The blackthorn is very similar to the plum, only slightly smaller in size.
The blackthorn fruit is a small berry fruit that grows almost anywhere and is therefore also found in our country. They are related to plums.
Characterisation of the blackthorn:
The blackthorn is a deciduous shrub growing to 1-4 m tall. Its shoots are short and end in thorns. Flowers are 1 to 1,5 cm in diameter, white in colour and five-petalled. It flowers before the foliage has faded. Fruit small, bluish-black, pome-shaped. Matures around September. The flesh of the unripe fruit has a strong astringency. It is best harvested when it is already a little bitter, as it softens and loses its bitter taste.
Benefits of blackthorn:
The effects of blackthorn include lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels and anti-inflammation.
It has a very high vitamin C content, so it is highly recommended for winter consumption and can even be used in weight loss diets. When eaten unripe, it has a slightly bitter and astringent taste. But if it bites you, it is worth taking it as the flesh becomes soft and sweet. It can be used to make jam, wine or even liqueur. Among the medicinal properties of blackthorn, it is a very good immune and nervous system booster.
The decoction of dried blackthorn flowers has a very good diuretic effect, has a laxative effect and can also be used against urinary tract diseases. It is very beneficial for the cardiovascular system. The tea made from the blackthorn flower fills the stomach, so it is very good for dieting. Its fat-reducing properties are also due to its vitamin C content. It also has a detoxifying effect. It has a taste similar to apples.
The vitamin content of blackthorn is also very high. Its high vitamin and mineral content strengthens the immune system and improves vision. The flavonoids, essential oils and tannins found in cucumber have proven beneficial effects on the human body. In addition to vitamin C, it also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, which improve energy levels and help the body to cope with stress.Vitamin E improves cell integrity and delays skin ageing. It also contains vitamins A and K.
When does the blackthorn flower?
Blackthorn usually flower in early spring, in early April.
When does the blackthorn ripen?
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) usually ripen between September and October. The ripening date can depend on a variety of factors, such as growing site, weather and species selection.
The fruit of the blackthorn
The fruit or berry of the blackthorn has a strong astringent and mild wound-healing effect. It is very healthy, but should not be consumed in excess due to its astringent properties. It may be recommended for severe diarrhoea, enteritis or dysentery. Flushing with the juice of the berry has also been used in folk medicine for sore throats and mouth sores and inflammation.
The effects and preparation of blackthorn tea:
It makes a very good tea. Just boil 1 tablespoon of dried flowers in 2 dl of water and leave to stand for 20 minutes, then strain. It is recommended to drink 3*2 dl of tea per day. For kidney and bladder problems, it can also be combined with yarrow, goldenseal and St. John’s wort. Excessive consumption may cause constipation, so be careful. Tea made from its leaves can be very good even for sore throats and is also good for swollen tonsils. In addition to these, blackthorn also contains flavonoids that help reduce the risk of cancer.
How can blackthorn be used?
The most common use of blackthorn is in the form of tea, but there are several uses.
Tincture: you can make a tincture of blackthorn, which is a strong, alcoholic extract. The alcohol (e.g. vodka) helps to extract the valuable substances.
Capsules: Capsules containing blackthorn extract are available in many shops and can be a convenient solution for those who do not like the taste of blackthorn or cannot get fresh blackthorn.
Externally: blackthorn leaves or blackthorn oil can also be used externally to help treat burns, skin inflammation and acne.
It is important to note that blackthorn has anticoagulant effects and may also interfere with the effects of anticoagulants and aspirin. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor before using cumin.
Blueberries or blackthorn, or the difference between blackthorn and blueberries.
Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) are two different species. The differences between blueberries and blackthorn can be seen in their fruit, flowers and other characteristics.
Plant species: blueberries and blackthorn belong to two different plant species. The blueberry is a shrubby plant, while the blackthorn is a shrub or small tree.
Fruit: Both plants have fruits, but they are distinctively different. The fruit of the blueberry is usually smaller, rounded, bluish-purple in colour and sweet-sour in flavour. Blackthorn, on the other hand, are smaller, dark purple or black in colour and usually have a bitter taste.
Flowering: Both blueberries and blackthorn flower in early spring, but their flowers are distinctive and easily distinguishable. Blueberry flowers are smaller and white or pinkish, while the flowers of the blackthorn are white and often appear in masses on the branches of the shrub.
