Harmful Substance: Hawthorn Syrup Exposure
Hawthorn syrup, a delightful concoction made from hawthorn berries, is gaining popularity for its medicinal benefits and versatile culinary applications. This syrup, smooth, subtly sweet, and perfect for use as a heart tonic or added to drinks or desserts, offers a unique blend of flavour and health benefits.
Storing and Preparing Hawthorn Syrup
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of hawthorn syrup. If stored in a cool, dark place and properly sealed, it can last up to 6 months. However, for best results, it's recommended to store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several weeks once opened. If the syrup thickens over time, particularly if refrigerated, it can be warmed up to return it to a syrup consistency.
The process of making hawthorn syrup involves washing fresh berries, simmering them with water, straining the liquid, adding sugar or honey, and heating the mixture until the sugar dissolves. The ingredients needed are straightforward: 4 cups of fresh hawthorn berries, 1 ¼ cups of sugar or an equal amount of honey, and 3 cups of water.
Medicinal Benefits of Hawthorn Syrup
Hawthorn syrup offers medicinal benefits primarily related to cardiovascular health. It is traditionally used to improve blood flow, support overall heart function, lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, and reduce stress. Additionally, it promotes better oxygen flow and has calming properties contributing to overall well-being. Moreover, it may help with some digestive issues traditionally.
Culinary and Mixology Applications
In terms of culinary uses, hawthorn syrup can sweeten and flavor various foods. It can be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or mixed into yogurt or desserts as a fruity, herbal sweetener. In the realm of mixology, hawthorn syrup can be used as an ingredient in cocktails, adding a distinctive tart, fruity, and slightly herbal note. It's suitable for mixing into gin or whiskey cocktails or combined with sparkling water for refreshing drinks.
Making Hawthorn Syrup
The basic formula for making hawthorn syrup uses a 3:2:1 ratio: 3 parts water, 2 parts hawthorn berries, and 1 part sugar or honey. Fresh hawthorn berries yield a brighter flavor, while dried berries provide a more concentrated taste. The equipment needed includes a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, a saucepan, and sterilized bottles or jars.
Sources
[1] The Spruce Eats. (n.d.). Hawthorn Berry Syrup Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/hawthorn-berry-syrup-recipe-3036892
[2] The Kitchn. (2018, August 14). How to Make Hawthorn Syrup. Retrieved from https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-hawthorn-syrup-215686
[3] Herbs 2000. (n.d.). Hawthorn. Retrieved from https://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/hawthorn-berry.htm
[4] University of Maryland Medical Center. (n.d.). Hawthorn. Retrieved from https://www.ummd.umaryland.edu/ref/herb/Hawthorn.htm
[5] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (n.d.). Hawthorn. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/hawthorn
- Store hawthorn syrup in a cool, dark place or refrigerate it for optimal quality, as it can remain fresh for up to 6 months or several weeks respectively, especially after opening.
- The process of making hawthorn syrup involves washing fresh berries, simmering them with water, straining the liquid, adding sugar or honey, and heating until the sugar dissolves, using a 3:2:1 ratio of water, hawthorn berries, and sugar or honey.
- Hawthorn syrup offers numerous health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, as it improves blood flow, supports heart function, lowers blood pressure, enhances circulation, reduces stress, promotes better oxygen flow, and has calming properties.
- In terms of culinary uses, hawthorn syrup can be used as a sweetener for various foods such as pancakes, waffles, yogurt, desserts, or mixed into cocktails for an unique, fruity, herbal flavor, suitable for gin, whiskey, or sparkling water-based drinks.
