They shine orange, are extremely juicy and are considered to be extremely rich in vitamins - the berries of the sea buckthorn. The wrong harvesting method can quickly become sweaty, injury-prone and messy. But how do you do it right?
When is the best time?
Sea buckthorn berries are usually ripe and ready for harvest between September and October. Some varieties such as Sirola and Hergo ripen as early as August.
In principle, the harvest is possible until December or, with luck, until spring. But waiting carries the risk that the fruit will start to ferment, taste rancid, or be eaten by wildlife.
The berries are ripe when they have retained their bright orange to orange-yellow colour. As soon as the color of the fruits fades or fades, they lose quality and their taste suffers as a result.
It depends on the technology
Harvesting sea buckthorn berries is not one of the easiest actions in the garden. Due to the numerous thorns on the branches, injuries can easily occur when picking. For this reason, you should wear gloves, such as sturdy rose gloves, when harvesting. There is also a risk that the berries will burst and the juice will ruin your clothes.
And this is how the professionals do it: The fruit-bearing branches are cut off with secateurs and frozen at home. The next day or later, they are taken out of the freezer and the berries are shaken off. An alternative is to cut off the branches and scrape the berries with a fork.
In addition, you can spread a tarp under the supporting sea buckthorn bush. Then gently shake the bush, causing the ripe berries to fall. Then they only need to be picked up.
And after the harvest?
If you cut off the whole branches, there is no need to prune the shrub later. Many kitchen creations can be made with the berries. They can be eaten raw, but usually don't appeal to most people.
They are suitable, among others:
- as dried fruit
- for juices, smoothies and liqueurs
- as cake fruit
- for making jelly, compote and jam
- use the contained seeds for propagation
- use the fruit-covered branches as a decoration in the vase
tips and tricks
If the bright orange berries are not picked, native birds and small mammals like to attack them. They are therefore a valuable source of food for overwintering in our regions.