Ever since the Himalayas were formed, the resilient Sea Buckthorn has endured the unforgiving weather conditions of the Tibetan highlands.
This hardy plant produces intensely nutritious berries that cluster on its thorny branches like brilliant orange jewels. Sea Buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive nutrients that are essential for health and it has been praised as the “Most Perfect Plant in the Whole World”.
The botanical name Hippophae rhamnoides, translates to “The Shiny Horse” because, according to ancient legend, weakened war horses were set free in nature to die and, after grazing in Sea Buckthorn forests, they returned home very healthy and strong with shiny, radiant coats.
Harvesting the Sea Buckthorn fruit is difficult because of the dense thorn arrangement between the berries on each branch. The tangerine coloured berries are carefully picked by the local Tibetans using strong gloves to protect their hands from the sharp thorns on the hardy bushes. The seeds are separated from the fruits and the fruit pulp is used to make other nutritionally rich food products.
