Rowan Berries

Each year, the berries on the rowan tree (also called the mountain ash or dogberry tree), put on an eye-catching display that attracts blackbirds,... more

by Jean Hall

Title

Rowan Berries

Artist

Jean Hall

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Each year, the berries on the rowan tree (also called the mountain ash or dogberry tree), put on an eye-catching display that attracts blackbirds, waxwings, crossbills, and many other types of birds. In fact, part of the Latin name of the European rowan (sorbus aucuparia) means "bird catching."

Rowan berries can be made into human food and drink, as well -- including brandy, wine, ale, and jams and jellies that purportedly make delicious glazes for venison and fowl. Several websites say the berries can also be substituted for coffee beans, are good for both constipation and diarrhea, have lots of vitamin C, and were used in ancient times as magicians' wands and protection against witches and the evil eye.

These particular berries were photographed during our recent trip to Germany's Black Forest area.

For more lore and a recipe for rowan berry-apple jelly, see the following website: jahttp://www.kitchenstew.com/recipes/359.php

Uploaded

September 16th, 2013