Don't miss these amazing berries that grow so abundantly in our latitudes. Hawthorn berries (Crataegus spp.) are ready to be picked in central Sweden around October. Hawthorns are edible and not poisonous. They are delicious enough to make your own ELIXIR. Here is our recipe.
Hawthorn is used as a tonic for the heart. It is used for heart problems and is sold as a medicine in Sweden. To quote herbalist David Hoffmann, "Hawthorn is a tonic (strengthening, nourishing) in its truest sense. Hawthorn can be considered a specific remedy for most cardiovascular diseases." It is also used as emotional support for broken hearts. A real heart berry, in other words. You can easily find out what hawthorn is good for by searching for the berry. Hawthorn has been used extensively throughout history, especially in northern Europe. There are many, beautiful myths about hawthorn.
In this recipe we have used freshly picked hawthorn berries, but you can also use dried berries. Always make sure you pick the right berries! There are hundreds of species of hawthorn so it can be difficult to know which one you have. And... hawthorn is not the same as sea buckthorn. The different types of hawthorn will ripen at different times. The berries should be deep red or dark purple. Ripe berries taste a bit like overripe apple.
Recipe:
The base of this recipe is hawthorn, honey and vodka. I have flavoured it with different spices and herbs. Vary as you see fit. You can replace the vodka and just have honey, but the shelf life will be reduced.
♡ 3 dl fresh hawthorn berries
♡ 1 dl honey (raw) or more depending on taste
♡ 6 dl vodka
Seasoning
2 tsp hibiscus flowers
2 tsp grated ginger
6 cardamom seeds
2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla pod
Here's how:
Place the hawthorn and seasoning in a sterilized jar. Add the honey and then top up with the vodka. Make sure you have a jar that fits the amount of liquid. Stir around so that the honey mixes. Place the jar in a kitchen cupboard (it should be dark) for 3-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily. When you are satisfied, strain the elixir and pour into a beautiful bottle.
Take the elixir daily or why not give it as a Christmas gift to someone who needs a little heart support.
5 comments
tack för receptet det skall jag prova.
tack för receptet skall jag prova
Vilket fint recept,tack😃 hur stor dos kan man ta dagligen sedan när det är klart
Mvh Catarina
Det går jättebra! Du behöver dock mindre torkade hagtorn (ps hagtorn, inte havtorn) än färska då de färska innehåller mer vätska.
Låter som ett fantastiskt elixir. Kan man göra med torkad havtorn?