Dried Hawthorn Berries (山楂), also known as Shan Zha, are fruits from the Rosaceae family of trees which grow in temperate regions in Asia, North America and Europe.
Being a nutrient-rich berry, their sweet and tart-like flavour is ideal for a variety of cooking dishes and drinks. From a vibrant herbal tea to a sweet treat sensation, it's incredibly easy to use Hawthorn Berries in even the simplest of recipes.
So, to tantilise your taste buds, here is our ultimate guide on this versatile Eastern herb...
What are Dried Hawthorn Berries?
The Hawthorn plant is typically grown at between 400-1000 metres above sea level along hillsides and mountainous regions.
For thousands of years within Traditional Chinese Medicine, this herb has been used as a herbal remedy for a variety of health concerns (more on that a little later), with the earliest recorded use of Dried Hawthorn Berries being as early as 659 A.D.
Many have described these nutrient-rich berries to have a mild sweetness, with a tangy and slightly tart taste.
What Are The Benefits Of Consuming Dried Hawthorn Berries?
Being naturally rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, consuming this herb may potentially assist with the following:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood
- Aid digestion
- Assist cardiovascular diseases (irregular heartbeat, angina, atherosclerosis)
- Improve immunity
- Aid mental health disorders
- Boost the activity of white blood cells
In addition, Dried Hawthorn Berries are suitable for vegans and gluten-free.
How Can I Use These In Everyday Cooking?
From a delightful herbal tea to a sensational sweet treat, here are some fantastic fast ways to use Dried Hawthorn Berries in everyday dishes...
Hawthorn Herbal Tea
Simple but effective - this traditional herbal tea recipe can re-vitalise your soul in just a couple of sips. You can also combine dried rosebuds, dried goji berries, dried chrysanthemum flower buds, dried Chinese day lily buds or dried orange peel as complimentary herbs in your tea.
Here's how to make this fruity beverage, to be enjoyed anytime of the day...
What You'll Need
- 10g dried hawthorn berries
- 500ml water
- Rock sugar (to taste)
Method
- Rinse the dried hawthorn berries, then place in a pot
- Add the 500ml into the pot and boil on a low heat for around 10-15 mins
- After 5 minutes, add the rock sugar and stir occasionally
- Once boiled, strain and cool before consumption
- Serve into your favourite mug and enjoy!
On-The-Go Snack
Instead of reaching for your second chocolate bar of the day, consider swapping to a handful of Dried Hawthorn Berries as a natural, healthier alternative...
What You'll Need
- Handful of dried hawthorn berries
Method
- Put a handful of dried hawthorn berries in a bowl
- Serve and enjoy!
Hawthorn & Honey Congee
The perfect 'get up and go' breakfast option, set yourself up for a big day ahead with this delicious congee...
What You'll Need
- 30g dried hawthorn berries
- 100g sweet rice
- Honey to taste
- Bowl of water
Method
- Wash and rinse the sweet rice
- Pour the rice into a large pot, then add the bowl of water
- Bring this mixture to the boil on a high heat, then add the dried hawthorn berries
- Once the berries are added, bring the pot down to a low heat and continue to cook until a broth starts to form, then remove from heat
- Allow the congee to cool for a couple of minutes
- Add the honey to taste and stir the mixture
- Serve and enjoy!
How Can I Get Hold Of Dried Hawthorn Berries?
Whether you're planning an adventure in the kitchen or a simple dish to align your health goals, Dried Hawthorn Berries are available in the following size:
Dried Hawthorn Berries 山楂 (Shan Zha) | (100g)
Summary
Now that you've got some great ways to incorporate this versatile herb into your daily routine, show off your skills to your friends and family!
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I want to make TANGHULU candy. It is made traditionally with hawthorn berries. Can these dried berries be reconstituted to make the candy ?