Harvesting Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaer hamnoides) produces probably one of the healthiest types of berries but harvesting can be difficult due to sharp thorns that some varieties have. If you do not have sea buckthorn in your garden, and thinking about planting one, you may consider varieties that do not have thorns. They do exist but are more susceptible to pests and harsh weather.

Where can you find Sea buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn grows in warm weather such as in the coastal areas of Western and Southern Europe but with proper care you can grow it in Central and even Northern Europe too. Sea buckthorn grows in Asia, China, Mongolia, Russia and even Siberia and Canada and has spread throughout the entire continent.

Photo: Pixabay

What does Sea buckthorn look like?

Sea buckthorn is typical for bright orange berries. If you provide proper growing conditions it can reach a height of up to 10 meters. In the wild it creates impenetrable bushes and walls. Leaves resemble rosemary leaves – they are oblong and slightly pointed at the end. The colour is silvery green. Orange berries only grow on female plants.

The best time to harvest

Berries are fully ripe in late summer and fall but you can leave them on and harvest after the first frost. The time of harvest depends on the variety. Berries are rather sour with a hint of bitterness. It is a distinctive flavour which is used to refresh a variety of recipes. Many consider Sea buckthorn more versatile ingredient than, for example, lemon.

Harvesting Sea buckthorn

Harvesting is not easy. Berries stick really hard to thorny branches and it is difficult to reach them. You have two options:

1. By hand. First, you need to get the timing right. If you start picking late, berries will be too soft and you will probably crush them with your fingers without being able to separate them from the bush. If you start picking too early, you will not get the full flavour. However, it is better to pick them sooner than later. Gloves help a lot.
2. Gardening shears. Cut off branches with lots of berries and freeze them. Once frozen you can separate them easier. Again, watch out for thorns.

Source:

Foraging for Sea Buckthorn Berries

https://www.pleva.cz/a/rakytnik-resetlakovy-pouziti-doba-sklizne-recepty

Preview photo: Pixabay