What to do with all those Rowan berries?

Rowan berries are superfood!

All hail The Goji-berry of the North! Too often do I see this marvel ignored as a mere decoration! Some even think it a nuisance, because the berries rot to the ground and catch on the sole of your shoe. But that is pure ignorance, for rowan berri can save your life!

In a fairytale “Pessi and Illusia”, by Yrjö Kokko, the fairy Illusia saves Pessi the goblin from dying of illness in midwinter, by bringing him rowan berries. “Preserved berries wont do,” - said Mrs. Mouse. “You must have fresh ones! Get them from the Rowan!”

The rubies of the Rowan are not only a pleasant sight, but they are packed with life-force! Many birds and other animals rely on them, to sustain over winter. In fact, Rowan berries are not berries at all, but small apples. In Nordic countries, rowan berries are in fact called “the fairy apples”.

They are PACKED with the following benefits:

• Vitamin C – to help you cleanse.
• Vitamin A – To help you regenerate.
• Potassium – to wire up your functions.
• Iron and vitamin K – to strenghten your blood.
• Vitamin E – to keep your veins in condition and to prevent infections.
• Flavonoids. Polyfenoleids, and other antioxidants - for resistanse.

No D&D hero couldn’t ask for a better potion!

The Magic of the Rowan tree

In Finland, Rowan was considered the tree of the thunder god’s wife. Having it on your yard protects your house from lightnings. In many other mythologies, the Rowan is also connected to thunder and lightning in particular. By just looking at it, you can tell that the Rowan is a beauteous and gracious tree, that carries a particularly feminine aura. It has been a sacred tree in Gaul, Britain, and Ireland. In Sweden, water was protected from foul spirits, by crosses made of Rowan. In Mari, the tree itself repented evil spirits. Over all, it is believed to repent evil, and to bring good.

Did you know, that shepherds made their staff of rowan, to protect themselves and the cattle from harm? And that a field, that was spoiled by evil magic, could be fixed with Rowan berries?

“Sacred are the Rowans on the yard, sacred is the bloom of Rowan, berries ever more sacred.” – A verse in Kalevala.

If you are not yet convinced of the The Rowan’s sacred nature, look at the stem of the berry, and tell me that is not a pentagram.

But they taste awful, don't they?

It is true, the Rowan berries are bitter in taste. Bitter as a woman's tears. But there is a way around that: Collect them after the first frost, - or put them in a freezer overnight. Freezing over will soften their bitterness.

After that, they are not so bad! And you can then continue to pair their flavor with spices like safron, cinnamon, curcumin, - whatever suits your fancy! Make your own creation, and find the best way to use them! 

My attempt for a spam and rowan-berry pie. It was not good, but not bad either. I ate it all.

1. In my opinion, they are fine in savory sauces with meat. A bit like sweet and sour - sauce, but not so sweet, unless you make it that way.
2. If you take them for health, I recommend drying them and grinding them to flakes or powder. Then add them to your smoothie or oatmeal in the morning.
3. If you take them for a treat – they are MARVELOUS in jams and marmalades, - although heating up makes them loose some of their benefits. Here is an easy recipe for classic marmalade candies, with instructions, on Minkku's blog. (use page translate if you don't speak finnish)

Also note, that different trees give slightly different flavors. Don’t be shy, sample the berries straight from the tree, and only pick the best-tasting ones.

Do you have any good recipes for Rowan berries? Or do you have any local beliefs about Rowan? Comment and share below. :)

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