[Latin Name]  Pinus pinaster.

[Specification] OPC ≥ 95%

[Appearance] Red brown fine powder

Plant Part Used: Bark

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Pine bark?]

Pine bark, botanical name Pinus pinaster, is a maritime pine native to southwest France that also grows in countries along the western Mediterranean.  Pine bark contains a number of beneficial compounds that are extracted from the bark in a way that doesn’t destroy or damage the tree.

[How does it work?]

What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that it’s loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, OPCs for short. The same ingredient can be found in grape seeds, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. But what makes this miracle ingredient so amazing?

While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction, eye disease and sports stamina.

Seems like it must be pretty amazing, but let’s look closer. The list goes on a bit further, as the OPCs in this extract may “inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems,” which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease.

[Function]

1. Lowers Glucose Levels, Improving Diabetic Symptoms
2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance
3. Staves Off Infections
4. Protects the Skin from Ultraviolet Exposure
5. Decreases Erectile Dysfunction
6. Reduces Inflammation
7.  Helps Increase Athletic Performance

This step-by-step video version of this Recipe of the Month with Siobhan Ingram, Product Development Manager at Dean’s. Siobhan shows how to bake scones then transform them into wonderful cream teas.

Ingredients:
450g self raising flour
120g butter
Pinch of salt
60g caster sugar
15mls baking powder
2 medium free-range eggs
a little milk.

To serve:
450g fresh Scottish strawberries
1 jar good quality strawberry jam (homemade is ideal!)
300mls fresh double cream
whipped to soft peaks
a little icing sugar.

Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 220degC. Place the flour in a mixing bowl with the salt — rub in the butter until even crumbs form. Stir in the sugar and the baking powder. Break the eggs into a measuring jug and make up to 300mls with milk. Add enough of the egg/milk mix to form a soft, elastic dough. Tip onto a floured surface and bring together into a neat round — handle as lightly as possible. Roll out to a 2-3cm thickness, then cut into rounds using a 6cm fluted cutter — place on a large baking sheet. Bring all the dough scraps together and roll out again — cut further rounds and repeat until all the dough is used up. Place the scones into the hot oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until risen & golden. Remove to a wire rack, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to cool completely.

Once cooled, split and fill with strawberry jam, whipped cream and strawberries — serve with a light dusting of icing sugar and extra strawberries on the side.

(Makes about 12 large scones)

https://www.deansshortbread.com/2011/08/recipe-of-month-scones-with-jam-and.html