The somewhat mealy fruits ripen from the pretty white umbel flowers of the hawthorn in autumn. Collecting and processing berries has been out of fashion for a long time - we think it's a shame, because aromatic and he althy speci alties can be prepared from the berries.
What can you use hawthorn fruits for?
Hawthorn fruits are aromatic berries that ripen in autumn and can be made into he althy speci alties such as jam, jelly or liqueur. They contain valuable ingredients and traditionally promote blood circulation and the heart muscle.
The Harvest of Fruits
When the fruits hang bright red on the bush between mid and end of September, the optimal harvest time has come. The berries are a little floury on the inside and taste slightly sweet.
Since the hawthorn has many spines, you should protect your hands from injuries with gloves. Only pick the berries away from busy roads and intensively cultivated areas so that they are not contaminated with exhaust fumes and environmental toxins.
Since the fruits often hang in isolation, harvesting is a bit laborious. Carefully strip the small berries from the bush and place them in a basket until ready to use.
Small fruits with valuable ingredients
Although the medicinal effects of hawthorn fruits have not yet been recognized in Germany, the quality of the berries is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia. They are traditionally used as a natural medicine that promotes blood circulation and strengthens the heart muscle.
Hawthorn fruits – delicious in jelly and jam
The bitter almond aroma of the berries gives jams and jellies a special touch. Since the berries contain pectin, the jelly is naturally thickened and you need a little less preserving sugar than usual to prepare it. Since the berries contain little juice, the seeds are only removed after cooking.
Cook the fruit in apple, pear, orange or grape juice until soft. This takes about ten to twenty minutes. Then strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds. Now boil the jam again with preserving sugar or a gelling agent of your choice and fill the jelly into clean jars.
Warm in the cold season
Hawthorn fruit liqueur is a delicious treat during Advent thanks to its pleasant aroma. How to prepare the rich drink:
- Pour 300 grams of hawthorn fruits into a wide-mouthed bottle
- Pour 150 grams of rock candy and 4 cloves on top
- fill up with a bottle of good grain
- Close the bottle tightly and let it steep for at least 6 weeks
- shake occasionally
Tips & Tricks
Hawthorn is one of the most important plants for heart he alth. All active ingredients of the plant are also retained in jam and liqueur.
