Sea buckthorn syrup

Sea buckthorn syrup: A healthy delight full of vitamins

Imagine a vibrant drink, full of color and nutrients, that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a serious dose of health into your life. This is our sea buckthorn syrup recipe, a natural drink rich in vitamin C that will strengthen your immune system and energize you on colder days.

The origin of sea buckthorn is fascinating, a plant known since ancient times for its therapeutic properties. Used in traditional medicine, sea buckthorn has been appreciated for its benefits for skin and overall health. This syrup is not just a recipe; it's a way to bring nature into your home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 24 hours
Total time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 servings (depending on serving size)

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of fresh sea buckthorn berries
- 1 kg of sugar (preferably brown sugar for a richer taste, but white sugar works as well)

A bit about the ingredients:
Sea buckthorn is an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. When choosing sea buckthorn, make sure it is fresh, with a vibrant color, usually orange or yellow. Sugar not only helps preserve the syrup but also gives it a pleasant texture and sweet taste.

Step by step, how to prepare sea buckthorn syrup:

1. Harvesting and washing the sea buckthorn: Start by picking the sea buckthorn berries. Choose them carefully, ensuring they are ripe and undamaged. Wash them under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. After washing, place the sea buckthorn in a strainer to drain well. It is important that the berries are completely dry to avoid diluting the syrup.

2. Grinding the sea buckthorn: Once the sea buckthorn is drained, use a blender or food processor to turn the berries into a paste. If you do not have a powerful blender, you can do this in several stages, ensuring each batch is well ground.

3. Straining the syrup: Place the obtained paste in a clean cheesecloth or a very fine sieve, and squeeze well to extract the juice. This step is essential to obtain a clear syrup. What remains in the cheesecloth can be used in other recipes, such as smoothies or cakes.

4. Mixing with sugar: Once you have obtained the sea buckthorn juice, pour it into a bowl and add the sugar. For every liter of syrup, add 1 kg of sugar. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely. It is important to stir more often, especially in the first few minutes, to speed up the dissolution process.

5. Bottling the syrup: When the sugar has completely dissolved, take the bottles (preferably glass, but plastic ones work too) and wash them well. Make sure they are completely dry. Pour the syrup into the bottles, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator.

6. Serving the syrup: Sea buckthorn syrup can be consumed plain, just 2-3 teaspoons a day, to benefit from its nutritional properties. You can also add it to hot teas or water to create a refreshing and healthy drink. A tip: gently shake the bottle before serving to mix the syrup well.

Frequently asked questions:
- What is the shelf life of the syrup? If stored in a cool place, sea buckthorn syrup can last a few months, but it is best consumed within 6 months to benefit from all its properties.
- Can I use the syrup in other recipes? Absolutely! Sea buckthorn syrup is wonderful for making cakes, salad dressings, or even smoothies.
- Is sea buckthorn syrup good for children? Yes, it is a healthy option for children, but it is recommended to consult a pediatrician before introducing it into the diet of little ones.

Nutritional benefits:
Sea buckthorn syrup is rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. It also contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, all contributing to the overall health of the body.

Possible variations:
To make the syrup even more interesting, you can experiment with flavors by adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a sprig of mint. These will not only enrich the syrup's flavor but also add additional health benefits.

What drinks pair well with sea buckthorn syrup?
Sea buckthorn syrup pairs perfectly with hibiscus tea, a refreshing green tea, or mineral water for a refreshing drink. You can also add the syrup to cocktails to give them a unique fruity note.

In conclusion, sea buckthorn syrup is a simple recipe but has a great impact on your health. Try this recipe at home and enjoy a healthy delight, full of vitamins, that can be customized to your tastes. Whether you drink it plain or add it to other delicious recipes, this syrup will surely become an essential part of your stock of natural goodies.