Dogwood – The Taste of Tradition, Nature’s Health, and a Superfood from Podkarpacie

A natural remedy straight from the orchard

Cornelian cherry is a true treasure of nature. Its fruit contains as much vitamin C as lemons and is rich in flavonoids, iridoids, and organic acids. As a result, it boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol, and supports heart health. In folk medicine, dogwood juice and tinctures were used to treat colds, anaemia, fever, and digestive issues. It’s often said that a natural cure for the common cold grows in the valleys of the San and Vistula rivers – and today, dogwood is making a comeback as Podkarpacie’s superfood, a natural source of health and energy.

Dogwood in the kitchen – from nobleman’s tables to modern recipes

Dogwood has a wide range of culinary uses:

• Unripe fruit can be pickled,
• Ripe fruit is perfect for jams, preserves, juices, and liqueurs,
• The seeds were once used to brew aromatic coffee,
• The leaves were used to make herbal infusions.

Pickled dogwood gained particular fame and was already known in the 18th century. It was served on noble tables as the “Polish olive” – a tasty accompaniment to meat dishes. Today, this regional delicacy is still available, prepared using traditional recipes.

A place where dogwood was brought back to life

After World War II, dogwood disappeared from Polish gardens for many years. It wasn’t until Professor Jerzy Piórecki began reintroducing it at the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce that it returned to cultivation. Today, the Arboretum and Centre for Physiography in Bolestraszyce is one of the most important places to learn about the history and richness of the Cornelian cherry, view collections of different varieties, and taste unique preserves. Thousands of plant species have been gathered here, which you can admire while strolling along paths named after famous naturalists and cultural figures.

Arboretum and Centre for Physiography in Bolestraszyce

Where to taste and buy dogwood products?

Podkarpacie is a true hub of dogwood traditions. In addition to the Arboretum in Bolestraszyce, dogwood products can be found at:

• Ryś Podkarpacki (Dybawka 43, Dybawka) – seasonal dogwood preserves,
• Złoty Dereń (Przemyśl, ul. Serbiańska 14) – a café and mini tasting salon featuring dogwood products,
• Restaurant Radość (Rzeszów, Rynek 24) – where you can try the famous dogwood liqueur,
• Restaurant Bosko (Przemyśl, ul. Władycze 1) – serving dogwood specialities,
• Regional Tourist Information Point in Rzeszów (Rynek, Rzeszowskie Piwnice) – where you can buy dogwood-based cosmetics from the "Alchemy of Nature" range.

Dogwood and culinary tourism

When planning a trip through Podkarpacie, it’s well worth combining sightseeing with a taste of the region’s cuisine. A perfect spot is Krasiczyn Castle, where the restaurant menu features noble-style dishes that pair beautifully with dogwood – such as game or goose in wine sauce.

Why is it worth it?

Dogwood is not just a fruit – it’s part of the history, tradition, and culinary heritage of Podkarpacie. By visiting the Vistula and San valleys, you can:

• Discover extraordinary plants at the Arboretum,
• Taste dogwood as the “Polish olive” or in liqueur form,
• Take home healthy preserves and cosmetics available at local shops.

See for yourself and choose Podkarpacie as your next culinary and nature-filled travel destination!