Usually housewives trust traditional fruits, which are time-tested, persistent in taste and known for their use in cooking. Often missing the opportunity to learn and try no less useful, previously unseen specimens. For example, the mysterious loquat fruit is valuable, original, with a huge vitamin composition.
Medlar is a short tree or shrub of the pink family. An evergreen ornamental or fruiting species that is often used in landscape decoration on a personal plot. There are many varieties and varieties, including those for growing at home. It is the only fruit plant that bears a harvest in winter and spring.
Where does medlar grow
Its homeland is considered to be China, India, Central Asia, although the first mentions came from ancient Greece. The fruit species was cultivated there for medical purposes and eaten. Later, they began to be planted as a hedge, which, moreover, breathed with a pleasant aroma of almonds and delighted the eye with its originality. Young seedlings were brought to the Caucasus for an experiment on survival.
Basically, two varieties of this plant are cultivated - Japanese and German. Despite the similarity in nutrient content and invaluable benefits for the body, they differ in yield and description.
Japanese (Lokva or Shesek) - begins to bloom in late autumn and gives its first harvest in early summer. Bright orange fruits resemble apricots, have a mixed sweetish flavor of pear-plum-cherry.
German (chishka) - blooms in early spring. Harvesting takes place in late autumn, closer to winter. Round berries of brownish color, have formed sepals at the top. The taste is tart and sour, therefore, to improve it, it is recommended to freeze them slightly. It is found in the Crimea, Iran, and, as a rule, it is a short shrub with elongated leaves.
Both plants are unpretentious to the soil, prefer sunny areas of the garden and abundant watering during the growth period. During flowering and ripening, watering is recommended to be reduced. Medlar can propagate by self-sowing, cuttings or grafts on other fruit trees. For exotic lovers, there is a way to grow a seedling at home.
How to grow at home
- An important condition for planting is the condition of the bone. It should be firm, shiny, with no visible gray spots. It is recommended to keep it in manganese water for at least a day, lightly rubbing the shell with sandpaper (for better germination).
- Then you should prepare the soil: mix peat, sand, leafy soil in a 1-1-2 ratio.
- Place a layer of expanded clay (1 cm) in a container for planting, which should correspond to the selected shape of the future plant, and fill in the prepared soil.
- In the center, deepen the seed 8 cm, lightly press down on the soil, water abundantly. Keep on a warm, sunny windowsill until a sprout appears, then shade to make it stronger.
- After the appearance of two leaves, rearrange again in the sun. Illuminate the pot with additional light at night. The warmer the soil in the container, the faster the sprout will take root.
A little trick - if you take a long tray, plant all the seeds at once (with an interval of 5 cm), then after germination you can plant them separately. Pinch off the tops immediately for bushiness or remove side branches for tall growth.
Beneficial features
According to the studied effects on the body, the following can be noted: anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, antioxidant and tonic effect.
Eating pulp helps to normalize digestion, eliminate bowel disorders, remove toxins and excess fluid. Decoctions and tinctures help to eliminate asthma symptoms, suppress bleeding, and cleanse the skin from acne.
The use of the leaves in various combinations helps to reduce blood pressure, sugar, and the risk of developing cancer. In addition, the extraction of leaves by furriers is often used for tanning animal skins.
The bones are not left without attention. The roasted and ground seed powder has a tonic effect and tastes very similar to chicory. However, it must be borne in mind that the composition includes a few harmful substances and excessive consumption of such a drink can cause allergic reactions.
Who is contraindicated medlar
Despite the beneficial properties, there are a number of contraindications. If the following diseases have been identified in the anamnesis: stomach ulcer, gastritis, cholecystitis, allergies, skin irritation, eczema, then it is better to exclude it from the menu. In addition, pregnant and lactating women and small children should not eat. However, if you prepare jam, compote, dried fruits or smoothies, then small amounts can be included in the diet of such patients.
Calorie content
Fresh fruits contain only 47 calories per 100 gram serving. In terms of energy value, the product contains: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, in the following proportion: 0, 5-0, 3-10, 5. In addition, it includes: a large amount of vitamins (especially vitamin A), macro and microelements, malic and citric acids, tannins, metal ions, cellulose.
Delicious loquat jam
For cooking, you will need the following components:
- "Japanese" - 1.5 kg;
- sugar - 0.5 kg;
- lemon - 1 piece;
- cinnamon - 1 stick;
- drinking water - 300 ml.
Step by step guide:
- Wash the fruits in running water, dry on a napkin.
- Remove the skin, cut into pieces, remove the seeds.
- Pour water into a saucepan, squeeze lemon juice, add sugar, boil syrup.
- Dip the cinnamon stick, add the fruit, bring to a boil.
- Remove the froth and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the stove and stand for five to seven hours. Then repeat the process 3-4 times until the mixture thickens.
It is important not to allow the syrup to boil violently and remove all the foam in a timely manner.
The fragrant jam is ready.
Smoothie dessert with nuts
The easiest way to cook at home. Try to cook with the kids.
Ingredients for 3 servings:
- medlar - 500 g;
- honey - 1 tsp;
- nuts - 50 g.
Step-by-step cooking process:
- Prepare the fruits - rinse, peel, cut in a circle, remove the bones and put in a blender bowl.
-
Add the rest of the ingredients to the contents and beat on high speed until smooth.
Image - Pour into portioned glasses and serve. You can add whipped cream to taste.
