Organic Sea Buckthorn
The sea buckthorn is also called the “lemon of the north” since the small berries are full of vitamin C as well as other vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals with antioxidant effect. As a result, the sea buckthorn berry has earned the reputation of a domestic superfood. Allegedly, during the times of Genghis Khan it was already considered a tonic and a remedy for wounds. The fruits are not edible when they are raw as they have an extremely bitter, spicy taste and are very sour. We use organic sea buckthorn powder for our BERTRAND liquid meals since its diverse nutritional content (vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants) make it particularly suitable to adjust the nutritional value of our products according to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV).
Where do we get our sea buckthorn from?
Sea buckthorn grows all over Central Europe. In Germany it grows wild in many places especially in the coastal regions of the North and Baltic Seas and on the offshore islands as so-called “coastal sea buckthorn.” Wild variants and subspecies’ can be found in the Alps where it is labeled as “mountain sea buckthorn.” But sea buckthorn is also grown commercially on North German plantations as a cultivated plant. The biggest German growing region for organic sea buckthorn is located around Ludwigslust in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The respective supply of organic produce in the individual growing regions is limited however. That’s why we at BERTRAND rely on multiple reliable suppliers preferably located at the Baltic and North Sea. There, depending on the available supply of the growers, we cover parts of our need from different suppliers to obtain the required total volume.
The largest German cultivation area for organic sea buckthorn lies around Ludwigslust in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
1 of 2Poland and Russia also supply organic sea buckthorn
2 of 2How is our sea buckthorn powder made?
The botanically correct name of the sea buckthorn shrub which belongs to the oleaster family is “Hippophae rhamnoides.” It is also referred to as sandthorn, sallowthorn, or seaberry. While offering an explosion of colors during fall, it is not easy to handle. Like its name would suggest it is riddled with prickly thorns. Between berries and powder lies one relatively difficult step: harvesting. But let us start with the cultivation.
Why sea buckthorn though?
The sea buckthorn berry is primarily known for its enormous vitamin C content. Just 100 grams of berries contain six times the daily recommended vitamin C intake. But one wouldn’t do the small fruit justice by reducing its significance to just vitamin C. It contains plenty of other important nutrients and is in fact a real vitamin bomb. Let’s have a look at the most important nutrients. The high value of the fruit is the result of its high vitamin C content which ranks far above the vitamin C content found in lemons, oranges, bell peppers, black currants, or kiwis. The DGE (German society for nutrition) recommends about 100 mg per day. Orthomolecular medicine with its founder Linus Pauling (1901-1994, chemist and two-time Nobel laureate) even advises to take that value many times over. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, benefits the immune system, as an antioxidant renders free radicals harmless, supports the absorption of iron, assist the healing process of wounds, and is involved in a multitude of metabolic processes.
Cryogenic Grinding
Through flash freezing and the processing at very low temperatures we can optimally preserve and protect the contained nutrients.
Additional nutrients
Vitamin B complex
The sea buckthorn fruit contains the B vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and B6 (pyridoxine). The B vitamins are important for the support and function of our nerve and muscle tissue. They are involved in the metabolism of protein, hormones, and fat and support the immune system. Additionally they promote the formation of messenger substances for our nervous system. They are often referred to as “nerve vitamins.”
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is known as a potent antioxidant. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system. The fat-soluble vitamin protects plant fats from turning rancid.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A (retinol). The body can produce vitamin A out of the plant based carotenoids. A meal containing some fat facilitates this process. Vitamin A is important for eyesight, growth, reproduction, skin and hair, and also the immune system.
Vitamin K
Human intestinal bacteria can also generate vitamin K (phylloquinone) but it has not been sufficiently researched how much this contributes to the fulfillment of the total demand. That is why a daily intake of about 70 mg is recommended (estimated value). Vitamin K plays a role in the clotting of blood and strength of bones.
Potassium
Like vitamin C stands out among the vitamins, potassium sticks out among the minerals. It takes the lead in mineral content within the fruit with 133 mg per 100 gram. Potassium regulates the body’s water balance and is involved in the transmission of nerve signals.
Additional minerals and trace elements
Iron for the oxygen supply, magnesium for the muscles and endocrine system, manganese for the activation of enzymes, and several other trace elements complete the nutrient dense powerhouse.
Phytochemicals
The pigments, odorous substances, and aromatics are defined as the secondary plant substances of a plant. In nature they often serve as a repellent to ward off natural enemies and protect the plant from environmental damage. Now it is known that they can also serve the human body well. Antioxidative effects are attributed to many phytochemicals. In the sea buckthorn berry for example plenty of quercetin which is a natural yellow dye can be found. It is partially responsible for the vibrant coloring of the fruit. The pigment is attributed with having an anti-allergenic effect and promoting gut health. The fruit also contains the carotenoid zeaxanthin which is mentioned in connection with eye health. And the sea buckthorn berry contains even more of this kind of substances.
Fatty acids
The tiny seed kernels and the skin of the berry contain valuable fatty acids especially linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The seeds contain 20 percent oil and the pulp still about 5 percent. This amount of fat ensures that the fat soluble vitamins E and K are well absorbed by the body.
- Picture of the sea buckthorn field in the upper part of the page: Yuliya Padina via Shutterstock
- Map of Europe: teka12 via Shutterstock
- Post picture, sea buckthorn on white background: Ines Behrens-Kunkel via Shutterstock
