More than 200 species of honeysuckle grows throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere.In Russia there are about 50 of them.However, only one species has edible berries, and all others are poisonous.And the answer to the question of why we can not eat the berries of honeysuckle everything.
Honeysuckle edible, it is about this kind of question, grows only in Eastern Siberia, Sakhalin, the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka.This branching deciduous shrub with brown bark that grows up to 2.5 m. The leaves his elliptical and oblong berry honeysuckle (photo shows this clearly) has a dark blue color with a bluish tinge.By its main advantages include earlier maturation and maintenance of a large number of vitamins.
Flowering shrub from the beginning and the middle of May.At this time there are beautiful scented flowers of yellow or light yellow.This is an excellent honey plant, which is pollinated by bees, wasps and bumblebees.Depending on weather conditions the plant can bloom from 2 to 4 weeks.Berry honeysuckle ripens not both, so the collection is carried out several times.It starts maturing from late May to mid-June.Among the narrow leaves emerge in pairs sitting berries.
To taste it is somewhat reminiscent of blueberries, although its taste qualities depend on the place of growth.If it's wet and cool climate, the honeysuckle berry contains more acid and vitamin C. In hot climates is increased content of coloring and tannins, which causes little bitterness.The moderate continental climate berry is sweet, with a high content of vitamin C, and sugars.
Berry honeysuckle very valuable.It consists of vitamins P and C. In addition, it contains many elements: the iron and calcium, potassium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.A berry also is rich in carbohydrates, pigments and organic acids.
If we talk about its usefulness, then, first of all, is the prevention of scurvy.A decoction of honeysuckle is used in all kinds of inflammations of mouthwash and eyewash.Very useful to use fresh blueberries with anemia, high blood pressure and in the treatment of malaria.She also is very good for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.And for the prevention of cancer and reduce the aging process of cells honeysuckle berry is an excellent and tasty means.
addition to berries, honeysuckle have used the stems, flowers and leaves.Decoctions are used as an analgesic and diuretic (spastic colitis), they also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, well removed from the body of excess fluid.
prepared honeysuckle berry juice is used to treat ulcers, psoriasis, lichen and eczema.Also in skin diseases to help bath of its young twigs.Their extract can rinse your hair.A decoction of the twigs are used in patients with kidney, he has a good appetite increases.
From honeysuckle berries cooked jams, jelly, juice, jelly and fillings for pies.In winter, they can be harvested as a raspberry or black currant: just grind with sugar at the rate of 1: 1.And you can prepare them by drying, with properties honeysuckle not give prunes and dried apricots.So do not deny yourself in the use of this tasty and useful berry.
