Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting San Mario farm located in Tuscany, Italy.  This farm has become famous for its Biodynamic cultivation of sea buckthorn berries.  What is sea buckthorn you ask?  These tiny orange-red berries (Latin name Hippophae Rhamnoides) are antioxidant and vitamin C powerhouses! 

Their pulp and seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids (Provitamin A) and vitamin E.  This composition helps protect the skin from UV radiation and free radical damage associated with signs of aging.  Sea buckthorn oil is featured in many natural cosmetic lines and is prized for its anti aging effects.  I like to purchase the small vials of pure oil and massage it into my skin at night, instead of night cream. 

The juice from the sea buckthorn berries contains among the highest levels of of beta-carotene and vitamins C and E of any fruit or vegetable, including oranges and lemons (vitamin C) and sunflower seeds and almonds (vitamin E).  I haven’t seen the juice available in health stores locally, but I managed to bring some with me from the farm.  It comes both in sweetened and unsweetened “natural” varieties.  Unsweetened has a slightly tart taste that might make you reluctant to swallow it as is.  However, when drizzled over yogurt or incorporated into a salad dressing, it becomes a fast favourite.

Try some soon!