Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)

OriginFrom spearwood to dirndl branding

The wood of the cornelian cherry is so hard and heavy that it sinks in water - the Macedonians made their long spears from it.

The cornelian cherry grows wild from southern Europe across the Balkans to Asia Minor and the Caucasus. In Germany, it is found primarily on warm slopes in the southwest, for example along the Saar, Moselle, and Rhine rivers. Greeks and Romans ate the fruit and valued the almost unbreakable wood for spears and tool handles.

Many names show how widespread it was: Herlitze, Dürlitze, and Hirlnuss in Germany; Dirndl or Dirndlstrauch in Austria; Tierlibaum in Switzerland. In the Pielach Valley in Lower Austria, the dirndl remains a cultural asset to this day – with jam, juice, liqueur, and the famous Dirndl brand. In Turkey and the Caucasus, the fruits are dried or cooked into syrup.

To useWhat the cornelian cherry can do for you

The cornelian cherry is one of the richest in vitamin C Wild fruits of Europe: Depending on the variety and ripeness, 100 g contain approximately 70 to 125 mg of vitamin D, and in some measurements even significantly more – up to twice as much as in lemons. A handful covers a large portion of the daily requirement (95–110 mg). In addition, they contain about 8 to 9 mg of sugar, 2 to 3 mg of fruit acids, and Dietary fiber.

The deep red color comes from Anthocyanins, primarily glycosides of cyanidin and pelargonidin – the same pigments that color blueberries and cherries. In addition, there are flavonoids, ellagitannins, and the compounds typical of dogwood. Iridoids like loganic acid. In the laboratory, they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In humans, there are some initial small studies: In a study with 60 people with type 2 diabetes, capsules containing cornelian cherry extract slightly lowered long-term blood sugar levels (HbA1c) and blood lipids somewhat over six weeks. These were extracts, not jam. The data is insufficient for a firm recommendation – the cornelian cherry is a vitamin-rich wild fruit, not a diabetes medication.

IngredientsThis is what's in the cornelian cherry

The cornelian cherry contains vitamin C, sugars (glucose, fructose), organic acids such as malic and citric acid, pectin and other dietary fiber, anthocyanins (especially cyanidin, pelargonidin and delphinidin galactosides), flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, phenolic acids, ellagitannins, iridoids such as loganiic acid and cornuside, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.

The darker the fruit, the more anthocyanins and sugars it contains, and the fewer tannins. The large, oblong stones contain oil and tannins, but they are rock-hard and are not eaten.

Enhanced combinationsWhat makes the cornelian cherry stronger

Cornelian cherries are sour and tart - with sweetness, warmth and spice they become well-rounded.

What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.

In the kitchenWhere she belongs

• Dirndl jamClassics from the Pielach Valley.
• Cornelian cherry jellyPassed through a cloth.
• compoteBriefly boiled, then stoned.
• Dirndl juiceDiluted with water.
• ChutneyWith onion, ginger, and vinegar.
• Fake olivesUnripe fruit in brine.
• Fruit leatherSpread the puree thinly and let it dry.
• Wild sauceRegarding deer and stag.
• Cold soupWith yogurt and honey.
• Dirndl brandAustrian fruit brandy - in moderation.

As a home remedyCornelian cherry juice for winter

Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say

Warning noticesWhen you should be careful

This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

Related to the topicRead on and cook along!

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