Ladakh is known for its scenic mountain landscapes, but the region is also home to a remarkable natural resource that has earned the nickname ‘gold’. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has highlighted Ladakh's GI-tagged seabuckthorn, a fruit described as a superfood in a video shared alongside his social media post.
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Sharing a post about the fruit, Goyal described it as a “remarkable gift of nature” and a “golden treasure of India's natural heritage”. Known as ‘Ladakh Gold’ because of its golden-orange colour, seabuckthorn grows in the region's cold, high-altitude environment. The video shared with Goyal's post showcases the fruit growing in Nubra Valley at around 12,000 feet and claims that it contains 10 times more vitamin C than lemon.
But what makes this small, tangy berry stand out? Its nutritional profile goes beyond vitamin C, with research pointing to a combination of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidant compounds.
What is seabuckthorn, Ladakh's golden superfood?
Seabuckthorn is a hardy, thorny shrub that grows in cold regions of Asia and Europe. Its small orange-yellow berries are known for their sharp, sour taste and nutritional content. In Ladakh, the plant has adapted to the challenging conditions of the cold desert. It can grow in rugged terrain, including areas where conventional agriculture faces limitations.
The fruit is also known as Leh Berry or Tsesta Lulu locally. Its distinctive colour has earned it the nickname ‘Ladakh Gold’, while its nutritional composition has attracted interest from food, beverage and wellness businesses. Ladakh seabuckthorn received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in June 2023.
Does seabuckthorn really have 10 times more vitamin C than lemon?
The claim featured in the video accompanying Goyal's post is striking. It says seabuckthorn contains 10 times more vitamin C than lemon, making the berry an interesting option for people looking to understand the nutritional value of lesser-known fruits.
Scientific research supports the broader point that seabuckthorn can be exceptionally rich in vitamin C. A review published in Frontiers in Nutrition reported a vitamin C content of 275 mg per 100 grams for seabuckthorn from Ladakh. The same review noted substantial differences in vitamin C levels across fruits, varieties and growing conditions. Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen production, wound healing, normal immune function and the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
What makes seabuckthorn a superfood?
Seabuckthorn's appeal is not limited to one vitamin. Research has identified several groups of nutrients and bioactive compounds in the berries.
1. Rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C is among the best-known nutrients in seabuckthorn. Adequate intake helps maintain normal immune function, supports healthy skin and helps the body absorb non-haem iron from foods such as lentils, beans and leafy vegetables.
2. Contains other vitamins
The berries can also provide vitamin E, carotenoids and several B vitamins. Vitamin E contributes to antioxidant protection, while carotenoids are plant pigments that include compounds related to vitamin A. The quantities vary depending on the variety, maturity and growing conditions.
3. Provides antioxidant compounds
Seabuckthorn contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids and carotenoids. These substances contribute to its antioxidant properties and are one reason researchers are interested in its potential as a functional food ingredient.
4. Contains beneficial fatty acids
Seabuckthorn is also studied for its fatty-acid composition. Its seeds and pulp contain different oils, including unsaturated fatty acids. These components have contributed to the fruit's use in food products, oils and skincare formulations.
How can seabuckthorn be consumed?
Seabuckthorn berries have a distinctly sour taste, which can make them difficult to eat in large quantities on their own. They are used to prepare juices, pulp, jams, herbal beverages and other food products. The plant also has commercial applications beyond food. Seabuckthorn oils and extracts are used in some skincare and cosmetic products because of their fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. Consumers should check product labels, especially when buying packaged juices or supplements. Added sugar, processing methods and serving sizes can affect the nutritional value of the final product.