Tayberry – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Tayberry is scientifically known as Rubus fruticosus x R. idaeus is a cultivated shrub in the genus Rubus of the family Rosaceae patented in 1979 as a cross between a blackberry and a red raspberry and named after the River Tay in Scotland. The fruit is sweeter, much larger, and more aromatic than that of the loganberry. The tayberry is grown for its edible fruits which can be eaten raw or cooked, but the fruit does not pick easily by hand and cannot be machine-harvested, so they have not become a commercially grown berry crop. As a domestic crop, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

The tayberry was first developed, in 1962, in Invergowrie (right by the Tay River, thus the name) by David Jennings and David Mason, botanists at the Scottish Crops Institute. Since these are a cross between a blackberry and raspberry, the flavor of this fruit is strongly aromatic. Though both these fruits contain a similar percentage of acids, compared to loganberry, the tayberry is less acidic.  However, since the fruit is extremely soft when it ripens, it needs to be harvested only by hand. This is the main reason why tayberry is not grown commercially. Even after the ripened tayberries are picked, they retain their inner core (receptacle).

Tayberry Facts

Plant Description

Tayberry is vigorous, trailing, or arching, deciduous shrub that normally reaches a height of 2.5 m and a spread of 0.5 m. Tayberries normally like warm, sunny to partially shaded and somewhat sheltered places. The plant prefers moderately moist, slightly acidic-slightly calcareous, well-drained soil with a high amount of organic materials. It can be planted in spring or autumn. The plant stout, thorny stems bearing lobed. Leaves are green, heart-shaped, pointed, and toothed. The upper leaf is pale green and the undersides are white usually with five leaflets. The flowers are white, with noticeably wide-spaced petals, they appear as early as late April to early May. The flowers are hermaphrodites (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.

Fruits

Tayberry fruit is cone-shaped and is a reddish-purple color when fully ripe. They can be up to 4 cm (1 1⁄2 in) long. Similar to the blackberry, the receptacle (the core) remains in the berry when it is picked. The tayberry is less acidic than the loganberry, with a strong flavor. The plant has a growth habit similar to that of the blackberry. The cropping period is long, from early-mid to late summer. When fully ripe, the berries are very soft, but only then develop their full aroma.

Health Benefits of Tayberry

Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of tayberry

1. Delays signs of aging and lowers cholesterol

Tayberry is loaded with Vitamin C, which makes it a citrus fruit. It helps in healing wounds fast and fights against the free radicals, delaying signs of aging. It is also helpful for reducing the cholesterol level in the body.

2. Provides essential iron

Iron, which is essential for the body, is found in high quantities in tayberry. If your body is deficient in iron, you will suffer from anemia. So tayberry helps you to treat anemia and makes you healthy.

3. Regenerates and repairs body cells

Tayberry is rich in flavonoids, which help in regenerating the body cells as well as repairing the cells. So small children and pregnant women benefit a lot by consuming tayberry.

4. Helps in the growth of DNA and RNA

RNA and DNA are the building blocks of the body cells and tayberry helps in the growth and development of RNA and DNA. Having tayberry every day prevents any changes that may take place in DNA, which can lead to cancer and other such major problems.

5. Prevents neural tube defects in infants

Pregnant women benefit a lot by consuming this fruit as it aids in preventing neural tube defects in the newborn baby.

6. Used in making tasty wine

Tayberry is used to make tasty wines. The wine thus made has lots of health benefits the taste is very refreshing, quite different from other blends of wines. This wine has a sweet and tart taste and is red in color. A glass of tayberry wine taken regularly is said to make your immune system strong.

7. Cures diarrhea, gum problems

People suffering from diarrhea will find tayberry helpful as consuming this fruit would bring instant relief. Chewing and munching the tayberry fruits as well as the leaves of this plant helps to prevent the body from being dehydrated due to diarrhea, while the dietary fiber present in the fruit absorbs additional water. Those suffering from bleeding gums will also find the leaves of this plant beneficial. It is said to cure all types of gum problems. Simply chewing the leaves of tayberry plant effectively cure bleeding gums.

8. Beneficial for skin and hair

Tayberries are also beneficial for the health of your skin and hair. Make a paste of the fruit, which is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, and apply it on your skin or to your hair for nourishment. While it will provide nourishment to the hair follicles making the hair healthy and thick, your skin will be smooth and have a youthful glow.

9. Excellent source of antioxidants

If you wish to remain healthy and fit, you need to intake plenty of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants. Antioxidants help to counteract and eliminate all harmful free radicals, thereby protecting us from various diseases. Tayberry is rich in antioxidant content and consuming this fruit helps to keep you healthy. Hence, you should eat more tayberries to increase the presence of antioxidants in your body.

10. Reduces unwanted body fats

Consuming tayberries helps to reduce the unwanted fats in the body, thus aiding weight loss. This ability of the fruit is attributed to the high concentration of antioxidants in it. By cutting down on the accumulated fats, tayberry also helps to keep you healthy and fit.

11. Helps to maintain optimal blood sugar levels

An unexpected rise in the levels of blood sugar can often lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes. Therefore, consuming enough tayberries on a regular basis helps to check the blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes, thereby ensuring your overall wellbeing.

12. Prevents risks of colon cancer

Intake of a sufficient amount of tayberry on a regular basis can help in avoiding the risk of developing colon cancer and other serious health conditions. Since these berries are rich in antioxidant content, they help to eliminate the detrimental free radicals, which are responsible for various forms of cancer and other serious diseases. Aside from free radicals, the consumption of tayberry also helps to eliminate all types of harmful chemicals from the body.

Traditional uses and benefits of Tayberry

• Tayberry offers a number of health benefits, especially lowering cholesterol levels and holding up the signs of aging.
• Consumption of tayberries helps to heal wounds quickly.
• Tayberry can not only help you to get rid of anemia but also maintain your overall health.
• Consuming tayberry is highly beneficial for pregnant women as this fruit helps to prevent any defects in the neural tubes of newborns.
• Tayberry is also helpful for lactating mothers.

Culinary Uses

• The fruit is eaten uncooked or made into fruits spreads or desserts.
• Macerated Tayberries can be added to cocktails or smoothies.
• Cooked down and sweetened they can be used to make sauces, ice cream, and sorbet.
• Tayberries are also ideal for making berry crumble or pies.
• You may also serve the raw fruit as a spread for waffles, cream scones, pikelets, and even pancakes.
• You can also use tayberries to prepare a wonderful jam and add them to various fruits such as apples and to pies.
• A wine made from tayberries has several happy aficionados.
• You can also macerate tayberries in cider vinegar, gin, vodka, or brandy.

References

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