Why Is Sea Buckthorn Harvested at Night?

In a previous blog, A Glimmering Guide to Cold-Pressed Sea Buckthorn Oil, we focused on the extraction process and the benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil, but today we will be highlighting the fascinating reasons behind the complexities of harvesting this unique berry and appreciate the dedication and care that goes into bringing it into your health and wellness formulations.

The global sea buckthorn oil market was valued at USD 19.89 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 41.11 million by 2030, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8%.

Sea buckthorn thrives in harsh environments, blooming in spring. The dioecious plants require both male and female specimens for fruit production, as only females produce the tart, orange berries.

Beyond their unique growth, sea buckthorn benefits the ecosystem by preventing soil erosion and providing food and shelter for wildlife and whilst harvesting the berries at night may seem like an unusual practice, there are several compelling reasons behind this nocturnal tradition…

Sensitivity to Light and Heat

Sea buckthorn berries, unlike many other fruits, are sensitive to both light and heat, meaning that a careful approach to harvesting is necessary to ensure the preservation of their delicate oils and antioxidants, which are key to their health benefits.

Preservation of Potency and Flavour

Exposure to sunlight poses a significant risk to the integrity of sea buckthorn berries, as the ultraviolet rays and heat from the sun can degrade the valuable compounds in the berries, diminishing their potency and overall nutritional value. Therefore, harvesting these berries at night becomes essential to preserve their quality.

The cooler temperatures during the night help to prevent the degradation of the berries’ oils and antioxidants and this preservation of delicate compounds ensures that consumers receive the maximum health benefits from sea buckthorn products.

Peak Ripening Period

Nighttime harvesting aligns with the peak ripening period of sea buckthorn berries. The cooler night air allows the berries to undergo optimal ripening, enhancing their flavour and nutritional content. As a result, consumers can enjoy a more robust and flavourful product with increased health benefits.

Visibility for Efficient Harvesting

The darkness of the night provides ideal conditions for pickers to harvest ripe berries efficiently and selectively. With reduced visibility, pickers can better distinguish between ripe berries and surrounding leaves and stems, leading to a more efficient harvesting process, ensuring that only the highest quality berries are collected for further processing.

O&3 Thoughts…

Harvesting sea buckthorn berries at night offers a strategic approach to preserve their delicate compounds, optimise their ripening process, and facilitate efficient harvesting. This ensures that consumers receive sea buckthorn products of the highest quality, packed with maximum health benefits.

Why O&3?

At O&3, we offer four different variations of Sea Buckthorn Oil, including Organic CO2 Extracted Seed Oil, Cold Pressed Seed Oil, Organic Cold Pressed Fruit Pulp Oil and Cold Pressed Pulp Fruit Oil, among the 950+ other natural ingredients that we supply.

Our team of experts carefully selects and processes these ingredients, ensuring they meet the highest standards of purity, potency, and sustainability, sourced from the most pristine and fertile regions around the world.