The rumor persists: rowanberries are poisonous and therefore not edible. However, that is not true. They only cause stomach problems if too many raw berries have been eaten. However, they are far too bitter to be eaten raw.
Are rowanberries poisonous or edible?
Are rowan berries poisonous? No, rowanberries are not poisonous, but they do contain parasorbic acid, which in large quantities can cause stomach problems. To avoid this, the berries should be heated or fermented to convert the acid into the harmless sorbic acid.
Rowberries contain parasorbic acid
One of the ingredients in rowan berries is parasorbic acid. It was previously used to make substitute sweeteners for diabetics. In large quantities it causes stomach problems, which are manifested by abdominal pain, nausea and sometimes diarrhea.
The acid is not poisonous, however. However, it should not be eaten in excess to avoid stomach problems.
The fruits of the mountain ash are very bitter when raw
There is hardly any danger of accidentally eating too many raw rowan berries. Because of the high tannin content, the berries are far too bitter for anyone to eat large quantities of.
Vitamin-rich fruits
Rowberries contain a lot of vitamin C, so they were even used in seafaring to protect sailors from scurvy. Some of the vitamin content is lost during cooking, but the loss is only around 30 percent.
Heating the rowanberries
The best way to make rowan fruits edible is to heat them. When heated, the parasorbic acid turns into harmless sorbic acid.
Rowberries can be prepared into:
- Jam
- Juice
- Tea
- Rowberry Brandy
- Liqueur
- Rowberry wine
By fermenting the rowan berries in the mash, the parasorbic acid is also broken down, so that the alcoholic drinks can also be enjoyed without any problems.
Tips & Tricks
Leaves and flowers of mountain ash are used in natural medicine for bronchitis or coughs. If you have an upset stomach, a tea made from rowan berries is said to provide relief because of its high bitter content.
