The history of the amazing barberry shrub goes back to ancient times. Clay tablets dating back to 650 BC contain inscriptions by Assyrian doctors about the healing power of the plant. Whether King Ashurbanipal used barberry for weight loss is not known to science. But, without a doubt, the Assyrian ruler could well count on a total recovery of the entire body.

Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with the unique properties of shrubs these days. And if homely housewives still put dry barberry in pilaf, then people who are far from cooking completely ignore the existence of the most valuable plant. But knowing the capabilities of barberry and using them will not only save the budget, a significant part of which is spent on purchasing medicines, but will also naturally and safely increase the quality of life.

By the way, the popularity of barberry is promoted by scammers who sometimes send it instead to young ladies who want to lose weight - some even seem to think that they are one and the same thing.

Barberry: varieties and features

There are more than five hundred species of barberry. Some of them perform only a decorative function. This hedge is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves of the plant turn different shades from green to brown. Elegant leaves, prickly shoots, burgundy clusters (at the moment of ripening) are the distinctive features of almost any species of the barberry family. But each of them also has its own characteristics.

• Common barberry- a shrub that grows in the forest-steppe zone of Russia, in the Crimea, in the Caucasus. You can meet him on forest edges and slopes of ravines. By June, the plant is covered with yellow honey-bearing flowers with a wonderful aroma. By autumn, juicy red fruits form in place of the flowers. Common barberry is extremely unpretentious to conditions and is cold-resistant. It is this type that is used in our cooking and medicine. Its beneficial properties will be discussed in detail below.
• Barberry Amur– its habitat is Primorye, Japan and China. Outwardly, it resembles its “ordinary” brother, except that it is a little taller - up to 3.5 meters, and is also undemanding to the environment.
• Barberry Thunberg– from China and Japan. The shrub has not grown in size - its height does not exceed a meter. Its fruits are not suitable for food due to the large amount of alkaloids. But the berries of this plant are excellent food for birds; alkaloids do not scare them.
• Barberry spherical- another unpretentious shrub with original fruits. Its berries are dark blue and round, containing huge amounts of vitamin C. The mountainous regions of Central Asia are its place of origin. In Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, not a single pilaf, shish kebab or compote is complete without the addition of spherical barberry.

But that same Japanese barberry of Thunberg...

We will still talk about common barberry and its extraordinary properties.

“Extraordinary” barberry: beneficial properties

All parts of this barberry variety can be used in medical purposes. Each “organ” of the bush is healing and nutritious. The leaves are usually collected in July. The fruits are at the moment of full ripening, when they are bright red (green is poisonous!). The bark and roots are taken from those bushes that, for one reason or another, need to be uprooted.

- an alkaloid in barberry, which has long been adopted by official medicine. Berberine – excellent choleretic agent. In addition to alkaloids, the plant contains incredible amounts of vitamin C and tannins. During the fruiting period, barberry leaves produce essential oil. Among the complex of its beneficial properties:

• choleretic,
• anti-inflammatory,
• bactericidal,
• painkillers,
• hemostatic,
• antispasmodic,
• antipyretic,
• antitumor.

Cleanses the liver, gall bladder, stimulates digestion

The use of barberry is recommended for liver diseases, inflammation of the gallbladder, and spleen. The components of the plant improve the flow of bile. Barberry root has a mild laxative effect, tones and stimulates digestion.

Barberry – antioxidant

Any part of it has antioxidant properties. The plant helps fight free radicals, protects cells from damage and aging, relieves inflammation and stops the growth of tumor cells.

To infections – a confident “no”

Strengthens immunity

A large amount of vitamin C is the key to good body resistance to infections. Barberry berries contain a sufficient amount of this essential vitamin.

The beneficial properties of barberry are so wide, and the list of diseases for which the use of the plant is recommended is so vast that one could write a book about the healing shrub.

Barberry: traditional medicine recipes

Alternative medicine actively uses the medicinal capabilities of barberry. Healing infusions, decoctions, tinctures can be prepared from any part of the plant. The berries of the plant are frozen, dried, boiled or even pickled. Barberry fruits increase appetite, stimulate digestion, quench thirst, have diuretic properties, and reduce temperature during fevers.

Many women, getting acquainted with this amazing plant, wonder about using barberry for weight loss. . It would be a stretch to call the plant a fat-burning product. It should be borne in mind that barberry rather increases appetite, but does not reduce it in any way. However, its low calorie content (about 30 kcal per 100 g), vitamin content, some diuretic and laxative effect may serve as grounds for including barberry in the list of dietary products.

