Hawthorn whole fruit – Crataegus laevigata monogyna

A natural product of the hawthorn plant, hawthorn berries are harvested in the fall and then carefully dried. Their reddish-brown hue and firm texture make them a popular ingredient in homemade infusions or macerates. Unlike the leaves and flowers, their use is not regulated.

Description

Small, oval fruits, dark red to brown, dried whole. Their flavor is sweet, slightly floury, and reminiscent of apple. They can be consumed alone as an infusion or combined with other dried fruits.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Hawthorn, hawthorn, whitethorn
• Latin name: Crataegus laevigata , Crataegus monogyna
• Family: Rosaceae
• Part used: Fruit
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Hawthorn berry
• Name in German: Weißdornfrucht
• Name in Spanish: Baya de espino blanco
• Name in Italian: Bacca di biancospino
• Name in Arabic: ثمار الزعرور (Thimar al-Za'arour)

Main virtues

Hawthorn berries are used for their sweet qualities and their compatibility with homemade fruit preparations. They can be used in recipes for decoctions, vegetable compotes, or natural fermented drinks.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, pectins, natural sugars.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of water, simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Macerate: used with other berries or fruits in a long or cold infusion.
• Food: Sometimes added to fermented recipes or homemade syrups.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• No regulatory restrictions on this part of the plant.
• Do not exceed the recommended doses in decoction.
• Keep out of reach of young children.

History and origin

Present in rural pharmacopoeias, hawthorn is a symbol of protection and calm. Its hawthorn berries were used as a secondary food source, but also in traditional rustic herbal and berry decoctions.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container away from humidity and light.
• Packaging: bulk, kraft bag, metal box or glass jar.
• Appearance: small, dark red, oval dried fruits.
• Smell: sweet, slightly fruity.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of traditional European herbal medicine
• Popular herbalism works
• Old peasant recipes

🔎 Information

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