Sea buckthorn with honey

Sea Buckthorn with Honey Recipe: A Nutritional Delight for You

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15 servings (depending on consumption)

Sea buckthorn, this superfood rich in vitamins, has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, sea buckthorn not only strengthens the immune system but also adds a tangy and refreshing taste. Combined with honey, this preparation becomes not just a delicacy but also a natural remedy for many ailments.

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg of sea buckthorn (fresh and well-ripened)
- 1.5 jars of natural honey (approximately 800 g)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Sea Buckthorn:
Start by removing the stems from the sea buckthorn. This is an essential step, as the stems can impart a bitter taste to your preparation. After cleaning the sea buckthorn, rinse it gently under warm running water, ensuring that any impurities are removed.

2. Draining:
Place the sea buckthorn in a sieve to drain well. It is important that the fruits are free of water; otherwise, the final texture of the preparation will be affected. Let them drain for about 15-20 minutes.

3. The Blender:
Once the sea buckthorn is drained, transfer it to a blender. Blend on medium speed until you achieve a smooth paste. If you prefer a thicker texture and don’t mind the seeds, you can skip this step.

4. Mixing with Honey:
In a large bowl, combine the sea buckthorn paste with honey. Make sure the honey is at room temperature for easier integration. Mix well until homogeneous.

5. Cooling:
Transfer the mixture to a glass container and cover it. Place it in the refrigerator for a full day. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

6. Filtering (optional):
If you don’t like seeds or fruit pieces in your preparation, after cooling, you can pass the mixture through a fine sieve to obtain a smooth syrup. The resulting syrup is sweet and aromatic.

7. Storing:
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to sterilized jars. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.

8. Shaking the Jars:
Every day, for 10-14 days, gently shake the jars. This helps to evenly distribute the honey and enhance the flavors.

9. Consumption:
After the waiting period, the sea buckthorn with honey is ready to be consumed. It can be used as a healthy supplement, added to hot teas, or consumed directly for an energy boost.

Practical Tips:
- Choose fresh, ripe sea buckthorn, preferably from local sources, for better taste and nutrient benefits.
- Natural honey is essential for this recipe. Try using flower honey, which will add a floral aroma to the preparation.
- If you desire a sweeter option, you can adjust the amount of honey according to your preferences.

Personal Note:
A personal trick I use is to add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as acacia honey or lime honey, to discover the combination you like best.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen sea buckthorn? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before using.
- How can I use sea buckthorn with honey? It is delicious in hot teas, on toast, or as a topping for yogurt.
- How long does it keep in the fridge? The preparation can be stored for up to 6 months in the fridge if used in sterilized and well-sealed jars.

Variations:
- Instead of honey, you can experiment with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- Add spices like cinnamon or ginger for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritionally, sea buckthorn is a superfood, high in vitamin C, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It contributes to maintaining the health of the immune system and improving skin health.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to start cooking and enjoy the benefits of this delicious and nutritious sea buckthorn with honey recipe. Stay healthy, that is the most important thing!