The Sunny Power Plant: the Sea Buckthorn
Wild herbs are very sparse at the moment. Often they are still hiding under the snow. That’s why our oecotrophologist and plant expert Sabine HĂ€berlein has chosen sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) for this month, a plant that brings sunshine into the day through its color alone. But not only that, it is downright indispensable, especially at this time of year, as it strengthens our immune system.stem stĂ€rkt.
Strong immune system thanks to the fruits
Responsible for this are the high contents of vitamins C and E. Sea buckthorn berries contain between 200 mg and 1000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit, depending on the altitude. The daily requirement for adult women is 95 mg of vitamin C. Men need 110 mg of it per day. 100 g of fruit also cover the daily requirement of vitamin E.
Concentrated healing power
In addition, the orange berries are rich in B vitamins and thus promote concentration. The contents of provitamin A and flavanoids are also quite respectable. They reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect cells. The oil produced from the seeds has wound-healing properties. It protects the skin from the sun and helps with sunburn. Kernel oil also has an anti-aging effect on the skin.
Culinary delights
The raw berries are extremely sour. When boiled down, they can tolerate a little sweetness. You can process them into juice, fruit spread, jelly, liqueur or desserts. They also taste good in muesli and in cakes or pies. The taste of sea buckthorn goes well with vegetable, tofu and meat dishes. A tasty tea can be brewed from fresh or dried sea buckthorn berries.
However, the sea buckthorn has one drawback: the harvest is not so easy. Long pointed thorns defend the fruit and sometimes injure anyone who wants to get their hands on the orange berries. I prefer to make things easy for myself and buy either dried berries or, even better, an unsweetened juice from the health food store. This whole fruit juice is characterized by the fact that the whole fruits are ground and you thus benefit from the entire spectrum of ingredients.
Recipe: Hot sea buckthorn drink
Put 1 tablespoon of unsweetened sea buckthorn whole fruit juice in a glass and mix it with hot water (60 °C). If you find the taste too sour, sweeten the drink with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey.… weiterlesen
CultureAndCream author from Munich
As a nutritionist and passionate cook, I am interested in everything that has to do with good food. For me, enjoyment is a priority. As I see it, only when something tastes good can it be good for the body and, after all, the health aspect canât be neglected. When I am on the road, I love to try local specialities, provided they are vegetarian. More recently I have embarked on an intensive study of wild plants, their traditional healing effects as well as their culinary potential. An exciting field! My other passion is opera, music which simply opens my heart and I attend performances just as often as I possibly can.