In autumn, the slightly mealy fruits ripen from the pretty white umbel blossoms of the hawthorn. Collecting and processing the berries has been out of fashion for a long time - we think that's a pity, because aromatic and healthy specialties can be prepared from the berries.

The Harvest of the Fruits

When the bright red fruits hang on the bush between the middle and the end of September, the optimal time to harvest has come. The berries are then somewhat floury on the inside and taste slightly sweet.

Since the hawthorn has many spines, you should protect your hands from injury with gloves. Only pick the berries away from busy roads and intensively cultivated areas so that they are not contaminated with exhaust gases and environmental toxins.

Since the fruits often hang sporadically, harvesting is a bit tedious. 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 the hawthorn fruit have not yet been recognized in Germany, the quality of the berries is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia. They are traditionally used as natural medicines that stimulate blood flow and strengthen the heart muscle.

Hawthorn fruit - 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 thickens naturally and you need a little less jam sugar than usual to prepare it. Since the berries contain little juice, the seeds are only removed after cooking.

Boil the fruit in apple, pear, orange or grape juice until soft. This takes about ten to twenty minutes. Then push the mass through a sieve to remove the seeds. Now boil the jam again with gelling sugar or a gelling agent of your choice and fill the jelly into clean glasses.

Warming in the cold season

Hawthorn fruit liqueur is a delicious treat during the Advent season thanks to its pleasant aroma. How to prepare the rich drink:

  • Pour 300 grams of hawthorn fruit into a wide-necked bottle
  • Add 150 grams of rock candy and 4 cloves
  • top up with a bottle of good grain
  • Close the bottle tightly and leave for at least 6 weeks
  • shake occasionally

tips and tricks

Hawthorn is one of the most important plants for heart health. All active ingredients of the plant are retained in jam and liqueur.

Category:

Vegetable garden