Rowan berries: The surprising fall superfood for your table
You can still find red fruits on trees that children once used to make necklaces and bracelets. Many people think that only animals can eat them, but with proper preparation, they can be turned into delicious jams. Look for them during your walk and bring some home with you.
Rowan berries adorn our gardens in the fall, adding an intense orange color. However, it's worth knowing that these berries are more than just a visual treat or a childhood memory; they are also a healthy delicacy that deserves a place in your kitchen. Combined with apples, they transform into a delightful preserve, perfect for meats, cheeses, or simply on toast.
Is rowan berry healthy?
These inconspicuous red fruits have a lot to offer. C and A boost immunity, carotenoids positively affect eyesight, and tannins have anti-inflammatory properties. No wonder our grandmothers eagerly used rowan berries to make medicinal syrups and liqueurs.
The substances in rowan berries help lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of heart disease. Rowan berries also contain flavonoids, carotenoids, and organic acids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects.
Rowan berry, apple, and pear preserve
Making a delicious preserve is one of the tastiest ways to enjoy rowan berries. It pairs excellently with meat, cheese, bread, or even as a topping for pancakes. It’s worth preparing a few jars that are sweet, tasty, and healthy. Combined with apples and pears, it captures the essence of autumn in the preserve.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of ripe rowan berries
- 3 cups of sugar
- 1 lb of apples
- 1 lb of pears
- 1/2 cup of water
Preparation method:
- Thoroughly sort the rowan berries, removing stems and leaves. If the fruits were picked before frost, consider freezing them for a few days to soften them. After thawing, scald them with boiling water.
- Wash the apples and pears, peel them, remove the cores, and chop them into small cubes.
- Place rowan berries, sugar, and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chopped apples and pears. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the fruits soften and the preserve thickens (about 2-3 hours).
- Transfer the hot preserve into previously sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Pasteurize the jars for 15-20 minutes to ensure a longer shelf life.
Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences, as much depends on how sweet the apples and pears you choose are. Enjoy!
