Hawthorn Syrup Recipe: A Delicious And Healthy Twist To Your Beverage
Cesar Chien
Christopher's Original Formulas Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup, 16 fl oz from www.walmart.com
Introduction
If you're a fan of herbal remedies, then you must have heard of hawthorn berries. These small red berries are known for their medicinal properties, including their ability to improve cardiovascular health, digestion, and reduce anxiety. But did you know that you can also use them to make a delicious syrup? In this article, we'll show you how to make hawthorn syrup and give you some ideas on how to use it.
Ingredients
To make hawthorn syrup, you will need:
2 cups of fresh or dried hawthorn berries
4 cups of water
2 cups of sugar or honey
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the hawthorn berries and remove any stems or leaves. 2. In a large pot, combine the hawthorn berries, water, and cinnamon stick. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes or until the berries are soft and mushy. 5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. 6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. 7. Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of sugar or honey. 8. Return the pot to medium heat and stir until the sweetener dissolves. 9. Add the vanilla extract, if using, and stir to combine. 10. Let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. 11. Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 12. Transfer the syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Hawthorn berries are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, digestion, and anxiety relief. However, the syrup contains a significant amount of sugar or honey, so it should be consumed in moderation. One tablespoon of hawthorn syrup contains about 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar.
How to Use Hawthorn Syrup
Now that you've made your own hawthorn syrup, it's time to enjoy it! Here are some ideas on how to use it:
Add a tablespoon or two of hawthorn syrup to your tea or coffee for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Drizzle hawthorn syrup over pancakes or waffles for a healthy twist on breakfast.
Use hawthorn syrup as a sweetener in smoothies or yogurt bowls.
Mix hawthorn syrup with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing summer drink.
Use hawthorn syrup as a glaze for poultry or pork dishes.
Conclusion
Hawthorn syrup is a delicious and healthy way to incorporate hawthorn berries into your diet. It's easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you add it to your morning coffee or use it as a glaze for dinner, hawthorn syrup is sure to add a unique flavor to your dishes. So why not give it a try?