Shan Zha (Hawthorn) Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days, but it often means big meals and bigger tummy aches. Hawthorn fruit, or shan zha, is a great digestive herb to help combat food stagnation, or overeating while watching the Lions game every Thanksgiving. It can be cooked with cranberries to create a tasty treat.

Shan zha has also been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. There is some research that shows some anti cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be taken in pill form or can be added to food on a regular basis.

Shan Zha Hawthorn Cranberry Sauce

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup Shan Zha (Hawthorn) dried

¾ c Sugar

¾ c Water

2 Tble orange rind

-Soak shan zha in hot water for 20 minutes, then remove pits & chop

-Bring sugar, water and shan zha to boil, then simmer for 10 minutes

-Add cranberries, bring to a boil, then simmer 8-10 minutes until skins pop

-Add orange rind and allow to cool. Serve warm or cold.

We sell shan zha, or hawthorn, in one cup bags ready for the holiday season, only $4. Stop in and pick one up today!