Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Cornus mas (European cornel) is a long-lived deciduous shrub or small tree of the Cornaceae family, native to southern and central Europe and southwestern Asia. Botanically, it is characterized by very early spring flowering with yellow flowers before leafing and exceptionally hard wood. The fruit is a red, shiny, elliptical drupe (cornelian cherry). Nutritionally, the fruits are valued for their high content of vitamin C (often twice that of citrus fruits), organic acids, sugars, and pectins. The phytochemical profile is unique due to the presence of iridoids (especially loganic acid), which have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, they are rich in anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants) and tannins, which give the fruit its typical sweet-sour to astringent taste.