The content of the article
Nature does not cease to delight and surprise a person with its gifts. One of these surprises is an amazing oriental fruit - persimmon. For a peculiar taste and useful properties in ancient times, persimmon was called the “fruit of the gods”. In some regions of the planet, the fruit is called the heart apple and the winter sun.
Perhaps all these sonorous names are true in relation to persimmon, because they reflect the excellent qualities of this unusual fruit. For example, a comparison with the winter sun reflects reality, because the fruits ripen in the fall so late that you can enjoy the taste of ripe pulp only in winter. Persimmons have a multi-million army of fans, kids and adults love to enjoy it. Resourceful inhabitants even came up with recipes for making jam from this fruit. Other people like dried persimmons when it is able to replace sweets. It is interesting that it is in dried form that its usefulness more than doubles.
A few historical facts
In fact, persimmon is a berry. This fact has already been proved by scientists. Trees that produce such unusual fruits first appeared in China more than two millennia ago. Later, the culture spread throughout the Asian region, where it took root in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Dried persimmons so pleased the Japanese that they served it as an independent dish. In Korea, oriental sweetness has received another use: it makes a punch with a low alcohol content. Dried fruit has such an elegant taste that it is used instead of sweets. This is especially convenient when you consider that fresh fruits can only be purchased during the ripening season.
In some European countries with favorable conditions, they are also engaged in the cultivation of this crop. But these varieties do not differ in high productivity and lose to Japanese and Chinese varieties in taste and useful properties.
The process of natural dehydration was successfully used in the East more than seven centuries ago. It took months to dry the fruits in this way, and this requires patience. But the Japanese cannot hold such quality, therefore, in the country of the Rising Sun, home-made persimmon drying is one of the most popular activities. Some craftsmen even came up with a way to make persimmon vinegar.
Composition feature
- mineral elements;
- organic acids;
- carotene;
- alimentary fiber;
- antioxidants;
- pectins;
- polysaccharide;
- vitamins in large quantities, especially a lot of ascorbic acid.
Such a natural composition provides a whole range of beneficial properties of persimmon. No wonder its valuable qualities are compared with seafood. But it is noteworthy that with such a rich composition of persimmon - a very low-calorie product. Therefore, everyone can enjoy its excellent taste if there is no allergy to this fruit.
Beneficial features
Dried persimmons, in addition to culinary purpose, also occupies its niche in folk medicine. It turns out that tasting this product, you can benefit the body. Therefore, wise Chinese since ancient times use it for medicinal purposes. Here are just its main properties:
- Dried persimmon breaks down the products of alcohol oxidation.Therefore, the harmful effects of alcohol on the body with its help can be minimized.
- It has a beneficial effect on digestion and intestinal activity, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding, which is valuable for hemorrhoids. Dry persimmon stimulates appetite well.
- It has a hypotensive effect on dried fruit and increases vascular tone, which has a positive effect on blood circulation. All these beneficial properties are provided by a high potassium content. This element in dried persimmons is 2 times more than in bananas.
- The dried product has a pronounced anti-inflammatory property, so it helps with intense coughing and colds.
- A rare component - betulinic acid is able to block the growth of foreign cells. This feature helps in the fight against malignant tumors. Patients with cancer are prescribed therapeutic food, where there is dried persimmon.
- If the dried fruit is ground to a paste-like state, open wounds can be treated with the resulting fruit paste.
- Antioxidant qualities make dried persimmons an excellent means of cleansing the body. It easily copes with free radicals, removes toxins, and inhibits the aging process.
- The high content of vitamin C works for the benefit of the immune system.
- The fruit is very useful for the organ of vision, as it nourishes the tissues of the eyeball and strengthens its muscles.
- Dried persimmon, in addition to the above qualities, is able to regulate the concentration of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, which also favorably affects the health of blood vessels and the body as a whole.
How can persimmon harm
Of course, the properties described here are impressive. But we must not forget that, in addition to advantages, any product has its drawbacks.
- Dried persimmons are not recommended if a person has severe anemia.
- This fetus impedes the absorption of iron by the body.
- Caution should be taken for people with diabetes.
- In addition, persimmon cannot be combined with dairy products.
- It is better to eat dried fruits after eating the main food.
How to dry persimmon yourself
Persimmon lovers with the patience and patience can try to cook the dried product at home on their own. We offer such persistent natures to use a recipe invented by the Japanese.
- First, the peel is very carefully removed from fresh fruits.
- Then the fruits are suspended from the ceiling with twine.
- After the formation of a film on the surface, and this occurs on 3-7 days, the fruits must be removed and knead well. These steps should be repeated every 3-5 days.
- The whole procurement process takes about a month and a half.
- During drying, the sugar crystallizes, rising closer to the surface. Therefore, a characteristic white coating forms on it.
There is a simpler and less time-consuming method of drying persimmons - this is dehydration in an oven or a home dryer. This technique does not require peeling.
If one apple a day can guarantee a person healthy longevity, then this statement is doubly true in relation to persimmons.
Video: how to dry a persimmon king
Submit