Cornus mas Nikołka - European Cornel

Cornus mas 'Nikolka' is a Ukrainian variety that stands out from the crowd. It is an early selection with a sweet flavour, particularly rich in nutrients (anthocyanins, vitamins, polyphenols, antioxidants...). The compact and bushy shrub produces large, pear-shaped berries, a beautiful aubergine colour when ripe. Each one weighs about 4.7 grams and measures up to 3.3 cm long. The flesh is dark red, aromatic, sweet, and tangy, with a small stone. They are harvested from late July to late August and can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks. The average yield of a 10-year-old tree is 9 kg.

Cornus mas is an easy-to-grow small tree. It is not afraid of harsh winters, hot summers, or chalky soils! To reach its full potential, this variety should not lack water too much until early summer.

Cornus mas is native to Europe. Like all Cornus, it belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is a spreading shrub that reaches a height ranging from 3 to 5 metres at maturity, with an equal width. It thrives in sunlight and is not demanding: it grows very well in chalky, ordinary, or even poor soil, but also tolerates slightly more acidic soils.

Its bright yellow flowers appear in February-March, before the leaves, in the form of numerous small umbels and is not damaged by frost. Its deciduous leaves are ovate, 4 to 10 cm long, and arranged opposite each other on its square-sectioned branches. They are slightly wavy. Its fruiting occurs in late summer, in the form of elongated drupes of variable colour and shape depending on the variety. They are edible, with a tangy or sweet flavour.

In the kitchen:

Cornus berries are naturally rich in vitamin C, minerals, and pectin. They can be eaten raw or dried, similar to goji berries, but can also be cooked. They are used in compotes mixed with cranberries and pears to accompany game. They can be frozen. These fruits also make a delicious syrup with high vitamin content. They have been used for centuries to make jams, jellies, and compotes. It is usually necessary to add sugar.

Cornus mas is also renowned for its dense and very hard wood which was used in the past to make arrows, javelins, tool handles or walking sticks.

It is a very versatile shrub to use in the garden. It tolerates pruning and can be used as an informal or trimmed hedge, or even as a specimen plant. It pairs well with other spring-flowering shrubs such as Japanese Quince or Korean White Forsythia. It is ornamental, but it is also appreciated for its ecological interest: its early flowering provides food for the first bees and other pollinators, and its fruits are loved by birds.