© Ina Küddelsmann
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is native to Europe and Asia and has been known and used by humans for centuries.
During the last decades, Sea Buckthorn has attracted special attention and became an important subject for domestication in many countries as it is one of the most interesting plants for human use.
Sea Buckthorn berries are amongst the most nutritious and vitamin-rich fruits found in the flora. Several studies confirm numerous beneficial characteristics and more than 190 bio-active compounds in Sea Buckthorn.
Cultivation and Exploitation of Sea Buckthorn
The commercial cultivation and exploitation of Sea Buckthorn berries is not well developed in China, Russia and the NIS countries. The limiting factor today is a lack of know-how with regard to harvesting, processing technologies and in product development and marketing. It has been identified that the harvesting technologies commonly applied in Asia are the crucial quality determining factor for half products and oils which needs to be improved in view of the European market.
Europe leads Sea Buckthorn cultivation and exploitation. It is mainly used as ingredient for the production of a wide range of high quality food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. However, the incorporation of Sea Buckthorn in food products in Europe is yet limited due to the restricted availability of high quality raw material and half products in sufficient quantities.
Support of rural areas
The cultivation of Sea Buckthorn and the processing of the berries offer for rural areas a chance for additional income of the population, helping to slow down the migration into cities.
Besides the berries, remaining parts of the Sea Buckthorn plant (leaves and branches) could be used as a source, both for animal feed and fire wood.
AIMS AND MILESTONES OF THE EAN-SEABUCK PROJECT:
- Establishment of a Network for the trans-national technology and know-how transfer for a joint sustainable utilisation of Sea Buckthorn in Europe, China, Russia and the NIS countries
- Improvement and exchange of knowledge between Europe and Asia in the field of Sea Buckthorn harvesting and processing
- Achieve a better product quality and safety which permits to reach international quality standards and thus make the obtained products available for the European market
- Establishment of a long-term Sea Buckthorn industry in the targeted countries, supporting the rural sector development
- Strengthen the competitiveness of the European food industry in the use of bio-active compounds
- Support healthy nutrition in the Asian and European population
- Support of anti-erosion measures by incentives to the care of the Sea Buckthorn plantations