Botanical Source
Hawthorn The dried ripe fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br. or Crataegus pinnatifida Bge., plants of the Rosaceae family.
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism
Sour and sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature. It acts on the Spleen, Stomach and Liver meridians.
Functions & Indications
Promotes digestion and invigorates the stomach, moves qi and dissipates blood stasis, and expels tapeworms.
Pharmacological Research
It aids digestion, lowers blood pressure and blood lipids, and delivers antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. It also helps boost immunity.
Edible Methods of Hawthorn
Hawthorn features a sour-sweet taste and diverse eating ways. It can be eaten fresh, made into beverages, snacks, dishes and medicinal meals.
1. Fresh Consumption
Rinse fresh hawthorn thoroughly and eat directly. It helps stimulate appetite and relieve greasy feeling.
2. Beverages
- Hawthorn Tea: Put dried hawthorn fruits into hot water and steep for several minutes. It aids digestion and reduces lipids.
- Hawthorn Juice: Blend fresh hawthorn with an appropriate amount of water and filter the pulp. Add a little honey for better flavor.
- Hawthorn Soda: Mix hawthorn syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink.
3. Traditional Snacks
- Hawthorn Candy Strips: A classic preserved snack, sweet and sour, suitable for all ages.
- Hawthorn Cake: Soft and dense, ideal as a daily treat.
- Candied Hawthorns on a Stick: Coat hawthorns with crispy sugar syrup, a famous traditional delicacy.
4. Concoctions & Preserves
- Hawthorn Jam: Simmer hawthorn pulp with rock sugar until thickened. Serve with bread or pastries.
- Sweetened Hawthorn Paste: Stew hawthorn with sugar to make a smooth paste, great for relieving indigestion.
5. Cooking Ingredients
- Braised Meat with Hawthorn: Add a few hawthorns when braising pork or beef. It tenderizes meat, removes greasiness and enriches the flavor.
- Hawthorn Porridge: Cook hawthorn together with rice. It is mild and helpful for poor appetite.
Notes
- Hawthorn tastes sour. People with gastric ulcer or excessive stomach acid should eat in moderation.
- Do not consume large amounts on an empty stomach, as it may irritate the gastric mucosa.
- Pregnant women are advised to take it cautiously.
Nutritional Values of Hawthorn
Hawthorn is rich in nutrients and active phytochemicals, bringing multiple health benefits to the human body.
1. Basic Nutrients
It contains abundant carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and resists oxidation. It also provides vitamin B complex, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus to supplement daily nutritional needs.
2. Core Bioactive Compounds
- Organic acids: Including citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. They stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, improve gastrointestinal motility and relieve bloating and indigestion caused by greasy food.
- Flavonoids: The main functional ingredients such as vitexin and hyperoside. They help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and reduce blood lipids, and protect cardiovascular health.
- Phenolic substances: Possess strong antioxidant capacity, which can eliminate free radicals, delay cell aging and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
3. Additional Nutritional Benefits
- Rich lipolytic ingredients can assist in decomposing fat, suitable for people who want to control weight.
- Natural antibacterial components help inhibit harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.
- It contains amygdalin and other substances, which exert certain protective effects on the body.
Dietary Reminders
- Due to high acidity, long-term or excessive intake may erode tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth after eating.
- People with hyperacidity, gastritis and gastric ulcer should limit consumption.
- Avoid eating hawthorn on an empty stomach to prevent stomach discomfort.