Tea for weight loss

A teaspoon of dry berries is poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for about 10 minutes. Three servings of this tea per day, limiting calories and increasing physical activity will certainly help you lose a couple of kilograms.

Delicious barberry drink with therapeutic effect prepared from 50 grams of dry berries, 60 grams of sugar, 1 gram of vanillin and a liter of water. The drink is boiled for 10 minutes, infused for an hour.

An excellent choleretic infusion is prepared from the leaves. For a tablespoon of dry raw materials - a glass hot water, bet on water bath. Heat for 15 minutes, cool naturally, filter. The infusion is taken 0.25 cups 3-4 times a day.

An infusion of barberry bark has a hemostatic effect. 20 grams of raw materials are boiled in 400 ml of water for 15 minutes. After cooling and straining, the volume is brought to 500 ml. Taken in the same dosage as the infusion of leaves. At heavy bleeding– 2 tablespoons at intervals of an hour.

The dosage depends on the disease and is prescribed by a specialist.

Barberry in cooking and industry

What are the benefits of barberry in everyday life besides it? medicinal properties? In cooking, barberry is used as a seasoning. Meat, vegetables, sauces, sweet desserts acquire sweet and sour spicy notes thanks to the addition of dried or fresh berries. The culinary function of the plant is inseparable from its medicinal value. Tasty food can be healthy. Especially if barberry was used in its preparation.

Fresh berries are usually used to make jam, compote, marmalade, marshmallows, and sorbets. Dried berries- an integral part of real Asian pilaf or shish kebab. To preserve the berries for future use, they can be covered with sugar 1:1 or salted (a glass of salt per liter of boiled water).

Young leaves can replace sorrel when preparing cabbage soup. In general, barberry leaves are added to any soup to enhance acidity. In Holland they even make a salad from them.

The wood of the plant is used to make crafts. A pink-violet dye is obtained from the fruits, which is used to dye paper and linen. From the roots Barberry produces a yellow dye for leather and silk.

Contraindications for use

The use of barberry for medicinal purposes has some contraindications:

• Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis: take with caution, under the supervision of a specialist;
• increased stomach acidity;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• bleeding during menopause or after a miscarriage;
• arterial hypotension (barberry reduces blood pressure);
• increased thrombus formation;
• individual intolerance;
• gallstones;
• age up to 12 years.

In some cases, when taking barberry, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, slow heart rate, and dizziness may occur. Typically, such symptoms occur when the dosage or consumption of green berries is incorrect. Medical supervision when treating with barberry is strictly necessary.

Homemade medications with barberry are an excellent alternative to expensive pharmacy products. Spend money on medicine or spend a little time creating a natural effective medicine– the choice always remains with the patient.

Barberry is unique plant, which found wide application not only among residents of Russia. It is used both for decorative purposes, instead of hedges, and in folk medicine. Thanks to its unique medicinal properties and contraindications, barberry deservedly takes an honorable place among medicinal herbs.

In the vastness of the vast country, only three varieties are more often found:

• common barberry;
• Ottawa barberry;

From healers and traditional healers Common barberry is popular and is used not only to treat many diseases, but even in cooking. The entire shrub has medicinal properties, but more often the choice falls on barberry berries, roots, and leaves.

Barberry berries - medicinal properties

In order for barberry berries to give out their beneficial substances as much as possible, they must be prepared correctly. The fruits are harvested only when they are fully ripe and have gained solar energy and vitamins. Drying takes place in the shade under a canopy or in a specialized dryer at temperatures up to 50 degrees. Dried berries are stored well in cardboard boxes, paper or knitted bags.

Ripe fruits of the bush are a treasure trove useful substances. Despite the fact that they have a pronounced sour taste, they are used in the preparation of various compotes, syrups, jelly, preserves, sweets, jelly and even liqueur. In cooking, the sourish taste adds piquancy to meat and vegetables. This product is especially loved by Eastern cultures, which season lamb and rice dishes with barberry spices.

The berries contain various substances:

• acids: malic, citric, tartaric;
• carotenoids;
• pectin and tannins;
• vitamins C, E;
• carbohydrates;
• macro- and microelements.

Decoctions of barberry berries improve appetite, perfectly strengthen and stimulate immune system body. They are used for treatment in folk medicine for liver diseases, hypertension, inflammatory processes, colds. The decoction also restores the vitamin balance in the body (prevention against vitamin deficiency) and treats cancer.

Properly prepared tea from barberry berries increases performance, improves well-being and mood. It is recommended for daily consumption by people living in environmentally polluted environments - the decoction (or tea) perfectly removes toxins and harmful substances from the body. That is why we can talk a lot about the benefits of barberry berries. Harm can only occur if there is individual intolerance to the fetus or allergic reaction at him.

