What Does Sea Buckthorn Taste Like?

Sea buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides) has long been used for its medicinal properties. More recently, it’s been trending as a superfood, with its nutrient-dense berries providing high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While there’s plenty to love about sea buckthorn, it can be something of an acquired taste thanks to its distinct flavour. Looking for a new superfood to spice up your recipes, but feeling unsure about sea buckthorn? Let’s take a closer look at the unique taste of this popular berry and how best to incorporate into your recipes.

Describing the taste of sea buckthorn

Never tried sea buckthorn before? This popular superberry has a fairly unique taste, but it’s familiar enough that you can readily weave it into your go-to recipes.

Sea buckthorn has a tart, citrusy taste with notes of orange, passion fruit, and a hint of pineapple.

First impressions: sour, tart, and citrus-like

Sea buckthorn has a distinct taste that leans closer to sour than sweet. It also boasts a citrus flavor profile that’s similar to orange and passion fruit. Meanwhile, a hint of pineapple brings a tart edge.

Flavor complexity beyond the acidity

Sea buckthorn berries can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time tasting them, but stick around for a second serving and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously complex palate. First impressions of sea buckthorn are usually of lemon and orange, with a hint of sweetness rounding out the sour edge of the berries. They also have a notable acidity, making them a go-to if you favor tarter flavors.

Differences between fresh, juice, and powder forms

If you’re eating a fresh sea buckthorn berry, expect a concentrated flavor. There’s plenty of tanginess to look forward to here, with a palate that’s dominated by citrus and passion fruit notes. Juice meanwhile, is tarter. A lot of the time, it will require dilution with waster or another liquid. It goes down well with those who favor a sharper taste, with hints of gooseberry and pineapple making it a tart choice.

Finally, there’s powdered sea buckthorn to consider. In its powdered form, sea buckthorn can be fairly intense and tangy to the taste. However, it’s slightly more mellow flavor means you add it directly to ready-to-eat recipes like smoothies and shakes.

How to enjoy the taste of sea buckthorn

Thanks to its distinct taste, sea buckthorn can be enjoyed as a key ingredient in everything from breakfast bowls to baked treats. However, those unmistakable citrus notes can be accentuated with the right flavor pairings.

Sea buckthorn’s bold citrus flavor works well in dishes from breakfast bowls to baked goods, especially when paired with complementary flavors.

Pairing sea buckthorn with other flavors

If you already love the passion fruit and citrus flavors of sea buckthorn, stick to other flavours that are going to complement what’s already there. You can introduce additional citrus fruits to work alongside those notes of orange and lemon. Meanwhile, classic citrus pairings like almond and coconut work particularly well, while all manner of other berries can bring balance. If you’re looking to add some punch to your sea buckthorn recipes, think about introducing hints of spice like clove and cinnamon. Keen to add some heat to your usual smoothie? A hint of ginger willa always go down well.

Getting used to the tartness

The tart edge of sea buckthorn can take a little getting used to. If you’ve only just started using this superberry, think about diluting things down. If you’re making a smoothie or shake, up your liquid measurements. Alternatively, work some sweeter notes into your recipes to bring balance. Plenty of different fruits can be used to neutralize the tartness of sea buckthorn. Bananas are a good shout, while anything ripe is going to up the sweetness factor.

Which LOOV products taste milder or more intense?

Because of the tart flavor profile of sea buckthorn, all varieties of this superfood have a fairly intense taste. Juices and oils tend to be sharper, while powdered sea buckthorn offers a milder take on this delicious berry. If you’re in the maret for something recipe-friendly, LOOV’s Organic Seabuckthorn Powder makes a welcome addition to kitchen cupboards.

For a recipe-ready option, LOOV’s Organic Seabuckthorn Powder is a great pantry addition.

FAQs about sea buckthorn taste

is sea buckthorn too sour to enjoy?

Some people are put off by the sour flavor of sea buckthorn. While it can prove pretty overwhelming, especially if you’re enjoying sea buckthorn in juice form, you can easily balance things out by bringing in more neutral ingredients.

Does sea buckthorn taste better in powder or juice?

This all depends on your taste preferences. Powders are typically milder, making them a good addition to smoothie and shake recipes. Sea buckthorn juice has a sharp and intense taste and should go down well if you’re a fan of beverages with a slightly sour edge.

Can you eat sea buckthorn berries raw?

Sea buckthorn berries can be eaten raw, but they’re not particularly palatable thanks to their high levels of acidity. Dried berries or other preparations like powders offer a milder, more palate-friendly alternative.