Sea Buckthorn
(Lat. Hippophaë rhamnoides L.)
Sea-buckthorn was one a the first plants to start growing in the Nordic countries after the ice age.
Now it grows sparsely in Sweden. It likes the wind and a lot of sun, and it's pollinated by the wind.
It also grows in parts of Central Europe and Asia. It can grow in areas just a few meters to about 5200 meters above sea level, and in temperatures between -43°C - +40°C.
There are several subspecies of Sea-Buckthorn, and they vary in height, the amount of thorns, the vitamin content, time of blooming, sensitivity to illnesses etc. There are sorts small as gooseberry bushes and some are 5-6 meters in height.
Most of the refined sorts become 2-3 meters.
In the wild, the plant has plenty of thorns. The berries grow close together, sometimes almost like corn on the cob, and are difficult to pick.
Harvesting can sometimes be done by pressing the juice out of the berries still on the branch. The raw juice is an exclusive product which can be used in desserts, medicine and hair products.
A wide range of use.
Scientists from SLU (University of agriculture in Sweden) have worked for several years interbreeding wild species from different parts of the world, to try to find sorts suitable for commercial use in our climate.
But it takes time. The interest is growing. Old knowledge is combined with new findings.
Romeo och Julia are two sorts, common as garden plants. Both male and female plants are needed. The ratio is about 5-10 female plants per male plant. The plant doesn't need much fertilizer and is very resistant to illnesses. Therefore it's ideal to grow in sensitive areas, and ecologically.
The leaves are very beautiful. A silvery gray, almost like an olive tree.
Sea Buckthorn with green berries
After harvesting, the berries are very easily damaged, and must be frozen or prepared within about 24 hours. Careful handling is of the essence.
Of all kinds of berries in the world, this one contains the most different sorts of vitamins in high doses.
If you in a simple way want to care for your health, eat Sea-Buckthorn berries.
It's done in many parts of the world.
Sea-Buckthorn is mentioned as a medical plant in Tibetan scripts from the 12th century. And in a brochure from the post-war period, Sea-Buckthorn has been described as follows:
"Sea-Buckthorn-elixir gives the full strength of all vitamins of the Sea-Buckthorn fruits . It is produced from the raw juice pressed when the berries are perfectly ripened. This remedy gives the whole body new vitality, and is recommended especially when tired and during weakness after illness, also to children when their vitality has become impaired due to crises in development.".
It is said to help the immune system. Often used for cardiac related diseases, skin problems, problems with the urethra and mucous membranes. Strengthening in stress related diseases.
One berry is said to have the equivalent amount of vitamin C as one orange. Sea-Buckthorn berries contain about 300 mg vitamin C/100 g, which can be compared to 50 mg/100 g in an orange.
The berries also include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, E, K and P, also polyunsaturated fats like OMEGA 7.
The weight of one berry is 40-60 grams.