What Can You Do with Buckthorn Berries? Edible vs. Invasive

With nearly 200 bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn berries, often mistakenly confused with invasive common buckthorn, are a nutritional powerhouse used for centuries in traditional medicine and modern culinary products. This guide will distinguish between the two and show you what can you do with buckthorn berries safely and effectively.

Quick Summary

This article explains the critical difference between edible sea buckthorn and poisonous common buckthorn, detailing the properties, harvesting, and applications of the safe berries. It covers various culinary uses like jams and juices, and explains processing methods for oil and supplements, highlighting their nutritional benefits for health and wellness.

Key Points

• Identify Correctly: The most critical step is to distinguish between edible sea buckthorn (orange-yellow berries) and toxic common buckthorn (dark, pea-sized berries).

• Utilize Sea Buckthorn for Food: Edible sea buckthorn can be processed into delicious, tangy juices, jams, jellies, and sauces.

• Boost Health with Sea Buckthorn: Sea buckthorn is packed with vitamins C, A, and E, plus omega fatty acids, offering benefits for heart health, immunity, and skin.

• Process into Oil and Supplements: The nutrient-dense oil from sea buckthorn pulp and seeds is widely used in cosmetics and dietary supplements.

• Eradicate Invasive Common Buckthorn: The berries of common buckthorn are toxic to humans and act as a cathartic; this species should be removed from natural areas.

• Know the Flavor Profile: Edible sea buckthorn is very tart and acidic, often requiring sweeteners to be palatable in culinary applications.

Buckthorn Confusion: Invasive vs. Edible

The primary confusion surrounding the question of "what can you do with buckthorn berries" stems from two very different plants with similar names: the edible sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and the invasive, toxic common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). It is critically important to differentiate between these two species before attempting to consume any berries.

Edible Sea Buckthorn Berries

Sea buckthorn berries, also known as seaberry or sallowthorn, grow on a thorny, deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia. They are a bright orange-yellow color and have a distinctive, tangy flavor.

• Appearance: Vibrant orange or yellow, clustered tightly on branches.
• Flavor: Extremely tart, described as a mix of passionfruit and pineapple.
• Habitat: Grows in cold climates, coastal areas, and dry, sandy soil.
• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins C, A, E, K, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, including the rare Omega-7.

Invasive, Toxic Common Buckthorn Berries

Invasive common buckthorn is an unwanted, non-native species in many parts of North America, introduced from Europe. Its berries are not edible and have a powerful cathartic or laxative effect that can be severely dehydrating.

• Appearance: Dark purple to black, round, pea-sized fruit.
• Flavor: Unpalatable, causes extreme gastrointestinal distress.
• Habitat: Forms dense thickets in woodlands, fields, and roadsides, outcompeting native plants.
• Impact: Spreads rapidly, degrades wildlife habitat, and can host pests like the soybean aphid.

Culinary Uses for Sea Buckthorn Berries

Sea buckthorn's intense citrusy flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, though it is usually sweetened to balance its tartness.

Juices and Beverages

Making juice is one of the most common ways to use sea buckthorn berries, providing a vitamin-rich drink that can be consumed on its own or as a mixer.

1. Harvesting: Freeze the branches to make stripping the berries easier without bruising them.
2. Preparation: Blend the defrosted berries with a bit of water and a sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, etc.).
3. Extraction: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp and seeds.
4. Use: Dilute with water or use the concentrated juice for cocktails, sodas, or teas.

Jams and Jellies

The high pectin and acid content of sea buckthorn berries make them ideal for creating jams, jellies, and sauces.

• Jam: Combine the strained pulp with sugar and heat until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Its bright flavor pairs well with baked goods.
• Sauce: A tangy sea buckthorn sauce can be created to accompany roasted meats, especially game or fish, similar to a citrus glaze.

Desserts and Baked Goods

From tarts to ice cream, the bright flavor of sea buckthorn adds a zing to a variety of sweet treats.

• Ice Cream and Sorbets: The juice or puree is an excellent base for a vibrant, tangy frozen dessert.
• Muffins and Cakes: The berries can be incorporated into batters, or a sea buckthorn glaze can be drizzled over the finished product.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Applications

For centuries, sea buckthorn has been valued for its numerous health benefits, primarily through the extraction of its nutrient-dense oil from the fruit pulp and seeds.

Topical Applications

Sea buckthorn oil is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products due to its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins.

• Skin Rejuvenation: The oil promotes skin regeneration, elasticity, and hydration, and can help heal wounds and burns.
• Treating Skin Conditions: It is used to soothe various skin ailments like eczema, acne, and dermatitis.
• Anti-Aging: The antioxidants in the oil help protect against free radicals and oxidative stress, which contribute to skin aging.

Internal Health Benefits

Consuming sea buckthorn oil or supplements can provide internal benefits due to its unique combination of omega fatty acids and antioxidants.

• Cardiovascular Health: The omega fatty acids help reduce inflammation and cholesterol, supporting heart health.
• Immune System Support: The berries' high vitamin C content and flavonoids naturally boost the immune system.
• Digestive Health: Sea buckthorn is traditionally used to treat stomach and intestinal problems.
• Eye Health: Omega-7 fatty acids help retain moisture and reduce inflammation in the eyes, which can aid with dry eye syndrome.

