Research Progress in the Processing and Exploitation of Hawthorn

Abstract

The planting area of Crataegus spp. is wide in China, and it has high edible and medicinal value. These fruit represent a highly renewable and cheap source of nutrients. The medicinal value, the processing technology of hawthorn, active substances extraction technology of hawthorn and the comprehensive utilization of hawthorn were summarized in this paper, and the prospect and direction of research on hawthorn processing was discussed. Moreover, the promising results of their nutritional value in health protection suggest the opportunity to take advantage of the large availability of this fruit to be used in functional foods and nutraceutical products.