Chinese Bayberry Recipes

Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra), also known as yangmei, is a versatile fruit that can be used in various recipes. We’ve covered to some extent the research conducted on this fruit but it is worth seeing what can be made with it. After all if you can obtain enough of this fruit I would try it out! Here are a few recipes to showcase the unique flavour of Chinese Bayberry. 

Chinese Bayberry Jam

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Chinese bayberries, washed and pitted
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Potato masher
• Canning jars
• Ladle
• Funnel

Preparation:

1. Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Place the Chinese bayberries in a large pot and add the water.
2. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the fruit is soft.
   • Use a potato masher to mash the bayberries.
   • Add the sugar and lemon juice, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
   • Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Canning (20 minutes):
   • Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
   • Use a ladle and funnel to pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
   • Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
4. Cooling:
   • Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Check the seals before storing.

Chinese Bayberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Chinese bayberries, washed and pitted
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Ice cubes (optional)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation:

1. Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Place all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blending (2 minutes):
   • Blend until smooth. If you prefer a colder smoothie, add ice cubes and blend again.
3. Serving:
   • Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Chinese Bayberry Syrup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Chinese bayberries, washed and pitted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer
• Bottle or jar for storage

Preparation:

1. Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Combine the bayberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Cooking (20 minutes):
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the berries are very soft.
   • Stir in the lemon juice.
3. Straining (10 minutes):
   • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
   • Discard the solids.
4. Cooling and Storing:
   • Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
   • Transfer the syrup to a bottle or jar and refrigerate. The syrup can be used in cocktails, over pancakes, or as a flavoring for soda water.

Chinese Bayberry Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Chinese bayberries, washed and pitted
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)
• 1 lemon, sliced

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Teapot

Preparation:

1. Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Combine the bayberries and water in a saucepan.
2. Cooking (15 minutes):
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Straining (5 minutes):
   • Strain the tea into a teapot, discarding the solids.
4. Serving:
   • Sweeten with honey if desired, and serve hot with lemon slices.

These recipes highlight the versatility of Chinese bayberry and allow you to enjoy its unique flavor in different ways.