Easy Rowan Berry Recipes
Rowan berries, also known as mountain ash berries, are small, vibrant fruits that begin to ripen in the late autumn, making them a perfect symbol of the transition from the cooler months to the heart of the festive season. Their bright red hue and striking clusters make them a popular choice for creating beautiful, natural wreaths, adding a touch of seasonal charm to any home. As November rolls in and we prepare for the holidays, these berries mark the stepping stone to more festive traditions.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, rowan berries offer a wealth of health benefits and can be transformed into a variety of delicious recipes. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, these berries have long been used in folk medicine for their ability to support immune health, improve digestion, and even help with inflammation. They are also known for their natural ability to boost circulation and maintain heart health.
In the kitchen, rowan berries can be used in a range of delightful treats, from homemade jams to soothing teas. A warming cup of rowan berry tea is perfect for cold evenings, while rowan berry compote can add a tangy twist to your breakfast spread.
Rowan Berry Compote Recipe
If you prefer a simpler, less sweet option than jam, a rowan berry compote can be made, which is perfect for serving with desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. To slowly introduce Christmas season, we had it with rice porridge this weekend.
Ingredients:
500 g fresh rowan berries
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
1 cup water
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Berries:
Rinse the rowan berries and remove them from the stems.
Cook the Berries:
Place the rowan berries in a saucepan with the water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Simmer:
Simmer the compote for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries are soft and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Cool and Store:
Once the compote has thickened, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks.
Allow the compote to cool before transferring it to a jar or serving dish.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Rowan berry tea is a delightful, warming beverage that combines the tartness of the berries with the aromatic flavors of herbs and spices. Here’s a cozy Rowan Berry Tea Recipe that incorporates rosemary, honey, and a touch of cinnamon for an added festive touch.
Rowan Berry Tea with Rosemary, Honey, and Cinnamon
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh rowan berries (about 20-30 berries)
1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
2 cups water
Optional: a slice of lemon or a few cloves for extra flavor
Instructions:
Prepare the Berries:
Rinse the rowan berries thoroughly. If using fresh berries, crush them lightly with the back of a spoon or a muddler to release their flavor.
Boil the Water:
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the Ingredients:
Add the crushed rowan berries, rosemary, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and any optional spices like cloves or lemon slices to the water.
Simmer the Tea:
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together, and the water takes on a deep, reddish hue from the rowan berries.
Strain and Sweeten:
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solid ingredients (or keeping the rosemary sprig for decoration).
Stir in honey to taste, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
Serve:
Enjoy the tea warm, and if desired, garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or a thin slice of lemon.
Tips:
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the tea steep for a longer time or crush the rowan berries more to release more of their juices.
Rowan berries are naturally quite tart, so the honey will help balance that out. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
The cinnamon and rosemary complement the rowan berries nicely, but feel free to adjust or add other spices like cloves or star anise for a more festive, spiced aroma.
This rowan berry tea, with its mix of herbs, spices, and natural sweetness, is perfect for warming up during the colder months and can become a comforting ritual as you get ready for the holidays.
