Unlock the seasonal secret: Rowan berries in your kitchen
You can still find red fruits on trees that children once used to make necklaces and bracelets. Many believe that only animals can consume them, but with proper preparation, they can be transformed into delicious jams. Look out for them during your walk and bring some home with you.
9 October 2024 10:49
Rowan berries adorn our gardens in the autumn, bringing an intense orange hue. However, it's worth noting that they're not just a visual delight and childhood memory but also a healthy delicacy that deserves a place in your kitchen. Combined with apples, they become a delightful preserve, perfect for meats, cheeses, or simply spreading on toast.
Is rowan berry healthy?
These modest red fruits pack a punch of goodness. They contain vitamins C and A, which boost immunity; carotenoids, which improve eyesight; and tannins, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. It's no surprise that our grandmothers used rowan berries to prepare medicinal syrups and liqueurs.
The compounds in rowan berries help lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing heart disease risk. They also contain flavonoids, carotenoids, and organic acids that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic benefits.
Rowan berry, apple, and pear preserve
One of the tastiest ways to use Rowan berries is to make a delicious preserve. It pairs well with meat, cheese, and bread or serves as a pancake topping. It's worth preparing a few jars that are sweet, tasty, and healthy. Combined with apples and pears, it captures the essence of autumn in the preserve.
Ingredients:
- 1 kilogram of ripe rowan berries,
- 600 grams of sugar,
- 450 grams of apples,
- 450 grams of pears,
- 120 millilitres of water.
Preparation method:
- Meticulously sort the rowan berries, removing stems and leaves. If picked before frost, consider freezing them for a few days to soften. Once thawed, scald them with boiling water.
- Wash the apples and pears, peel, core, and cut into small cubes.
- Place the rowan berries, sugar, and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the diced apples and pears. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the preserve thickens, about 2-3 hours.
- Spoon the hot preserve into previously sterilised jars and seal tightly. Pasteurise the jars for 15-20 minutes to ensure a longer shelf life.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste, as it largely depends on the sweetness of the apples and pears you choose. Enjoy!
