Barberry Info

Barberries are evergreen shrubs that range around 1 – 5 meters tall and they are found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. This fruit is very common in the European countries and have spines on their shoots which look very attractive. Due to the different variations of horticulture methods and climatic conditions, the color of the fruit varies from attractive pink to dark red and violet.

Another important factor that makes this fruit of high importance is the chemical content called "berberine" which helps in the proper functioning of the immune system. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria in test tubes and appears to have natural antihistamine and anti-allergy potential. This fruit is used in treating diarrhea, fever, stomach ailments and improves good appetite. As berries are rich in vitamin C, they help in strengthening the gums and protects from cardiovascular problems. Dried barberries are high in antioxidants which are responsible for preventing free radical attacks and helps in reducing premature aging.

Facts about Barberry

Barberries are found throughout the world but mostly they are available in Europe, Asia and North America. Even in the Middle East countries they are used as an important ingredient in Iranian cookery. You can find them labeled under a Persian name "Zereshk" in Persian restaurants and in Middle Eastern grocer's shop. This fruit is involved in the making up of jams and jellies by English cooks, who called them "Pipperages". It is high in pectin content and possesses a strong aroma.

It is little difficult to get it cultivated near your farmland because berries can harbor wheat rust and devastate the crops. Iranian cooks use this as the key ingredient in their wedding dishes to resemble that its sourness stands as a symbol of fact that life isn't always a bed of roses. They are used to add flavor and taste in a recipe known as "Tahcheen-zereshk" – a recipe of golden saffron rice studded with berries and enriched with yogurt, served with chicken.

As the name of these dishes makes our mouths to salivate, here are some tips which will be very useful for the ones who love to cook. You need not go to Persia to enjoy these delicacies but you can them from where you are. First of all they need to be dehydrated and so they must be soaked in cold water for about 10 minutes. Then toss them in oil and splash some water until they get swelled up well. Then mix it with chopped almonds, cooked rice and onions, all laced with cumin and coriander to make it look like a stuffing mix. This can go well with lamb. You can use them to finish it off little lemony with mayonnaisy chicken salad. For special occasions, especially for festivals like Christmas, it will be a mouth watering recipe which can be prepared by using this fruit which adds taste and texture to the dish.