Hawthorn Berries
Hawthorn berries are small, deep-red wild fruits with a taste somewhere between tart cherry and overripe apple, long simmered into teas and syrups across Europe and China.
What It Is
Hawthorn is a thorny tree that grows across the northern hemisphere, and its berries have been gathered for centuries wherever it grows. They are dense, mealy, and not particularly good eaten raw, but heat and time unlock something worthwhile. The flavor is earthy and mildly tart, with a faint floral note. Traditionally, they have been used in folk remedies and home kitchens alike, and in Chinese cooking they show up candied on skewers or cooked into tangy jam.
These are whole dried berries, which means they hold their flavor longer than crushed or powdered forms but need a little more time to give it up. Expect a gentle, wine-dark color when you simmer them.
What To Do
The most straightforward use is a simple tea: simmer a small handful, about two tablespoons, in two cups of water for fifteen to twenty minutes, then strain. The result is lightly tart and good with honey. Add cinnamon or orange peel and you have something that drinks like a cider.
They also work well in syrups. Simmer berries with water and sugar, strain, and use the liquid over oatmeal, pancakes, or stirred into sparkling water. Store dried berries in a sealed container away from light and heat, and they will keep for up to a year without losing much.
