Ingredients:
• 2 kg Cornelian Cherries
• 2 Liters Water
• 400 Grams Sugar
Directions:
• Wash and clean the fruits from any dirt.
• Place them in a deep pot, add water, and sugar.
• Turn on the stove on a very low temperature and slowly start heating until it simmers. Stir with a wooden spoon.
• After 20 minutes, remove from heat.
Cornelian cherry is almost a deity in Eastern European stories and myths. From the times when ancient people were discovering healing potentials of certain foods, this magic tree has been used from root to fruits. It’s a plant that has so many benefits! It can survive almost all conditions and give fruits for hundreds of years. These berries contain anthocyanins which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cornelian cherries also contain organic acids, pectins. They are a very rich source of Vitamin C, and depending on genotype or origin, can contain up to twice the amount of orange.
Interesting facts about Cornelian cherry
- Even though they are called cherries, they are in no way similar to standard cherries or sour cherries. They don’t even taste similar to them.
- Although the berries are unfamiliar to Americans, Cornus mas is quite generally raised in the USA as a small decorative tree.
- In Italy, they call them Corniolo and they pickle them in vinegar and salt, as the olives.
- In Russia, they are used for pilaf. They are especially good in a sauce similar to Bolognese.
- In France, they widely cultivate them to grow bigger and those contain much more sugar.
- In Balkan countries, you will find festivals, wine production, alcoholic beverages, jams, juices, syrups and tea made of this plant. Their seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
- They have been used for over 7,000 years as a food and medicine in ancient Greece. The pits of cornelian cherries have been excavated from a neolithic site in northern Greece.
- Research has discovered that Cornus improves liver function by applying a potent hepatoprotective activity.
- The designation “cornelian” is chosen from the semiprecious gemstone, sometimes spelt carnelian, since it looks like that.
- Cornelian berries possess unique medicinal properties due to their high mineral content. They are rich in calcium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and a good source of sodium
- The Greek name Κρανιά was a poetic synonym for “spear.” But don’t use the wood to make boats! Cornelian Cherry wood is so dense that it sinks in the water!
- The quickest way to harvest it is to spread a blanket under the tree, shake the tree so only the ripe fruits will fall.
