The Research and Development centre in Bumthang has experimented making juice and jam from a locally grown plant known as Sea Buckthorn. The plant is found in high altitude places like Bumthang, Haa, Paro, Gasa and Thimphu.
Juice and jam made from Sea Buckthorn plant were displayed for the first time at the Nomads’ festival that was held last month in Chhoekhor Gewog. According to the Research and Development Centre in Bumthang, it was the experts from Nepal who shared the idea of making juice and jam from the plant.
The RNR officials are soon going to train the farmers to make the products from the plant. “It is readily available and can make good income because it can also be sold to hotels because it is mostly for European tourists as it is very expensive in Europe,” said Tshering Dorji, a RNR official.
He said while harvesting the plant, it is quite difficult because of the thorns as it has to be removed. However the procedure to make juice and jam is easy. For that, only a smasher machine is required.The plant is said to be highly nutrient and contains vitamin C and E which are good for skin and health. The plant is commonly found near the banks of the river in high altitude places.
