Cranesbill (Sorbus aucuparia)
Other names: Common crane, Cranefly
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The bird crane, also known in popular parlance as the Common Crane or Crane Tree, is a deciduous tree that is widespread in the Czech Republic, where it is commonly found in forests and landscapes. It is characterised by its deep green leaves and small bright orange fruits, which are characteristic of this species. Cranberry is a popular plant in horticulture and also in medicine for its medicinal properties. The fruits of the rowan, known as cranberries, are rich in vitamins and minerals and are therefore highly valued. Despite their bitter taste, rowanberries have been used in Czech cuisine for centuries.
One of the basic products into which currants are traditionally processed is currant jam, which stands out for its specific taste and high vitamin C content. It is also used to produce 'cranberry vinegar', which is widely used in the home. In medicine, cranberries are used for their astringent and antiseptic properties. In addition, the fruit of the currant is also used to produce alcoholic beverages - currant wine and a spirit called cranberry wine. However, it is important to note that currants need to be cooked before consumption as they contain oxalic acid, which can cause digestive problems when raw.