Black chokeberry is probably known to everyone. In childhood, our grandmothers or mothers often made chokeberry juices or other tasty preserves. Is that right? Absolutely! In their tart taste, chokeberry fruits contain ingredients that contribute to improving the condition of the body.
A number of beneficial properties of chokeberry
- A source of vitamin C, which has a positive effect on the immune system (especially in autumn and winter, this is very important)
- Has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties
- Helps regulate total cholesterol
- Affects the cardiovascular system (may help reduce/prevent atherosclerosis)
- May lower blood sugar levels
- Strengthens blood vessels thanks to the content of rutin
- May help lower blood pressure
- A source of vitamin A, E and B vitamins, as well as copper, manganese, calcium and iron
- Contains anthocyanins, i.e. compounds that fight free radicals, which is particularly important, for example, in the case of cancer
In what form should you consume black chokeberry?
The simplest solution is to consume chokeberry fruit straight from the bush. However, you should take into account their intense taste, which may not be to everyone’s taste (especially in quantities greater than 2). A commonly known product is black chokeberry juice. Remember, however, to choose good quality juices (pasteurized at low temperature and without unnecessary substances, e.g. added sugar). Chokeberry fruit can also be used to make homemade jam or tincture.
What can you add chokeberry juice to?
- For tea (preferably with a slice of ginger and a teaspoon of honey???? )
- For cocktails
- For jelly
- For water treatment
- For oatmeal
Author’s recipe for chokeberry jam – perfect as an addition to winter infusions or oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1kg chokeberries
- 100g sugar
- 200g xylitol
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon cardamom
- 8 cloves
- juice squeezed from 1 lemon
Preparation:
- Wash the chokeberries thoroughly and put them in a pot. Pour in about a glass of water and stew the fruit for 40 minutes. After this time, separate the juice from the fruit – set aside to cool. Then boil the juice until you get the desired consistency. After about 30 minutes, add fruit, juice squeezed from one lemon, sugar, xylitol, spices – cover everything and simmer for an hour. Remember to stir the jam so that it doesn’t burn!
- Put the hot jam into jars with a slice of lemon and preserve. Ready.