- Healthy and tasty - that's why harvesting barberries is worthwhile
- Harvest time is in autumn - this is how you can recognize ripe barberries
- Harvest sour thorn professionally - this is how it works
The only native barberry species, Berberis vulgaris, is not only useful as a splendid privacy hedge. The pretty yellow spring blossoms on sour thorn bushes are transformed into tasty berries, which Father Kneipp praised in the highest tones. Don't miss out on these delicious natural treasures. This guide explains when and how to properly harvest barberries.
Early autumn is harvest time for barberries
Healthy and tasty - that's why harvesting barberries is worthwhile
The sight of their long, sharp thorns makes the gardener doubt whether harvesting barberry berries is worthwhile at all. The following beneficial properties characterize sour thorn fruits:
- Acidic, invigorating taste
- Rich in vitamins with 25 mg vitamin C per 100 g
- Low in fat (1.0g per 100g) and high in satiating fiber (7.5g per 100g)
Furthermore, sour thorn berries strengthen the immune system because they are rich in natural red pigments. For generations, naturopaths have sworn by its healing properties for colds, liver and gallbladder problems.
Harvest time is in autumn - this is how you can recognize ripe barberries
At the end of August, the window for harvesting barberries opens. The harvest time extends into the winter, because the berries are considered to be so-called hibernators. You can recognize ripe berries by their dark red color and sour taste. If the freshly picked treat makes your palate contract, you can prepare jam, syrup, compote or fruit tea from the juicy fruits. Dried barberries spice up every breakfast muesli.
Harvest sour thorn professionally - this is how it works
Before the start of the harvest, you need to protect your skin and eyes from the sharp thorns. Please put on impenetrable clothing, sturdy gloves with long cuffs and safety goggles. So that you don't have to constantly push your way back and forth through the dense undergrowth, you should ideally hang a basket or bag around you for the harvest.
Clever home gardeners use the thorn-resistant full equipment to cut a barberry bush into shape immediately after harvest.
tips
Aside from the berries, all barberry species are poisonous. Shoots, leaves, thorns and especially the roots are permeated with harmful alkaloids. The cultivation of sour thorn and other Berberis species in the family garden is therefore not recommended.