrus fruits. Moreover, unlike lemon, it retains its valuable properties even in hot water. At the end of the summer, fresh fruits are sold on branches. You can prepare an infusion from frozen, dried, or juiced berries in winter.
In 100 grams of fresh sea buckthorn berries, there is up to 2,500 mg of vitamin C. This is even 50 times more than in lemon, which contains about 50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. However, these are not all the benefits of fruits that naturally grow on coastal dunes. Sea buckthorn also contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects, vitamin E, known as the "vitamin of youth," B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Where does sea buckthorn grow?
Sea buckthorn thrives in areas that often do not attract other plants. With their distinctive orange fruits, the bushes grow on sandy dunes, cliffs, and coastal hills. Unfortunately, the berries from these bushes cannot be picked—wild sea buckthorn is protected. However, you can successfully cultivate such a tree in your garden. Evergreen sea buckthorn is excellent as a hedge.
Harvest time for sea buckthorn berries
Sea buckthorn berries are ready for harvest from August to October. You can buy branches laden with orange berries at local markets during this period. This method is certainly easier and cheaper. You will need to remove the fruits from the branches yourself. Although sharp thorns make this challenging, there is an effective method. Place the branches of sea buckthorn in the freezer. Once chilled, shake the branch, and the berries will fall off themselves.
Recipe for sea buckthorn infusion
You can prepare a warming drink full of vitamin C using fresh, frozen, or dried berries. You can also use sea buckthorn juice, sometimes available in small glass bottles in shops. There's no need to purchase larger amounts because juice squeezed from these fruits is incredibly sour and so rich in vitamin C that few can drink a large quantity without diluting it with water.
Method:
- Pour hot water over the sea buckthorn berries.
- Crush them using a wooden pestle and cover with a lid for 5-8 minutes.
- You can add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or fruits such as apples or pears to sweeten.
Sea buckthorn infusion pairs well with slices of fresh ginger or rosehip berries.
Who is sea buckthorn infusion recommended for?
Anyone can turn to sea buckthorn when facing weakened immunity. The abundance of vitamin C strengthens the immune system, helping to prevent infections. It is especially beneficial if you frequently suffer from colds and low energy, as sea buckthorn can help you break the cycle.
The very sour berries also help treat skin conditions. They have anti-inflammatory properties, soothe irritations, and expedite wound healing. Pharmacies and health shops stock sea buckthorn oil, which helps regenerate hair structure.
Contraindications
Individuals with allergies, blood clotting issues, and kidney stones should cautiously consume sea buckthorn infusions or consult a doctor before using them. Sea buckthorn contains oxalates, which can exacerbate these conditions. Due to the lack of research, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be cautious.
