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Hawthorns are common in the forest understory here in Massachusetts, but those are scrawny specimens which do not fruit well.

Fruits most prolifically in sunny spots.

Berries contain one or more seeds which should not be consumed due to cyanide content.

Clusters of flowers (usually white, but some species have pink or red) in spring.

Thorns which vary in size, depending on species.

Smallish, toothed leaves which are lobed to varying degrees.

Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum That should help you recognize a hawthorn when you see one, but i f you are uncertain that you have a hawthorn when foraging, please check with additional sources until you ARE certain, before eating the berries. I’m going to describe two species here, to exemplify the general characteristics. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see how I am making hawthorn berry extract. Berries, leaves and flowers can be used to make a tea. Some people use the berries to make hawthorn jelly, but I have yet to try this. Why bother with hawthorns? They are beautiful, interesting, and tasty wild edibles with known health benefits.

HOWEVER, like apple seeds, hawthorn seeds contain cyanide, and should not be eaten. You just need to know it’s a hawthorn, because all hawthorns have edible berries. Fortunately, you don’t need to be able to identify particular species. And, in all of North America, possibly a thousand species, according to George Symonds (from his wonderful book Tree Identification Book : A New Method for the Practical Identification and Recognition of Trees, my favorite guide for learning tree ID). As Josh points out, there are many hawthorn species, perhaps 50 in New England. I owe some credit to Josh Fecteau’s recent hawthorn post, which inspired me to try hawthorn berries again. But by that time, single-seeded hawthorn was beginning to rot, so next year I’ll look for those in mid-October. This year, Washington hawthorn was sweet and mild in late October. They are sweet and mild if you get them at just the right time, and in past years I was tasting them too early in fall. Hawthorn berry harvesting is a new one for me this year. Plus, they may support immune function and healthy vision.Hawthorn Berries: Identify, Harvest, and Make and Extract Goji berries are loaded with important nutrients and antioxidants. Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants like zeaxanthin, which help protect your lenses and retinas against damage ( 1, 16). Similarly, a study in 114 people with early macular degeneration showed that daily goji berry supplements improved the density of macular pigment, which may protect against the progression of macular degeneration ( 15). Promising research suggests that goji berries may enhance eye health and protect against disorders like macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that can lead to vision loss ( 13).Ī 90-day study in 150 older adults found that supplementing with goji berries increased blood antioxidant levels, prevented hypopigmentation of the macula (the central area of the retina), and helped soften fatty protein deposits under the retina ( 14). In a 3-month study in 150 older adults, goji berry supplements improved immune function in response to an influenza vaccine ( 10).Īnimal research supports these immune-health findings ( 11, 12).

Goji berries have long been used in traditional medicine to ward off illness and infection and naturally enhance immunity.Īccording to a 30-day study in 60 older adults, drinking 4 ounces (120 mL) of goji berry juice per day increased levels of immune cells and improved general feelings of well-being ( 9). Research suggests that upping your intake of antioxidants reduces inflammation and protects against chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes ( 8). In fact, one test-tube study found that treating cells with goji berry extract significantly increased antioxidant levels and reduced several markers of oxidative stress ( 7).

Photo berry supplement free#

Meanwhile, both vitamins A and C play central roles in immune function and act as antioxidants in your body ( 4, 5, 6).Īntioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, preventing cell damage ( 1). Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and the production of healthy red blood cells. Just 5 tablespoons (28 grams) of dried goji berries pack ( 3):Īs you can see, even a small serving of this fruit is loaded with fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C ( 3). They’re a great source of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Goji berries have been linked to several potential health benefits.