Decoctions and potions from barberry are contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, postpartum and menstrual bleeding, the presence of liver cirrhosis, and cholelithiasis.

Barberry for diet

Now you know the benefits of barberry berries. But there is another property of the fruit that is used in various diets. Due to their low calorie content and richness of vitamins, special tea is brewed from the berries to replenish vitamin reserves body. During a diet, a person loses large number minerals, and only barberry tea can replenish them.

Tea recipe. You will need 1 tsp. barberry fruits (can be dry). Pour boiling water over them and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Drink this tea three times a day throughout the diet.

Preparing berries for different occasions

Recipe for making a decoction. Pour one teaspoon of berries with a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat. The duration of boiling should not exceed 15 minutes. Afterwards, the decoction must be filtered and used for treatment.

This recipe, depending on the dosage, is used to treat hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, problems with duodenum, and is also taken as a mild laxative.

Recipe for making wine tincture. To prepare, you will need a liter of red wine (preferably home-made), 200 g of barberries (pre-chopped) and 200 g of sugar. The berries are mixed with wine and left for a month to infuse, shaking occasionally. After 30 days, pour sugar into the strained tincture. Take no more than 50 g before meals.

This product perfectly cleanses the blood, enriches it with vitamins, promotes the flow of bile and improves immunity.

An overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In this case, it is recommended to stop taking the tincture until complete recovery.

Barberry root - its properties and treatment

One of the components of the bush, which is also effectively used in folk medicine, is barberry root. The medicinal properties are not inferior to berries and are also used to treat many diseases. Root harvesting is carried out if the bush is to be uprooted or replanted.

Barberry root has the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antipyretic;
• antispasmodic;
• diuretic;
• promotes the outflow of bile;
• reduces blood pressure;
• improves heart and liver function.

Root treatment

Barberry root has found its use in treatment women's diseases. A decoction is prepared from it for douching and special baths. The effectiveness of treating diseases is also high oral cavity and gums - rinse the mouth with a decoction of the root. For combined treatment, its leaves and berries are added to barberry root, and various infusions, rubs, compresses and decoctions are prepared. They treat various kinds of wounds, eye diseases, eczema, arthritis, radiculitis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, and any spasms of the arms and legs. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

The recipe for making a decoction of barberry root is simple. For this you will need 2 tbsp. Pour boiling water over tablespoons of root (about 0.5 l) and simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Let it brew for 40-50 minutes and then strain. This decoction is used only externally for compresses or lotions. For rinsing the mouth and douching, it is recommended to dilute the resulting decoction with water in a ratio of 1:2. You should not swallow it, because it is harmful to the stomach.

To prepare a tincture from the root, take 1 tsp. raw materials and pour two glasses boiled water, leave for 20-30 minutes. You can take 50 g three times a day before meals, depending on the course of treatment.

Contraindication for use medicinal properties barberry root can become: age less than 12 years, individual intolerance, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gastritis, cirrhosis of the liver.

How to use dried barberry

The beneficial properties of dried barberry do not differ from fresh preparations. Therefore, dried berries, roots, leaves can also be used to prepare infusions, decoctions, etc. - the value and quantity of medicinal properties does not decrease.

The main thing is to always remember that failure to comply with the dosage can cause side effects: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. Therefore, before use, consult your doctor and take care of your health.

Medicinal properties and uses of barberry - video

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Belongs to the family Barbarisovs, a branched shrub with sharp thorns. Barberry flowers yellow, collected in clusters, with a strong aroma, leaves are serrate. The berries are sweet and sour, dark red in color, elongated, collected in clusters.

There are about 300 species of barberry; this shrub grows in temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Northern and South America. In Russia, barberry is common in the European part. The shrub can be found on mountain slopes, forest edges, and copses. “Northern lemon” barberry received its name for its benefits and sour taste.

Calorie content of dried barberry

The calorie content of dried barberry is 152 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Composition and beneficial properties of dried barberry

IN dried berries ah barberry contains , and acid. Contains substance berberine, which is a choleretic agent. Also, dried barberry berries have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory properties, activates the work thyroid gland, nervous system, sex hormones. Having astringent properties, barberry berries remove toxins, waste, heavy metal salts and other harmful substances from the body.

Dried barberry, like fresh, is used in folk medicine as a hemostatic agent, used to improve appetite, to boost immunity, reduce hypertension, and for diabetes mellitus.

