Mahonia is not only a beautiful garden decoration, but also a unique edible plant, which is worth discovering again. Its fruits, although inconspicuous, hide the taste and power that was already appreciated centuries ago. If you are looking for an alternative to chokeberry or berries, you need to reach for mahonia. Your heart (and palate) will be grateful to you.
Mahonia (mahonia aquifolium) is a decorative, evergreen shrub, which we often meet in parks and gardens. It catches the eye with yellow flowers and decorative leaves. However, mahogany fruits, small, navy blue berries with a light, bluish coating are a real treasure. They look like blueberries, but they are much more tart and sour.
Despite its inconspicuous, Mahogany fruits have been used for centuries in traditional native medicine of Americans. To this day, it is a symbol of the state of Oregon. He rightly considered a plant strengthening the body and cleansing blood. Interestingly, not only mahogany fruits have health properties, but also its leaves, shoots, and even roots and bark. Today, this beautiful shrub gains a new life not only as a medicinal plant, but also as a component of healthy, home -made preserves.
Mahogany fruit is definitely healthy, it is a real antioxidant bomb. They contain a large amount of vitamin C, organic acids, anthocyanins and pectins, which support immunity, improve digestion and help in the natural cleansing of the body. Berberin present in bark and fruit has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties. It is she who is responsible for the healing properties of the plant, supporting, among others, the work of the heart, liver and circulatory system.
Infections from mahogany are recommended for infections, skin problems, fatigue and weakness. Although the fruit can be eaten raw, they taste best after processing. Then we also better absorb their valuable ingredients. Native Americans rubbed mahogany fruits with honey and flooded with milk. It is also worth adding that Berberine only occurs in Mahogany, she is neither in blueberries or chokeberry. It acts like an antibiotic and antidote for the liver.
Mahogany fruits have a sour and slightly tart taste, which is why few dare to eat them raw. Instead, they are the perfect material for preserves and a great addition to many dishes. You can make them:
- jams and jam – preferably in combination with sweeter fruit (e.g. apples, pears),
- tinctures and syrups – with a beautiful color and intense aroma that strengthen the body and improve circulation,
- dried teas – have a warming and cleansing effect,
- Homemade juices – it is worth sweetening them with honey or cane sugar,
- Mouss and purees – as an addition to yogurt, desserts and porridge.
You can also prepare an aromatic drink from fruit. Just boil them with water, add a little sugar to get a natural, slightly acid “mahogany compote”.
Source: Terazpoczy.pl
