As you walk or drive along the country lanes, you will notice the Rowan Tree (aka Mountain Ash) with its bright orange/red clusters of berries. This is a venerable tree, known as the Wizard Tree. Not long ago, twigs were tied into the manes of your horses to protect against witches who might steal into your barns at night and hag-ride them to a fearful froth.
For generations, the berry has been cooked into a syrup and used to soothe the throat, for constipation, diarrhoea, rheumatism and gout.
Today, scientists appreciate its rich polyphenol content. Phenols are emerging as one of the main plant nutrients to protect against modern degenerative diseases like cardio-vascular, diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, gout, Alzheimer’s, and high blood pressure.
Country folk used to use this berry as a vitamin rich winter tonic, and I would like to share the recipe which I have made tonight, which will go into the formulas of my patients this winter.
Rowan Berry and Ginger Syrup
Collect the plump orange berries in the early autumn. Strip them from the twigs and rinse the berries in cold water. Discard any brown or black berries.
Place your berries (say 3 cups) in a saucepan and add enough water to cover generously.
Collect 2 apples (those borrowed from your neighbour’s garden are always the most satisfying), roughly chop pips, skin and all. Add to the pot.
Roughly chop about 4 inches of ginger, and toss in.
You might like to add a few cloves, or even cinnamon if you are feeling festive.
Bring to a simmer.
Place the lid on and continue simmering until the berries turn soft. By now, your house will be smelling richly of juicy berry autumnal fragrance.
Once soft, you can either squidge them with a potato crusher or use a hand-held blender. Make sure that the berries are completely cooked through – you will see little brown seeds floating about at this stage.
Check that there is enough liquid to strain the pulp through a fine sieve, ensuring that all the seeds have been collected. Discard the seeds, return the pulpy fluid to the pan, and perhaps add a little more water.
Now keep adding brown sugar to the liquid until it will no longer dissolve. Pour into glass bottles and seal.
This is a wonderful tonic to take especially when you have a sore throat, and the first signs of a cold. Sip gently and enjoy your home remedy.