Contraindications for dried barberry

Dried barberry in cooking

Barberry fruits are widely used in cooking. Fresh berries used for making jellies, compotes, jams, syrups and juices. As spicy seasoning dried barberry is added to various dishes and sauces. Very often, dried barberry is used in oriental cuisine (calorizer). It is added during cooking to pilaf, fried or stewed meat dishes. With barberry, the dish gets a slightly sour taste, acquiring vitamins and other beneficial substances that dried barberry is rich in.

To prepare drinks from dried barberry, the berries are brewed in a thermos for several hours. This decoction can be taken as a thirst-quenching drink and as a medicinal drink, but it must be taken 20 minutes before meals.

Calorie content of dried barberry. Which important components are included in its composition. How is it useful and does it have any contraindications? Use of the product in cooking.

Contents of the article:

Dried barberry is the dried fruit of a branched shrub of the same name from the Barberry family. At the moment, more than three hundred varieties of the crop are known; they grow in temperate climates and subtropics - in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The shrub is also common in Russia, mainly in the European part. It usually grows wild on mountain slopes, light forest glades and in copses. Despite the fact that the crop is quite photophilous, it is otherwise unpretentious, tolerates both heat and cold well, and grows well in poor soils. The dark red berries of barberry have an elongated appearance and ripen in clusters. They were nicknamed “northern lemon” for their sweet and sour taste. The fruits are used in a wide variety of ways in cooking: compotes, jams, jellies, syrups and juices are made from the berries, but they can also be added to variety of dishes like a spice. Dried barberry, subject to the rules technological process saves almost everything beneficial properties fresh.

Composition and calorie content of dried barberry

Dried berries are classified as products of medium calorie content, and nutritional value theirs is quite interesting.

Calorie content of dried barberry is 152 kcal per 100 g, of which:

• Proteins - 0 g;
• Fats - 0 g;
• Carbohydrates - 38 g.

That is, the berries contain neither fats nor proteins, only carbohydrates are present, and also, of course, vitamins - primarily A, B, C and beta carotene; minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc; and other necessary to the human body components - natural sugars (glucose and fructose), alkaloids (palmitin, jatroricin, columbamine, berberine), tannins, resins, esters, organic acids (malic, citric, tartaric), pectin, ash.

Benefits of dried barberry berries

With such a rich chemical composition It is not surprising that our ancient ancestors noticed the beneficial properties of dried barberry. It was actively used in traditional medicine recipes. Particular effectiveness was observed in the fight against viral diseases.

A little later, scientists found an explanation for this fact. The fact is that the berries contain a very rare alkaloid, berberine, which actively kills pathogenic flora. But please note that the dose of this component in barberry plays a key role. If the fruits are unripe, they contain critical high quantity berberine, and berries can cause poisoning. That is why it is very important to harvest the crop on time.

On the other hand, when dried, the concentration of the substance decreases, which means that unripe fruits in dried form are unlikely to be dangerous to the body. This is why the use of dried barberry in folk medicine is a more common practice than its use in fresh.

However, it is not berberine alone that provides the benefits of the crop. Let's look at other beneficial properties of dried barberry, including:

1. Prevention cancer diseases, rejuvenating effect. With an excessive content of free radicals in the human body, there is a high risk of abnormal molecular bonds that lead to the development oncological processes And premature aging. Barberry berries contain a huge amount of antioxidants that actively prevent the formation of free radicals, which means that the sweet and sour fruits promote rejuvenation and reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.
2. Normalization of the digestive system. The fruits contain pectin, which helps accelerate metabolic processes, so that food is absorbed more efficiently and quickly. People suffering from constipation will notice a particularly positive effect. Regular consumption of dried barberry will cure this intestinal disorder.
3. Prevention of liver and gallbladder diseases. The berries contain substances that promote a choleretic effect and thus facilitate the functioning of the liver and gall bladder, greatly reducing the risk of stone formation and other diseases of these organs.
4. Prevention and treatment viral diseases . Thanks to berberine and a rich vitamin-mineral complex, regular consumption of barberry improves immunity and prevents the development of certain pathogenic processes. Particularly noteworthy is the effectiveness of the product in the treatment of colds; it not only fights the cause of the disease, but also eliminates the symptoms, thanks to its pronounced antipyretic, diaphoretic, analgesic and antitussive effects.
5. Improving performance cardiovascular system . Berries have a beneficial effect on the heart muscle and blood vessels - they help cleanse the blood of excess fats and cholesterol, as well as other toxins. In addition, it is observed restorative effect on blood vessels and heart.
6. Beneficial influence on nervous system . Barberry has a tonic effect, reduces fatigue, and improves mood. The effectiveness of this beneficial property is officially recognized modern medicine, based on the berry, several drugs are now produced for the treatment of mental disorders.
7. Cleansing the body of toxins. We have already talked above about the ability of pectin to cleanse the intestines and help digest food, but this is not its only feature. This component is capable of drawing out toxins from the entire body, including heavy metals, salts and other extremely harmful elements.
8. Diuretic effect. Along with the choleretic effect, berries are also characterized by a diuretic effect, which reduces swelling and helps eliminate excess liquid, prevent its stagnation, and therefore diseases of the genitourinary system.

