Juicy research shows
Scottish weed has
superfruit qualities
Food and drink experts at QMU have used the berries from
an invasive thorny plant to create a new Scottish superfruit drink.
S
CIENTISTS FROM QMU
have worked with an artisan
juice producer to develop a
seasonal drink using berries from
sea buckthorn, a bush which is
often regarded as a weed.
Together, Cuddybridge, a small
Scottish hand-pressed apple juice
producer, and QMU, have produced a
unique sea buckthorn and apple juice
combo which has been proven to be
high in antioxidants.
The work with Cuddybridge builds
on previous nutritional analysis carried
out at QMU. This confirmed that sea
buckthorn, which is bursting with
antioxidants, vitamins and essential
minerals, is truly a Scottish superfruit.
However, the Scots have not yet
exploited the nutritional benefits of
sea buckthorn due to the problems
associated with its harvesting and the
often bitter taste of the berries.
The fruit contains high levels of
vitamins C and E: the concentration
of vitamin C in the fruit is higher
than that in strawberry, kiwi,
orange, tomato and carrot, and the
vitamin E content is higher than that
found in wheat embryo, safflower,
maize and soybean.
Popular in China, Norway and
Russia, it can be used for
consumption and topical
application. However, in
Scotland it is often viewed
as an invasive thorny
plant which is a prolific
grower and is favoured
more for its environmental
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QMYOU / Knowledge Exchange
benefits than its nutritional and
curative qualities. It can normally be
found growing in Scottish coastal
areas near sand dunes, particularly
in East Lothian. If planted correctly it
can help stabilise sand dunes next to
golf courses, preserve areas of natural
interest from human interference, and
protect other plants by reducing salt
spray produced by cars.
Since 2008, QMU had been
researching the nutritional properties
of sea buckthorn and has run various
trials for small food producers who
are looking to enhance the nutritional
content of their products whilst also
adding a Scottish twist.
Graham Stoddart,
Cuddybridge owner,
explained: “Although the
properties of apple juice are
well documented, the effects of
sea buckthorn, with its excellent
antioxidant properties, and its
application for the fresh juice market
when mixed with apples, have little or
no documentation.”