---
title: "How thermal shock harvesting preserves the world's best Vitamin C source"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/66196/how-thermal-shock-harvesting-preserves-the-world-s-best-vitamin-c-source
published: 2025-12-21T08:09:25Z
language: en
author: "Nicoleta Furdui"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# How thermal shock harvesting preserves the world's best Vitamin C source

> As temperatures drop, more people are seeking natural ways to fortify their immune systems. Sea buckthorn has emerged as a top choice, prized for being packed with essential vitamins that act as a shield against winter colds.

![imagine simbol](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/c7cfc59f-3603-46fa-a5da-7c64865b1650.jpg)

*Sursa: imagine simbol*

As temperatures drop, more people are seeking natural ways to fortify their immune systems. Sea buckthorn has emerged as a top choice, prized for being packed with essential vitamins that act as a shield against winter colds.

In a recent report on Radio Moldova’s "Zi de Zi," local producer Alina Munteanu shared insights into the specialized world of sea buckthorn cultivation. Her plantation features two distinct varieties: Mara and Clara. The Mara variety offers a sweeter, vibrant orange berry, while the Clara variety is pale yellow, intensely aromatic, and delivers a sharper, juicier kick.

Harvesting these "super-berries" is a race against time and nature. Because the shrubs are covered in sharp thorns, hand-picking is nearly impossible and causes the fruit to oxidize instantly. Instead, Munteanu utilizes a high-tech "thermal shock" method. The branches are cut and immediately flash-frozen at minus 40 degrees Celsius. Once frozen, the berries are shaken off the branches, preserving their integrity and nutrient profile.

This labor-intensive process is reflected in the price, with a kilogram of fresh berries selling for approximately 80 lei (around $4.50).

Beyond the raw fruit, the berries are transformed into potent syrups and teas. "Our syrups are cold-pressed and mixed with honey, ginger, or lemon to maximize health benefits," Munteanu explained. To preserve the heat-sensitive Vitamin C, she recommends diluting 50ml of syrup in 250ml of water, ensuring the water is never boiling.

Rich in Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and E, sea buckthorn is more than just a remedy for when you are already sick. According to Munteanu, the key to staying healthy is preventative consumption—starting a daily regimen as soon as the cold season begins.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/15dc73bb-fffc-4985-b119-ccd3982bc05e.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2025/12/20/28.1125-FURDUI-CATINA-.m4a/playlist.m3u8)