Well, as you can see, it’s not in vain that barberry for many years used in folk medicine, it has beneficial influence to almost all systems, organs and tissues. Many even call it the closest relative of the sensational goji berries, but this is not an entirely correct comparison; the fruits of the crops are indeed similar in appearance, but in general they are completely different plants.

One way or another, using dried barberry for weight loss can bring no less beneficial effect than goji berries in the fight against extra pounds. As we said above, it actively cleanses the body of toxins, which often become one of the reasons for weight gain. However, by eating only sweet and sour berries and not taking other measures to lose weight, that is, without exercise and a reasonable diet, you are unlikely to get a stunning result.

For maximum effect in the fight against overweight The product should be consumed in the form of various teas and infusions. Eat fruits in pure form and you should not use them as a spice, since in this form they stimulate the appetite.

Contraindications and harm of dried barberry

However, despite such an impressive list of beneficial properties, berries are not a uniquely recommended product for everyone. There is a fine line between the benefits and harm of dried barberry. It contains a large amount of biologically active substances, which even for healthy body Useful only in healthy doses.

Thus, if you do not have any diseases or health problems, you can eat useful fruits, but you shouldn’t abuse them. In the same case, if there are health problems, you must first consult with your doctor.

At particular risk are people suffering from diarrhea (the berries have a mild laxative effect), severe gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Also special caution should be used by allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating women and children under 12 years of age.

How to dry barberry correctly

As we said at the beginning of the article, the product retains most of the nutrients if the drying process is performed correctly.

What nuances need to be taken into account:

• Berries need to be picked after they are fully ripe. We mentioned that unripe fruits contain too much of the substance berberine, which is dangerous in large quantities. And, despite the fact that when dried, some of it will, of course, evaporate, it is still better not to risk it and use ripe berries. It is important to understand that the ripening season varies depending on the region of growth. The range extends from late summer to the first frost.
• It is important to carefully sort the collected berries, leaving only high-quality fruits, and soak them in water for several hours, and then rinse under running water.
• When the fruits are dry, they need to be laid out on a baking sheet and placed in an oven preheated to a temperature of 40 degrees. Have the berries started to shrivel? Time to increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees. The readiness of barberry is determined as follows: you need to take a handful of berries and lightly squeeze them in your hand, they should not stick together and should not stick to your hand.

Dried barberry can be stored either in a glass jar or in a plastic bottle.

Recipes for dishes with dried barberry

As we have already found out, berries can be brewed in the form of infusions, but their culinary possibilities are actually much wider. Where do you add dried barberry? It is used as a seasoning for various dishes, the most popular of which is pilaf. Also, fruits can serve not only as an additive to dishes, but also as their basis - compotes, preserves, jellies, etc. are made from the berries.

Well, let's move from words to action and look at several recipes with dried barberry:

