Pihl

Pihl refers to a family of small, spherical fruits that grow on trees. These fruits are commonly known as rowan berries or mountain ash berries. They are typically red or orange in color when ripe and have a tart, sometimes bitter taste. Pihl berries grow in clusters and are a distinctive feature of the rowan tree, scientifically known as Sorbus aucuparia.

The consumption of raw pihl berries is generally not recommended due to their astringent qualities. However, they can be processed in various ways to make them more palatable. Cooking, drying, or fermenting pihl berries can reduce their bitterness and bring out a more complex flavor profile. They are often used in jams, jellies, cordials, and liqueurs. In some cultures, pihl berries have a long history of use in traditional medicine, though scientific evidence for many of these uses is limited.

Pihl berries are a food source for various bird species and other wildlife, particularly during the autumn and winter months. The trees themselves are hardy and can thrive in a range of climates, often found in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. The word "pihl" itself is of Germanic origin and is related to words for "pale" or "light," possibly referring to the color of the berries or the wood of the tree.