The rumor persists: rowan berries are poisonous and therefore inedible. However, that is not true. They only cause stomach problems when too many raw berries are eaten. However, they are far too bitter to be eaten raw.

Rowanberries contain parasorbic acid

One of the ingredients in rowanberries is parasorbic acid. It was formerly used to make substitute sweeteners for diabetics. In large quantities, it causes stomach problems, which are manifested by abdominal pain, nausea and sometimes diarrhea.

However, the acid is not toxic. 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.

Fruits rich in vitamins

Rowanberries contain a lot of vitamin C, so they were even used in seafaring in the past to protect sailors from scurvy. Some of the vitamin content is lost during cooking, but the loss is only around 30 percent.

Heat rowanberries

The best way to make rowan fruit edible is to heat it. When heated, parasorbic acid turns into harmless sorbic acid.

Rowanberries can be prepared to:

  • jam
  • juice
  • tea
  • rowanberry brandy
  • liqueur
  • rowan wine

By fermenting the rowanberries in the mash, the parasorbic acid is also broken down, so that the alcoholic beverages can also be enjoyed without any problems.

tips and tricks

Leaves and flowers of mountain ash are used in naturopathy 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 content of bitter substances.

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Category:

Vegetable garden