1. Uzbek pilaf with chicken. Cut the chicken (one whole carcass), rub the pieces with salt, pepper and khmeli-suneli (all seasonings to taste). Pour rice (600 grams) hot water(1 liter). Place a cauldron or a large saucepan with a thick bottom on the fire, heat it in a container sunflower oil(150 ml), it should be hot. Cut onions (3 pieces) into half rings and place in heated oil, followed by pieces of chicken. Fry for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, do not cover the pan. Add tomato paste or your favorite sauce (1 teaspoon) - preferably spicy, mix thoroughly. Cut the carrots (800 grams) into strips, add to the meat along with red and black pepper, cilantro, barberry (again, to taste). Close the lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Rinse the rice, add to the vegetables and meat, add water (3 cups), and add salt. Close the lid and simmer over low heat for another 10-15 minutes until the water has evaporated.
2. Spicy kebab. Cut the onion into rings (2 pieces), pour vinegar (70 ml) over it, and leave to marinate. Coarsely chop the onion (1 more piece), parsley (5 stalks), chili pepper (1 piece), put in a blender and chop. If the machine does not pick up dry mass, add a little water. Grind barberry (1-2 teaspoons) in a mortar along with dried tomatoes (1 tablespoon). Mix minced lamb (700 grams) with blender paste, chopped tomatoes and barberries. Add spices: cumin (on the tip of a knife), paprika (1/2 teaspoon), dried basil (1-2 teaspoons), black pepper and salt to taste. Beat the minced meat - it should compact, then it will sit firmly on the skewers. Place the “dough” in the refrigerator for half an hour. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees, form kebabs, place on skewers, place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes on each side in the “grill” mode. Serve the dish with heated satsebele sauce, pickled onions, herbs and pita bread.
3. Gourmet chocolate. Grind unsalted pistachios (50 grams), cashews (100 grams), roasted sunflower seeds(50 grams), mix with pink pepper (2 teaspoons). Melt dark chocolate (400 grams) in a water bath, try not to heat it above 50 degrees. Remove from heat, cool slightly and add prepared nuts and seeds, as well as barberries (4 tablespoons) and dried cherries (50 grams). Pour the chocolate into a mold (you can use regular plastic containers, but the layer of chocolate should be thin, like in standard bars) and put it in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
4. Quick barberry and lemon jam. If desired, remove the seeds from the berries and grind in a blender. Cut off the stems of the lemon and also add it to the blender along with the peel. Mix the mixture with sugar and place in jars. The proportions per kilogram of berries are 1.5 kilograms of sugar and 2 lemons.
5. A simple recipe for dried barberry compote. Place the berries in jars, make syrup from water and sugar, pour it over the fruits and roll up. Proportions: for 1 kg of barberry - 1.2 sugar and 2 liters of water.

As you can see, barberry is really widely used in cooking. If you love sour spices and not overly sweet desserts, you will really like this product and it will take its rightful place in your kitchen.

In cooking, not only the berries of the plant are used, but also its leaves. They are used mainly for preparing first courses and are an excellent alternative to cabbage or sorrel.

German scientists have discovered an interesting property of the crop: it turns out that the bush can independently identify berries infected with a particular disease and discard them in order to prevent infection of neighboring ones.

In the Middle Ages, the bark of the plant was used to dye fabrics and leather yellow. This feature, again, is explained by berberine; it is this component that can give a bright lemon color.

However, in healthy doses, it is worth repeating, berberine is very useful, and many products are made on its basis today. pharmacological drugs wide spectrum.

In ancient times, barberry was mainly used to treat diseases of the liver and gall bladder, as well as intestinal disorders. In Egypt, the fruits were mixed with dill seeds and used as a powerful antipyretic.

Posts about healing properties plants were present on clay tablets made by Mesopotamian healers in 650 BC.

In New Zealand and some US states, barberry is prohibited from growing, as this crop is rapidly growing, displacing others.

Despite what you can find on the Internet folk recipes When using plant roots, we would advise you to treat them with the utmost caution. The fact is that in the root system there is concentrated where more potentially dangerous berberine than in berries.

Watch a video about dried barberry:

Dried barberry - healthy and delicious berry. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this crop grows well in our climate, we rarely use sweet and sour fruits in the kitchen. And it’s a shame, because they not only make the taste of dishes more original and richer, but also help improve health. It is especially important to eat barberry during colds in order to survive the flu epidemic without getting sick or very sick. mild form. However, no matter how useful this product is, if you have health problems, you should definitely consult your doctor before using it.

Barberry is a shrub plant, the huge concentration of useful substances in which allows it to be used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and even medicine. The end of November is the best time to pick and dry healthy berries for the winter.

Harvest time

Barberry appears to be a completely unremarkable bush in the garden. However, behind its plainness lie incredible riches - this plant is simply a storehouse of useful substances.

Everyone knows these oblong red berries, used in tinctures, compotes, decoctions, sauces and seasonings, but few people realize that in addition to the fruits in the barberry bush, young leaves, roots and bark are incredibly useful - they are collected in early spring, when the plant is just beginning to grow. turn green.

But the time for barberry berries is late autumn; they are usually collected after the first frost, at the end of November; unripe fruits are poisonous and dangerous to health.

Winter preparations

From one adult bush you can collect 12-15 kilograms of berries. Since this fruit is rarely consumed fresh, all kinds of preparations are made from it, which will diversify the menu and support the immune system in winter.

From fresh fruits you can make and preserve jelly, jam and confitures. Barberry berries can be candied in jars and stored in the refrigerator with the lid closed. It is easy to prepare fruit drinks and compotes from such preparations during the cold season.

