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Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida)

Description

Chinese hawthorn, also known as shan zha (山楂) in Chinese, is a small, red fruit that resembles a crabapple. It has a tart, slightly sweet taste and grows on a deciduous tree native to China, Korea, and other parts of East Asia. The fruits are round, about 1.5–2 cm in diameter, with a smooth, shiny skin, and contain several hard seeds inside.

Uses of Chinese Hawthorn

  1. Culinary Uses

    • Snacks & Desserts: Often made into candied hawthorn treats, such as tanghulu (糖葫芦), a popular street snack where the fruits are coated in a hardened sugar glaze.

    • Hawthorn Flakes (山楂片): Thinly sliced and dried or processed into chewable fruit snacks.

    • Jams & Jellies: Due to its pectin content, it is great for making preserves.

    • Juice & Tea: Sometimes brewed into herbal tea or juice for its refreshing and mildly sour taste.

  2. Traditional Medicine

    • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, particularly to aid digestion and promote heart health.

    • Commonly included in herbal teas, soups, or tinctures.

  3. Alcoholic Beverages

    • Fermented to make hawthorn wine or used as a flavouring in certain liquors.

Health Benefits of Chinese Hawthorn

  1. Supports Digestion

    • Helps break down fatty foods and relieve indigestion.

    • Often used in TCM formulas for treating bloating and poor appetite.

  2. Heart Health & Blood Circulation

    • Contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

    • May improve circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  3. Rich in Antioxidants

    • Helps fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.

    • May support overall immune health.

  4. Blood Sugar Regulation

    • Some studies suggest that hawthorn extract may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

  5. Weight Management

    • Low in calories and contains compounds that may help with fat metabolism and digestion of rich foods.

  6. Stress & Anxiety Relief

    • May have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping with mild anxiety and sleep disorders.

Precautions

  • Pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts, as hawthorn may affect uterine contractions.

  • People on blood pressure or heart medication should seek medical advice, as it may interact with certain drugs.

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