
Sea Buckthorn: 5 Facts About the Vitamin-Rich Berry
Have you heard of sea buckthorn? This special and vitamin-rich berry not only has many health benefits, but also grows under special conditions. What's more, you can enjoy it in many different ways. We reveal five exciting facts about sea buckthorn.
Sea Buckthorn Is a Really Robust Plant
Sea buckthorn mainly grows in sandy coastal regions. The hardy plants can thrive in rough, nutrient-poor soils and are often found in coastal areas, on riverbanks and even in mountainous regions. Sea buckthorn prefers sunny locations and is highly tolerant of salty soils. Sea buckthorn bushes are also very robust and can withstand temperatures of up to -40°C.
Full Power Thanks to Lots of Vitamin C
One of the most outstanding properties of sea buckthorn is its extremely high vitamin C content. In fact, sea buckthorn contains up to ten times more vitamin C than oranges. This impressive amount makes sea buckthorn an excellent source of this important vitamin, which is essential for collagen formation, wound healing and the absorption of iron in the body. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and can therefore help prevent disease. In addition to vitamin C, sea buckthorn berries also contain other valuable nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, various B vitamins and trace elements such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
Refreshing Flavor and a Wide Range of Applications
The orange-coloured sea buckthorn berries have a strongly acidic flavour reminiscent of lemons. Due to their intense and tart flavour, they are rarely eaten raw. Instead, they are often processed into various products. Sea buckthorn juice is a popular form that is consumed pure or mixed with other juices. Sea buckthorn tea is also widely available and is often valued for its calming effect and pleasant flavour. Sea buckthorn can also be found in food supplements, which are available in the form of capsules or powders. Sea buckthorn jam, syrup and puree are other delicious ways to enjoy the berry and can be used both as a spread and as an ingredient in desserts and sauces.
Sea Buckthorn Offers You Health Benefits
Sea buckthorn is known for its numerous health benefits. It is particularly valued for its support of the immune system, which is mainly due to its high vitamin C content. In addition, sea buckthorn contains a variety of antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. These antioxidants can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Sea buckthorn oil, which is extracted from the seeds and pulp of the berries, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and can have a soothing effect on skin problems such as acne, eczema and sunburn. Sea buckthorn oil also supports the regeneration of the skin and is often used in cosmetic products.
The Harvest Takes Place in Late Summer
The harvest time for sea buckthorn varies depending on the region and climate, but the main season is typically between August and September. During this time, the berries ripen and reach their full size and colour. Harvesting sea buckthorn is a challenge as the berries grow on thorny branches and are very delicate. There are various methods of harvesting the berries, including cutting off the whole branches and then freezing them to make the berries easier to separate. Another approach is to carefully pick the berries by hand. Regardless of the method, it is important to pick at the right time to preserve the berries at their best quality and guarantee the highest nutrient content.
Ready for the sea buckthorn season?
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