Rowan Berries in Sugar
An unusual, simple, and very healthy treat. Rowan berries in sugar will appeal to lovers of contrasting flavors. Their light bitterness is perfectly balanced by sweetness. This unique dessert can be served with tea or enjoyed on its own. Try it!
Updated : 19 September, 2025
Easy
About 10 min.
Ingredients
1 kilograms
Red rowan
500 grams
Sugar
100 grams
Powdered sugar
0.5 liter
Water
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Choose ripe berries without any signs of spoilage. 1 kg (2.2 lb) of berries is quite a lot. If you’re making rowan for the first time, it’s better to start with a small amount (e.g., 100 g / 3.5 oz).
Step 2
The best rowan berries are those picked after the first frost, when they lose most of their bitterness. If the berries were picked earlier, soak them in salted water for 1-3 days, changing the water regularly. This reduces the bitterness. After soaking, rinse the berries and dry them on paper towels.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 130-150°C (265-300°F). Prepare the syrup: pour water into a saucepan, add sugar, place over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Dip the berries into the syrup for 10 seconds so they get a sticky coating that will help the powdered sugar stick.
Step 4
Remove the berries from the syrup and let them cool slightly on a plate so the powdered sugar doesn’t melt immediately. Roll the rowan berries in powdered sugar.
Step 5
Spread the berries in a single layer in a heatproof dish (cast iron works well). If there are many berries, dry them in batches. Place in the oven for 5 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the berries inside until cooled. During this time, the powdered sugar will turn into a glaze.
Step 6
Place the berries on a plate. Optionally, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!