Drying and storage

The simplest and universal method to preserve the beneficial properties of these berries throughout the winter - prepare dried barberry. The collected berries are thoroughly washed and dried with paper towels. Since by the time the berries ripen it is already cold outside, they are dried in the oven in two stages. By the way, dried barberry, the photo of which is presented above, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the heart.

First, clean berries are laid out in one layer on a baking sheet and left in the oven at a temperature of 40-45 degrees for 6-7 hours. Afterwards, the temperature is increased to 60 and dried for about another 5 hours until the fruits stick together when squeezed in the palm of your hand.

Modern dryers for fruits and vegetables allow you to prepare dried barberries for much more short term- 4-5 hours.

The workpiece should be stored in plastic bottles or linen bags in a dry, dark place. The berries retain their beneficial properties and taste qualities within 2-3 years.

Health in a bottle

What are the benefits of dried barberry? Since ancient times it has gained fame " delicious medicine" Barberry berries are extremely rich in organic acids - citric, malic, ascorbic and tartaric. They also contain beta-carotene, vitamins K, E, C, A, and the alkaloid berberine.

All this makes dried barberry an excellent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and immunomodulatory agent. In addition, an extract from its berries is used to normalize blood pressure in hypertensive patients, treat genital diseases in women, and as a choleretic agent for people suffering from liver and gall bladder diseases.

The beneficial properties of dried barberry were recognized not only by ancient aesculapians, but also by modern doctors. In Germany, for example, barberry tincture is recommended for patients diabetes mellitus, in China, fruit extract is used for inflammatory diseases eye, and in the USA as an additional therapy for diseases gastrointestinal tract.

Universal seasoning

The specific sweet and sour taste of berries is quite difficult to confuse with something else. Thanks to this unique combination, dried barberry is a universal seasoning. It is great for marinades, harmoniously complements the taste of rice, and gives an incredible aroma to barbecue.

In what quantities and where are dried barberries added? experienced housewives? Without it, real Uzbek pilaf is unthinkable; one teaspoon of dried berries is enough to give it a spicy note. The berries should not be soaked in advance - they should be added immediately before frying the meat.

Dried berries can simply be ground into powder and used in small quantities as needed.

Uzbek pilaf

The most common dish where dried barberry is added is, of course, pilaf. Sweet and sour berries give it a special aroma, piquancy and spice.

Ingredients:

• rice - 500 grams;
• lamb - 500 g;
• carrots - 500 g;
• vegetable oil - 100 ml;
• onions- 2 heads;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• dried barberry - 1 tbsp. l.;
• zira - 1 tbsp. l.;
• coriander seeds - 1 tsp;
• salt to taste.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Cut the meat into cubes, carrots into strips, 1 onion into half rings. Peel the garlic from the outer husk, but do not separate it into cloves.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a cauldron and fry the remaining whole onion in it. Pull her out.
4. Place carrots, onions and meat in oil, add salt, cumin and coriander, fry until golden brown.
5. Place washed rice on top and fill it with water so that it covers the grain to a height of 2 centimeters. Bring to a boil and reduce.
6. After 15 minutes, stick the heads of garlic into the pilaf, add barberries, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Grilled meat

The second most popular dish with dried barberry is a marinade for barbecue and grilling - it is quite versatile and suitable for chicken, lamb, and pork.

Ingredients:

• onion - 2 heads;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• tomato paste- 2 tbsp. spoons;
• tomato - 1 pc.;
• barberry - 1 tsp;
• ground black pepper - 1/2 tsp;
• salt - to taste.

Pass the tomato and garlic through a press, cut the onion into half rings. Mix all ingredients and add 1 kilogram of any meat. Marinate for 8-10 hours under pressure in a cool place.

Chicken with apples and barberries

This dish goes well with festive table, and as an everyday dish. Chicken with apples and dried barberries is prepared quickly and turns out delicious. All you have to do is add rice as a side dish - and a delicious lunch is ready.

Ingredients:

• chicken thighs - 1 kg;
• leek - 1 pc.;
• apples - 2 pcs.;
• barberry - 2 tsp;
• balsamic sauce - 1 tsp;
• honey-1 tsp;
• water - 50 ml;
• salt - to taste;
• sunflower oil for frying.

Fry the thighs in oil until golden brown over high heat. Cut the leek into thin half rings. Add apples, barberries, honey, water, salt and onions to the pan and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat with the lid closed. Then open the lid and let the moisture boil away. Add balsamic sauce and serve.

