More than 200 species of honeysuckle grow throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. About 50 of them are found on the territory of Russia. But only one species has edible berries, and all the rest are poisonous. And this is the answer to the question of why honeysuckle berries should not be consumed all in a row.
Edible honeysuckle, this species in question, grows only in Eastern Siberia, Sakhalin, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka. This is a branchy deciduous shrub with brown bark, growing up to 2.5 m. Its leaves are elliptical, and the oblong honeysuckle berry (the photo clearly shows this) has a dark blue color with a bluish bloom. Its main advantages include earlier ripening and the content of a large amount of vitamins.
Shrub blooms from the beginning to the middle of May. At this time, fragrant beautiful flowers of yellow or light yellow color appear. This is a wonderful honey plant, which is pollinated by bees, wasps and bumblebees. Depending on weather conditions, the plant can bloom from 2 to 4 weeks. The honeysuckle berry does not ripen at the same time, so the collection is carried outrepeatedly. Ripening begins from late May to mid-June. Berries sitting in pairs appear among the narrow leaves.
It tastes somewhat like blueberries, although its palatability depends on the place of growth. If it is a humid and cool climate, then the honeysuckle berry contains more acid and vitamin C. In a hot climate, the content of coloring and tannins will be increased, which causes a little bitterness. In a temperate continental climate, the berry will be sweet, high in vitamin C and sugars.
The honeysuckle berry is very valuable. It contains vitamins P and C. In addition, it contains many elements: iron and calcium, potassium and iodine, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. And also the berry is rich in carbohydrates, pigments and organic acids.
If we talk about its usefulness, then, firstly, it is the prevention of scurvy. A decoction of honeysuckle is used for all kinds of inflammation for rinsing the mouth and washing the eyes. It is very useful to use fresh berries for anemia, hypertension and in the treatment of malaria. It also helps with gastrointestinal upset. And for the prevention of cancer and reduce the aging process of cells, the honeysuckle berry will be an excellent and tasty remedy.
Besides berries, honeysuckle uses stems, flowers and leaves. Decoctions of them are used as an analgesic and diuretic (spastic colitis), they also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.effect, well remove excess fluid from the body.
The juice made from honeysuckle berries is used to treat ulcers, psoriasis, lichen and eczema. Baths from its young twigs also help with skin diseases. And their infusion can rinse your hair. A decoction of twigs is used for diseased kidneys, it also increases appetite well.
From honeysuckle berries, jam, jelly, fruit drink, jelly and fillings for pies are prepared. For the winter, they can be harvested like raspberries or blackcurrants: just grind with sugar at the rate of 1:1. And you can prepare them by drying, according to their properties, honeysuckle will not yield to prunes and dried apricots. So do not deny yourself the use of this tasty and he althy berry.
