Contents
The history of the appearance of mountain ash in nutrition
Rowan is a small tree from the Rosaceae family. Its fruits remain until late autumn, sometimes even all winter, and serve as food for birds. It is from this that the Latin name of mountain ash comes, which translates as “bird” and “attract”. Rowan fruits were used as bait for catching birds.
Rowan grows in the temperate zone. Initially, its berries were distinguished by strong bitterness, and only by the XNUMXth century were less bitter forms brought out.
In ancient times, the mountain ash was considered a magical tree. In Ireland, it was a rowan stake that was driven into the chest of a dead man, as a prevention from his revival. The Scandinavians attributed the mountain ash to 12 plants that oppose the forces of evil.
In Europe, already in the Christian era, crosses were made from mountain ash for protection. And beads from rowan berries drove away spoilage.
There is also an chokeberry, they are relatives, but the chokeberry belongs to a different genus – chokeberry.
The composition and calorie content of rowan
| Caloric value on 100 g | 50 kcal |
| Proteins | 1,5 g |
| Fats | 0,1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10,9 g |
The use of mountain ash
Rowan is famous for its high content of vitamin C and carotene. It also contains a lot of organic acids and amygdalin, which increase the acidity of the stomach with a lack of hydrochloric acid and help digest food. Amygdalin in some experiments also showed an analgesic effect.
This berry is useful for digestion – pectins improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce gas formation, and sorbitol causes a slight laxative effect. It is useful in intestinal atony and constipation. Rowan has a bile and diuretic effect.
Also, mountain ash is ahead of most berries and fruits in terms of flavonoid content. Namely, routine, quercetin, etc. Flavonoids are excellent antioxidants that affect the entire body as a whole. They protect the cells of the body from the aggressive effects of free radicals, which destroy them, causing premature aging and cell mutation.
Extracts from rowan berries and leaves destroy microbes and fungi. Research is underway on the possible use of this source of antimicrobial agents.
Rowanberry damage
“It is undesirable to use these berries for urolithiasis. Rowan has a diuretic effect, which can provoke the advancement of stones and renal colic.
Those who suffer from gastritis or ulcers, as well as those who have problems with blood clotting, should refuse to use these berries, ”says gastroenterologist Olga Arisheva.
The use of mountain ash in medicine
Due to the high content of vitamins and carotenoids, mountain ash is part of many vitamin preparations. Their reception is aimed at combating beriberi, as well as a prophylactic against colds.
In folk medicine, mountain ash was used as a tonic, laxative, and also a diuretic. Rowan is not used in official medicine.
In cosmetology, mountain ash is used as a means to nourish and moisturize the skin and hair. After application, you can notice the effect of sunburn, as carotenoids color the skin. Rowan normalizes the fat balance of the scalp and face, and also strengthens the hair roots.
The use of mountain ash in cooking
Freezing or harvesting after the first frost helps to get rid of the bitterness of the fruit. Mountain ash is practically not used fresh, but in the form of jelly, marmalade and liqueurs, this berry is very popular.
Rowan compote
An excellent vitamin supplement to the diet, which can be prepared for the whole winter
| Rowan | 1 kg |
| Sugar | 450 g |
| Water | 700 ml |
Sort the berries, wash, peel the branches. Pour boiling water and hold for 5 minutes – this will remove the remnants of bitterness. Take out and drain the water. Transfer the berries to pre-sterilized jars.
Prepare syrup – mix water with sugar, bring to a boil and pour rowan in jars to the top. Leave overnight at room temperature. After that, pasteurize the cans additionally by holding open cans in boiling water for 20 minutes (per liter, if it is less, keep less). When pasteurizing, put a silicone mat on the bottom of the pan, and the jars should not touch each other.
Roll up the lids and store in the refrigerator.
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Rowan Jam
Beautiful jam containing a lot of vitamins
| Rowan | 1 kg |
| Sugar | 1 kg |
| Water | 0,5 l |
Separate the berries from the branches, rinse, let dry.
Pour water, sugar into a saucepan and cook the syrup over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Immerse the berries in it, let it boil and immediately remove from heat. Leave to cool covered for 6 hours.
Then bring to a boil again and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, removing the foam. Roll into sterile jars and store in a cool place.
How to choose and store rowan
Rowan should be chosen starting from the end of September – earlier it is still not ripe enough. All berries are slightly bitter, but this is easy to get rid of by simply freezing it.
Pay attention to the appearance of the fruits, they should be bright orange without black dots and spots. Old berries begin to dry, their peel is wrinkled. Fresh rowan is elastic and has a smooth peel.
Fresh rowan can be stored directly on the branches, removing spoiled berries. True, it will soon begin to dry out. To store in the refrigerator, remove the branches – in this form, the mountain ash will lie for 4-5 months. Frozen rowan is stored for a year, from freezing the amount of carotenoids only increases. Before this, the berries do not need to be washed.
You can dry the berries at a low temperature, they are stored in a dark place in glass for up to 2 years.