Superfoods & Herbs

Vita mullbär

Superfoods & Herbs

White mulberries – the food behind Chinese silk

by pH-balans on Jul 01 2022
Mulberries have been cultivated for over 4000 years, originally in China, where the leaves from the mulberry tree are food for silkworms – the foundation of all Chinese silk production.From China to the MediterraneanThe berries spread along the Silk Road to the Mediterranean region, and were used in folk medicine in China, Greece, and Turkey far back in history.White mulberry vs. black mulberryThe white mulberry has a milder, sweeter taste than its darker relative, the black mulberry, which is more acidic.What mulberries containMulberries contain iron, calcium, protein, and antioxidants.UsageThe dried berries are eaten as a snack or mixed into muesli, yogurt, and baked goods. Our organic white mulberries are an example of how they are typically sold.
Svartvinbärspulver

Superfoods & Herbs

Blackcurrants from Swedish gardens

by pH-balans on Jul 01 2022
Blackcurrants grow both wild and cultivated throughout Sweden and have a long tradition in Nordic horticulture, often as one of the first berry bushes in a Swedish allotment garden.In the kitchenThe berries are too tart for most people to eat fresh, and are therefore most often used in juice, jam, and baked goods where their intense, dark flavor comes into its own.What blackcurrants containBlackcurrants contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), vitamin C, and anthocyanins.Good to knowBefore surgery, it is often recommended to stop consuming large quantities of blackcurrants a few weeks prior, as some substances in the berry can affect bleeding tendencies.CultivationCurrant bushes are hardy and well-adapted to the Nordic climate, making them a classic in Swedish gardens. Our blackcurrant powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Nyponpulver

Superfoods & Herbs

Rose hips – the fruit of the wild rose and Swedish home cooking

by pH-balans on Jul 01 2022
Rosehip is the fruit of the wild rose (Rosa canina), a thorny bush that grows wild throughout Sweden and large parts of Europe. The berries ripen in autumn and often remain on the branches well into winter, when they are an important food source for pheasants and other birds.Historical use in SwedenRosehips have been picked and used in Swedish households for centuries, partly for marmalade and juice, and partly for the classic rosehip soup. During World War II, when imported citrus fruits were scarce, rosehip soup became a significant source for many Swedish households, and authorities actively encouraged the picking and preservation of rosehips during that period.How rosehip powder is madeTo make powder, the ripe rosehips are carefully dried and then ground, usually with the seeds remaining ("whole rosehip powder") because the skin itself contains most of the nutrients while the seeds contribute fiber.What rosehip containsRosehip contains vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium. Rosehip also contains the galactolipid GOPO, a substance that has been the subject of scientific studies regarding joint comfort.Good to knowRosehip powder in larger quantities can have a mild diuretic and slightly laxative effect. People using blood-thinning medications should consult a doctor before regular use, as high doses of vitamin C can affect the efficacy of certain medicines.Use in the kitchenRosehip powder can be mixed into porridge, yogurt, smoothies or baked goods, and is a classic ingredient in rosehip soup even in modern times. Our organic rosehip powder is an example of how the powder is usually sold.
Havtornspulver

Superfoods & Herbs

Sea buckthorn – the berry that ripens with frost

by pH-balans on Jun 30 2022
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub that grows wild along coasts in large parts of Europe and Asia, well-adapted to windy, salty coastal environments.Berries that ripen with frostSea buckthorn berries have a long tradition in Nordic cuisine and are so sour that they are traditionally harvested only after frost, as the cold makes them somewhat milder in taste.What sea buckthorn containsSea buckthorn berries contain vitamins C, A, E, and K, as well as omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids.Good to knowSea buckthorn can affect bleeding tendency – discontinue use two weeks before planned surgery.In the kitchenSea buckthorn is traditionally used to make juice, jelly, and marmalade, often mixed with apple to balance the acidity. Our organic sea buckthorn powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Gojibär

Superfoods & Herbs

Goji berries – 2,000 years of Chinese history

by pH-balans on Jun 30 2022
Goji berries have been cultivated in China for over 2000 years and are a central herb in traditional Chinese medicine.Historical useThe berry is mentioned in Chinese texts from the Tang Dynasty (7th-10th century) and has long been used as both food and in traditional herbal medicine in China.What goji berries containGoji berries contain iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium, as well as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E.Good to knowPeople with pollen allergies should be aware that some may react to goji berries.In the kitchenThe red, tart berries are eaten dried as snacks, in tea, or mixed into smoothies and muesli. Our organic goji berries are an example of how they are typically sold.
Aroniapulver

Superfoods & Herbs

Aronia – from North America to Nordic gardens

by pH-balans on Jun 30 2022
Aronia, also known as chokeberry, is a dark berry in the rose family that originates from eastern North America.From North America to European gardensIndigenous peoples in North America used the berry long before aronia was introduced to Europe and Russia in the 20th century, where the bush quickly became popular as a hardy garden plant.What aronia containsAronia contains anthocyanins (the dark pigments), vitamin C, carotenes, folate and vitamin E.Taste and preparationFresh aronia berries are quite tart and astringent, so they are most often used dried, as a powder, or cooked into juice and jam together with sweeter berries.CultivationThe black aronia bush is very hardy and can be grown up to USDA hardiness zone 6 in Sweden, making it one of the hardiest berry bushes you can have in the garden. Our organic aronia powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Amlapulver

Superfoods & Herbs

Amla – the sacred berry from India

by pH-balans on Jun 30 2022
Amla, the Indian gooseberry, grows on trees that can reach eight metres in height and is common in Southern India.A sacred berryAmla has a central place in Ayurvedic tradition and is mentioned in ancient Indian texts, where the tree is still considered sacred in Hinduism and is often planted near temples.In the kitchenThe berry is often used in spiced sauces, pickles, chutneys, and curries in Indian cooking, where its tart flavour balances strong spices.What amla containsAmla contains vitamin C, alkaloids, tannins, and amino acids.Good to knowAmla can be mildly diuretic and gently laxative in larger quantities.Usage1-2 teaspoons of powder daily is a common amount, mixed with a drink of your choice. Our organic amla powder is an example of how it is typically sold.