Hawthorn

Berries: whole, organic

Hawthorn berries (Crataegus monogyna L.) have a tart, slightly sweet taste similar to apples, but are often astringent. Cooking them develops flavors reminiscent of apples, raspberries, cranberries, and rose hips. The berries are often preserved as jams or jellies, brewed as a tea for their flavor and medicinal properties, candied, or used in alcoholic beverages.

Hawthorn berries pair well with other dried fruits, berries, flowers, and black and green teas. Hawthorn Berry tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. If blending with tea leaves, choose green tea for caffeine-free, or black tea if caffeine is desired.

In Mexico, the fruits are used to make a traditional Christmas punch and rielitos, a confection fashioned in the shape of train rails made from sugar, chili powder, and a paste of hawthorn berries, or tejocote.

The so-called berries, which are technically known as haws, are completely edible and notably nutritious. Remove the seeds, however, as they contain compounds similar to apple pips that shouldn’t be chewed in large amounts. A flavorful addition to jams, syrups, baked goods and teas, hawthorn berries are high in bioflavonoids that lend the fruit bright color and strong antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits:

Hawthorn Berry is highly regarded for its cardiovascular benefits. It contains flavonoids and antioxidants that help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect the blood vessels from damage. Regular consumption of Hawthorn Berry can reduce the occurrence of angina (chest pain), lower blood pressure, and prevent heart-related illnesses.

Hawthorn Berry has a mild sedative effect, which can help decrease anxiety and improve sleep patterns. It acts on the central nervous system to reduce nervousness and restlessness, making it beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or stress-induced discomfort.

Hawthorn Berries also help prevent acne outbreaks and promote overall skin health. The antioxidants help combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin vitality. (See below for a Hawthorn tisane face mask.)

Hawthorn Berry is rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants that are crucial for combating infections, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. Regular enjoyment of Hawthorn Berry can help ward off colds and flu and accelerate recovery when you’re sick.

Hawthorn Berry ‘Tea’ (actually a tisane as it has no tea leaves) can do double duty as a face mask, too! Here’s how:
Combine 2 cups water, 2 tbsp. Hawthorn berries, and 1 tbsp. dried hibiscus flowers in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and let simmer for 20 minutes on low. You now have an herbal tisane! Pour the tisane through a strainer and then set the full strainer aside for the face mask. The tisane can then be sweetened, and a cinnamon stick can be added for an added spicy, sweet flavor.
Now for the face mask! Dump the herbs from the strainer into a food processor and grind till small. Blend a clay such as Kaolin, or any of the other nourishing clays available in our shop, in a bowl with a small amount of water (or the tisane before sweetening or adding cinnamon!) and mix in the ground herbs. Apply to the face, and enjoy a second cup of Hawthorn Berry Tisane while you relax!

Hawthorn Berries are potent, and do not mix well with certain heart medications. Since Hawthorn has commonly been used to treat high blood pressure, it can increase, decrease, or change the effects of your existing heart medications, leading to negative health effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding Hawthorn to your diet.