Sea Buckthorn.
Hippophae rhamnoides.
The yellow fruit of the Himalayas and Siberia. A vitamin C concentration 14 times that of an orange. A northern superfood arriving in Israel.
Botany and Origin of the Sea Buckthorn Shrub
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub that produces small yellow-orange fruits. Its origin is the Himalayas and Central Asia, and it adapted to harsh winter weather at altitudes of 3,000–4,000 meters.
In Tibet, Mongolia and Siberia, sea buckthorn has been used for thousands of years. In ancient Tibetan tradition it was called "Tserings" and is used to treat inflammations, wounds and digestive difficulties.
Distinction
Rich in more than 200 bioactive components. Breaking records in every parameter since 2015 in the Western health market.
Biochemistry: Vitamin C, Omega-7 and Bioactive Components
Sea buckthorn contains vitamin C at a concentration of 400–2,500 mg per 100g. An orange contains 53 mg. The order of concentration: 14–47 times.
Sea buckthorn fruits also contain beta-carotene, vitamins E and K, flavonoids (Isorhamnetin) and rare fatty acids.
Harvesting Challenges and Main Sea Buckthorn Products
The processing difficulty: the sharp thorns of the shrub and the small size of the fruit make harvesting hard. It is usually done by air-shaking methods.
Main Products
- Sea buckthorn oil: rich in omega-7, for cosmetics and food, a very intense orange color
- Juice and purée: sour and intense, diluted with honey or syrup
- Dried powder: for dietary supplements and smoothies
- Frozen purée: for face, lips and hair
Health Benefits, Cosmetic Uses and Research
Sea buckthorn oil has become one of the most sought-after ingredients in the cosmetics industry. It is found in premium spa products across Europe and Russia.
Sea buckthorn juice has been studied as contributing to the healing of corneal inflammation, sunburned skin, gastritis and diabetes management. In Asia, it was used to treat burns in Chinese soldiers.
Research
More than 200 studies have been conducted in the last 30 years. Tested for improvement in wound healing, skin protection from the sun and reduction of inflammation.
Market, Prices and Blue Star Sourcing
The global sea buckthorn market: $700M (2023), annual growth 15–20%. The demand makes regular supply difficult.
| Product | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Organic fruit oil | $200–400 per 100ml | Premium |
| Seed oil | $50–100 per 100ml | Standard |
| Dried juice | $15–30 per 100g | Dietary supplement |
| Powder | $10–20 per 100g | Smoothies |
Leading producers: China, Russia, Canada, Finland. Israel imports mainly powder and extract for dietary supplements. Blue Star supplies dried sea buckthorn from China and Russia to the Israeli health market.
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