#buckthorn #nature #garden #fruit #shrub #decoration #thorns #berries

Sea buckthorn is an unknown plant, and yet, you just have to put your hands in it to never forget it… Ouch!!! It stings this beast there, but not only…

Sea ​​buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a shrub of the Rosaceae family, like roses or raspberries for example. It is also called buckthorn or even buckthorn-buckthorn. One of its interests is that it produces edible berries that look a bit like currants… But from a distance 🤣, on the other hand, they are very rich in vitamin C.

The leaves and branches are also used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties, well there, I don’t have the recipes….

And where does our sea buckthorn come from? It is native to Asia and Eastern Europe.

It has been cultivated primarily for its famous berries and their medicinal properties for centuries. The scientific name for sea buckthorn is Hippophae rhamnoides. The words “hippophae” come from the Greek and mean “shining like a horse”… Why not! This was in reference to the shine of the shrub’s leaves. And “rhamnoides” then? It means “resembling a rhamnus”, referring to another plant in the Rosaceae family. But hey, to understand, you also have to know the Rhamnus… Not all that easy!

Sea ​​buckthorn – Maintains

To plant sea buckthorn, choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with well-drained soil. Planting can be done in spring or fall. It is important to leave enough space between plants to allow them to develop properly.On the cold side, he fears nothing and -30 degrees do not scare him…   It hardly needs pruning, but still, light pruning can help maintain its shape and stimulate new branch growth.If you practice this pruning, it will be done in early spring. Easy ! Dead, diseased or damaged branches are removed. Older branches can also be removed to encourage the growth of new, younger, more productive ones.In any case, do not panic, do not remove more than 1/3 of the total length each year, so as not to stress the plant.

Two or three things to know…

In time, sea buckthorn berries were used to feed domestic animals during famines in Asia and Eastern Europe.In Asia, sea buckthorn leaves are used to make green tea and are considered a food source for insects and butterflies.The branches are used for building live fences in parts of Asia and Eastern Europe. You think, with its thorns, it calms… 😨Another thing, sea buckthorn seed oil is used in cosmetics for its nourishing and moisturizing properties for skin and hair. It’s a must try!!! 😍And finally, in traditional medicine, the leaves and branches of sea buckthorn are used to treat skin problems, infections, digestive disorders and immune system disorders.With such arguments, there’s no denying, we should all have a sea buckthorn at home!!!

And in the kitchen then?

Well yes, that’s not all, can we eat it too?Obviously, it is with its berries that we make the most small dishes. Finally… Small dishes, it’s not quite the case, although…Sea buckthorn berries can be eaten fresh, dried, frozen or transformed into juice, jam, syrup, vinaigrette… And so on!They have a sweet and sour taste and are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. In other words, after their consumption, we could be in great shape!But that’s not all, they can also be used to flavor savory and sweet dishes, such as salads, soups, sauces, pastries, smoothies, etc.You can also use it when you run out of cranberries or blueberries in some recipes.Well, let’s be careful though, these berries can cause stomach problems in some people, we are not all equal in front of sea buckthorn! So, like the rest, it is to be consumed in moderation.

Roland Motte… Gardener!