What is special about a Rowan tree?
Symbolism and Folklore Within Scottish folklore, the Rowan tree or Mountain Ash was believed to possess mystical powers, particularly when found growing near ancient sites or fairy mounds. It was customary to plant Rowan trees near homes and livestock to ward off witches and protect against enchantments. Rowan has traditionally been used to protect people, homes and animals from evil spirits, witches and fairies. In Ireland and Scotland they are often planted by front doors and gates, or bundles of rowan twigs are hung above the door. It’s believed to be very bad luck indeed to cut down a rowan tree.These trees can live for up to 200 years. The rowan tree has scarlet berries in the autumn, the seeds of which are dispersed by birds. It is a common sight in the wild, particularly the highlands of Scotland. Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear before developing into berries.When do rowan berries appear? Rowan berries can be seen developing in late summer, usually in August. They start off green, then ripen throughout the autumn into their red, orange, yellow, pink or white final colours. This is when you’ll see a dramatic increase in the number of birds visiting your garden!Rowan is a fast-growing pioneer tree in the Caledonian Forest, characterised by its brilliant red berries at the end of summer. Rowan can be found in most parts of Europe and North Africa. It also grows in central and northern Asia into northern China. It can survive from sea level up to about 2,000 metres the Alps.To prepare your rowan berries, strip them off their stalks and swirl them gently in cool water to remove any bugs and insects. Then, as suggested above, place them in the freezer for a day to two to help mellow their astringent bitterness before trying to use them.
What is another name for a Rowan tree?
Its botanical name is Sorbus aucuparia and it’s often called the ‘mountain ash’ despite having no relation to the ash tree. In the past, superstitious residents planted rowan trees outside houses and in churchyards to ward off witches. Sorbus aucuparia, commonly called rowan (/ˈroʊən/, also UK: /ˈraʊən/) and mountain-ash, is a species of deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family.Four seasons of a mountain ash rowan tree Rowan trees are one of those wonderful species that look beautiful all year round, heralding the change of each season with their spring blossom, summer foliage, autumn colour and winter berries. In Celtic mythology, the rowan is known as The Tree of Life.Symbolism and Folklore It was customary to plant Rowan trees near homes and livestock to ward off witches and protect against enchantments. Even today, remnants of these superstitions linger in rural communities, where the Rowan tree continues to be revered as a symbol of protection and good fortune.The European Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) has a long tradition in European mythology and folklore. It was thought to be a magical tree and give protection against malevolent beings. The tree was also called wayfarer’s tree or traveller’s tree because it supposedly prevents those on a journey from getting lost.
What is the superstition about rowan berries?
Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective colour, this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft. The rowan’s wood is strong and resilient. It makes excellent walking sticks and is well-suited for carving. It was often used for tool handles, spindles and spinning wheels. Druids used the bark and berries to dye the garments worn during lunar ceremonies black.It was customary to plant Rowan trees near homes and livestock to ward off witches and protect against enchantments. Even today, remnants of these superstitions linger in rural communities, where the Rowan tree continues to be revered as a symbol of protection and good fortune.The Rowan was believed to afford the house and its inhabitants protection from witches. Consequently, it is considered very bad luck to cut down a Rowan tree! The manifold uses of the rowan tree included it being grown for suitable timber for tool handles.It is often found near stone circles or ancient burial sites, as it was believed by the Druids to protect the spirits of the dead. The Druids also used the bark and berries to dye their ceremonial robes for the lunar celebrations black. Sprigs of rowan were worn or carried as protection against evil spirits.
Can you eat the fruit of the Rowan tree?
Rowan Berries can be dangerous if not handled correctly. When raw, Rowan Berries contain toxic parasorbic acid – which can cause kidney damage, indigestion and congestion. Once cooked or frozen, the parasorbic acid is converted into harmless sorbic acid, which is digestible and safe to eat. The parasorbic acid in wild rowan berries can lead to kidney damage or other gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhoea, when consumed in large amounts. In fact, fresh rowan berries have historically been used as a laxative.Rowan Berries can be dangerous if not handled correctly. When raw, Rowan Berries contain toxic parasorbic acid – which can cause kidney damage, indigestion and congestion. Once cooked or frozen, the parasorbic acid is converted into harmless sorbic acid, which is digestible and safe to eat.Rowan fruits (rowanberries) are a rich source of vitamins, polysaccharides, organic acids and minerals. They are also a source of natural polyphenols, which are often correlated with the prevention and treatment of modern world diseases.In folk medicine, rowanberries have been used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis as well as for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, anti-diabetic properties and vitamin source (Shikov et al.
Are Rowan berries poisonous to dogs?
Yes, Rowan is toxic to dogs. The Rowan berries in particular contain parasorbic acid and cyanogenic glycoside, making Rowan poisonous to dogs. If eaten in large quantities, ingestion of these compounds can lead to kidney damage or gastrointestinal issues and possibly even death for dogs, humans, and other mammals. Rowan Berry is not a typical sweet berry, it has a distinctive bittersweet flavor which is the signature taste of this beloved jelly. An ideal balance between sweetness and bitterness, its slight astringency makes it the exact right complement to rich buttery cheeses and fatty sausages.Rowan berries are rather sour with a slight bitterness. Like with lots of wild berries, the bitter, astringent taste is said to be improved after frost, which helps make the fruit sweeter. Rowan berries should not be eaten raw as they are highly astringent, diuretic and laxative due to high levels of parascorbic acid.Uses of rowan It is strong, hard and tough, but not particularly durable. It is sometimes used in turnery, furniture, craftwork and engraving. Rowan berries are edible to humans when cooked – they are sour but rich in vitamin C, and can be used to make a tart jam.Rowan fruits (rowanberries) are a rich source of vitamins, polysaccharides, organic acids and minerals. They are also a source of natural polyphenols, which are often correlated with the prevention and treatment of modern world diseases.Recipe 1: Rowan Berry Jam This recipe celebrates the natural bitterness of Rowan berries making a marmalade-like jam. If you prefer a sweeter jam but want to avoid using more sugar either gather the berries after a hard frost which naturally sweetens them or else pop the berries in a freezer for 24hrs.
Can you make jam from Rowan berries?
Recipe 1: Rowan Berry Jam This recipe celebrates the natural bitterness of Rowan berries making a marmalade-like jam. If you prefer a sweeter jam but want to avoid using more sugar either gather the berries after a hard frost which naturally sweetens them or else pop the berries in a freezer for 24hrs. Rowan berries are rich in vitamin C and used to be used as an antiscorbutic. They can be added to a wholesome breakfast tea blend or refreshing summer beverage. The dried berries are said to be effective for kidney stones, urinary problems and diarrhoea.Rowan Berry Tea. Enjoy this Rowan Berry Tea with honey and orange – a tasty hot drink with a pleasantly bitter taste. Perfect for the cold seasons of the year!Uses: Its strong flexible wood was used for making tool handles and sometimes longbows. The rowan’s red berries have a high vitamin C content and were made into a drink to combat scurvy. They are still used today to make a jelly to accompany meats.Rowan fruits (rowanberries) are a rich source of vitamins, polysaccharides, organic acids and minerals. They are also a source of natural polyphenols, which are often correlated with the prevention and treatment of modern world diseases.