Comparison: Sea Buckthorn vs. Common Buckthorn

Feature	Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)	Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Edibility	Edible; often used in juices, jams, and cosmetics after being processed.	Toxic and Invasive; acts as a powerful laxative and causes gastrointestinal issues.
Appearance	Bright orange-yellow berries, growing in dense clusters.	Small, round, dark purple to black berries.
Nutritional Value	High in vitamins A, C, E, K, and Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9.	Low in protein; can cause severe dehydration in animals and humans.
Flavor	Distinctively tart and citrusy; requires sweetening for most culinary uses.	Unpalatable; not for human consumption.
Thorns	Very thorny branches.	Often has a sharp thorn at the end of each branch.
Native Region	Europe and Asia; thrives in cold, temperate climates and sandy soil.	Native to Eurasia; invasive in North America.
Ecological Role	A hardy nitrogen-fixing shrub that helps improve soil.	Invasive species that outcompetes native plants and degrades habitat.

Conclusion: Responsible Use and Identification

To safely answer the question, "what can you do with buckthorn berries," it is essential to first know your species. While edible sea buckthorn offers a range of culinary and medicinal applications, its invasive counterpart, common buckthorn, is a toxic plant that should not be consumed. The powerful nutritional profile of sea buckthorn berries, from their high vitamin C content to essential omega fatty acids, makes them a valuable ingredient for juices, jams, and health supplements. However, the critical first step is always proper identification. Foragers must be absolutely certain they have correctly identified the edible sea buckthorn to avoid the severe health risks associated with the toxic common buckthorn. Enjoy the health benefits and bright flavors of sea buckthorn responsibly after confirming its identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are common buckthorn berries poisonous to humans?

Yes, common buckthorn berries (Rhamnus cathartica) are toxic and act as a powerful cathartic (laxative). They cause severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration and should never be consumed by humans.

How can I tell the difference between edible sea buckthorn and common buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn berries are a vibrant orange-yellow, have a distinctly tart flavor, and grow on thorny shrubs in coastal or mountainous regions. In contrast, common buckthorn has dark purple to black berries, and is an invasive species in North America that grows in dense thickets and often has a spine on its branches.

Is it possible to eat sea buckthorn berries raw?

Yes, sea buckthorn berries can be eaten raw, but they have an extremely tart and acidic flavor. They are more commonly processed into juices, jams, and sauces with added sweeteners to make them more palatable.

How do you extract oil from sea buckthorn berries?

Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds, typically using pressing or more advanced extraction methods. The oil is rich in fatty acids and is often used in cosmetic and supplement products.

What are the main health benefits of sea buckthorn berries?

Sea buckthorn berries are high in vitamins C, A, and E, as well as omega fatty acids, providing benefits for cardiovascular health, immune system support, and skin rejuvenation.

Can I use buckthorn berries for anything other than food?

Sea buckthorn oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products for its moisturizing and healing properties. The leaves can also be steeped to make a nutrient-rich tea. Common buckthorn, however, is a noxious weed with no beneficial use and should be eradicated from natural areas.

Why are birds seen eating common buckthorn berries if they are toxic?

While some birds consume common buckthorn berries, they are a poor food source and have a laxative effect. This causes birds to excrete the seeds over a wide area, further spreading the invasive species.

Citations

• Sea Buckthorn - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-765/sea-buckthorn
• Sea Buckthorn Benefits & Juice Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen. (2021, September 8). https://littlesunnykitchen.com/sea-buckthorn-juice/
• Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) - University of Toronto Scarborough. (n.d.). https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci/common-buckthorn
• Buckthorn: How can a shrub be so harmful? - Friends of the Mississippi River. (n.d.). https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/buckthorn-how-can-shrub-be-so-harmful
• Sea buckthorn oil processing equipment - Making.com. (n.d.). https://making.com/sea-buckthorn-oil
• Health Benefits of Sea Buckthorn - WebMD. (2024, December 12). https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-buckthorn
• The Benefits of Sea Buckthorn, Explained - Vogue. (2025, March 8). https://www.vogue.com/article/sea-buckthorn
• Phytochemistry, health benefits, and food applications of sea ... - Frontiers. (2022, December 6). https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1036295/full
• Sea Buckthorn: Uses and Risks - WebMD. (2025, August 14). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/sea-buckthorn-uses-and-risks
• Common Buckthorn | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness ... - Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program. (n.d.). https://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants/common-buckthorn-2/
• Buckthorn | Minnesota DNR. (n.d.). https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.html
• Common buckthorn | (Rhamnus cathartica) - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/CommonBuckthorn

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between sea buckthorn and regular buckthorn?

Yes, there is a crucial difference. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has edible, orange-yellow berries, while the invasive common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) has toxic, dark berries that cause severe digestive issues.

How do you harvest sea buckthorn berries?

A common method for harvesting is to freeze the entire branch after picking. This makes the berries easy to strip off the thorny branches without bruising them, which is otherwise difficult due to their soft texture.

Can I use common buckthorn berries for anything?

Common buckthorn berries are toxic and should not be used for food or medicine. The invasive plant is considered a noxious weed in many areas and should be removed to protect native ecosystems.

What does sea buckthorn taste like?

Sea buckthorn berries are intensely tart and acidic, with a flavor often compared to a mix of passionfruit and pineapple. They are typically sweetened when used in recipes.

Is sea buckthorn oil safe for skin?

Yes, sea buckthorn oil is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its beneficial fatty acids and vitamins. It is used to moisturize skin, promote healing, and reduce inflammation.

What should I do if I find common buckthorn on my property?

Consult with a local conservation or natural resources department for guidance. For young plants, manual removal by pulling is an option, while larger plants may require more involved control methods.

Can sea buckthorn berries be frozen?

Yes, sea buckthorn berries freeze very well and can be stored for up to two years. Freezing is also recommended to make harvesting and processing easier.