Sauce for vegetables and meat

Barberry berries - dried or fresh - make an excellent Abkhaz sauce for meat or vegetables. It is somewhat reminiscent of tkemal, but sharper.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of fresh or 400 grams of dried barberries;
• water - 2 glasses;
• adjika - 3 tbsp. l.;
• mint - 1 bunch.

Pour hot water over the dried berries for 1 hour; when they soften, drain off the remaining water. Simply rinse fresh ones with running water. Place barberry in an enamel bowl, add water and add finely chopped mint, boil for 15 minutes, puree, add adjika.

Vitamin candies for colds

Who doesn't know the famous barberries? These red candies have captured the hearts of many people. Only now there is practically nothing useful left in them - dyes and flavors. At home, you can prepare a wonderful analogue of these sweets, which will combine not only their recognizable taste, but also the benefits of dried barberry.

To prepare approximately 300 grams of sweets you will need:

• 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried barberries;
• 2 cups sugar;
• 1 glass of water.

Rinse the berries thoroughly, add water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the resulting broth through cheesecloth. Pour granulated sugar into a saucepan, pour in barberry broth, and place over medium heat. Wait until the sugar is completely dissolved, turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Boil the resulting mass by half. Pour into molds and cool completely. Healthy candies are ready!

Buns with dried barberries

You can make incredibly tasty and healthy buns from dry berries.

To prepare you will need:

• dried barberry - 100 g;
• dry yeast - 15 g;
• sugar - 5 tbsp. spoons into the dough plus 200 grams for filling;
• milk - 400 ml;
• flour - 700 g;
• vegetable oil - 100 ml;
• sour cream - 200 g.

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over dried berries and leave for 20-30 minutes.
2. Mix yeast, 5 tbsp. spoons of sugar, 1 tbsp. spoon of flour, pour 100 ml of milk and put in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. This is our future dough. Milk should be used warm.
3. When the dough is ready, mix it with the remaining milk, flour, butter and sour cream and knead the dough. At first it will stick very much to your hands, but kneading should be continued until a sufficient amount of gluten has been developed and the dough becomes pliable and elastic.
4. Place the resulting dough into the pan and grease the top vegetable oil, cover with a towel and put in a warm place for 40 minutes.
5. When it fits, you need to knead it and repeat the procedure.
6. Ready dough Roll out into a thin layer, grease with vegetable oil, pour in the barberries, roll into a roll and cut into snail buns.
7. Let the buns rest in a warm place for 20 minutes.
8. Bake at 180 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
9. Finished products can be coated with confectionery glaze.

To prepare a useful choleretic and diuretic drink you will need:

• 50 grams of dried barberry;
• 60 grams of sugar;
• a few drops of vanilla essence or vanillin;
• 1 liter of water.

Pour boiling water over the berries and let steep for an hour. Add sugar and vanilla. Pour into a bottle along with the berries and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Take 100 ml daily.

Patients suffering from gallstones or kidney stone disease, you should consult your doctor before taking it.

Immune Strengthening Blend

In the autumn-winter period, adults and children often suffer from flu and colds. To support immunity you can cook vitamin mixture from dried fruits, nuts, honey, lemon and dried barberry (photo can be seen in the article). This mixture may look unattractive, but it contains a huge amount of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps resist illness during the cold season.

For 500 grams of a mixture of dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots, raisins, figs), you need to take 200 grams of nuts, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 lemon and half a glass of dried berries. Grind everything, including the lemon and zest, through a meat grinder, add honey and mix thoroughly. Take 2 teaspoons daily - morning and evening.

Beauty at home

The use of dried barberry is possible not only in cooking. Since ancient times, barberry berries have been used to give freshness to the skin, reduce the number of wrinkles, moisturize and improve hair health.

One glass of dried berries should be poured with 1 liter of water, brought to a boil and allowed to brew for 5-6 hours. The resulting decoction is used to rinse hair. You can also freeze it by pouring it into ice cube trays. Every morning, wipe your face and neck with an ice cube. This product perfectly moisturizes and tones, and with daily use it noticeably increases skin elasticity and reduces the number of wrinkles.

Scrub mask

Extract and extract from berries and young leaves of barberry have long been used by cosmetologists and cosmetic companies all over the world for the production of masks, scrubs, soaps, creams, gels and lotions.

The properties of dried barberry allow you to make a useful scrub mask from it, using which 2 times a week you can achieve a significant improvement in skin condition.

To prepare the mask, pour boiling water over 1 cup of dried berries and leave for 1 hour. Drain the water, puree the berries and mix with 1 tbsp. olive or baby oil. Apply in circular, massage movements to the skin of the face and neck. Leave for 3-5 minutes. Rinse off.