Product of the month (August 2024)

Sea Buckthorn – Our Native Super Berry

In recent years, sea buckthorn has gained recognition as a true super berry, and rightfully so. Compared to other berries, its total content of both Vitamin C and various carotenoids is exceptionally high. The Vitamin C content in sea buckthorn has been measured at more than twice that of strawberries and more than 10 times higher than in lingonberries and blueberries.
It has long been known that sea buckthorn is a health-promoting berry. For thousands of years, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes to alleviate various ailments. In China, the berry is still used today for conditions such as infections, digestive problems, and coughs. Some even believe that sea buckthorn is beneficial for dry eyes and dry mouth. Sea buckthorn is also good for external use on the body. The seeds of the berries can be used to extract oil, which is included in several skincare products. The oil is believed to be effective against dry and flaky skin and sunburn.
What is also unique about sea buckthorn is its exceptionally high level of carotenoids. Carotenoids are a group of nutrients and pigments with antioxidant properties that are found in plants. Studies have shown that sea buckthorn contains more than 10 times the amount of carotenoids found in blueberries, black currants, strawberries, and raspberries.
In addition to vitamins, antioxidants, and carotenoids, sea buckthorn is a source of the essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, thanks to its high oil content. The oil is found both in the seeds and in the fruit pulp.
Sea buckthorn plants are divided into male and female varieties. This means that the female plants need to be pollinated by male flowers, as it is the female plant that produces berries after pollination. Occasionally, male plants can also produce berries, but usually in small quantities. Since pollination occurs through wind, it is important to have a mix of male and female plants. In nature, sea buckthorn grows wild along the Finnish coast. The plant is very hardy, tolerating drought, sun, cold, and thriving in extreme environments.
Rasia is a variety that is quite similar to the Swedish variety Julia. Their yields are essentially identical, but both Rasia and Julia have small berries, which can make them difficult to harvest. Comparing Julia and Rasio, Julia has the highest Vitamin C content.
Terhi, Tytti, and Tarmo are three other varieties found in Finland. Terhi and Tytti are female varieties, while Tarmo is the male variety among the three. These bushes have been specifically developed to suit the Nordic climate and to produce large berry yields. Of these, Terhi is the most favorable and can yield up to 14 liters per bush with a very high Vitamin C content.
The berries can be divided into juice, seeds, skin, and pulp. The juice from sea buckthorn is not clear in appearance, resembling orange juice to the eye. The color of the juice ranges from yellow to dark red, depending on the variety and maturity. The skin and pulp remain after pressing the berries, containing half of the valuable oil, which is extracted through pressing or extraction.
Even the leaves are beneficial. They are dried and used for tea. The leaves contain antioxidants, primarily flavonoids. Adding a bit of dried sea buckthorn skin enhances the flavor of the brew and gives it a beautiful orange color.
In summary, sea buckthorn is a nutrient-rich and versatile berry that offers a range of health benefits, from internal well-being to skincare.