Medlar is an oriental healthy fruit. Caucasian medlar - an unusual fruit

On the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, a small evergreen tree native to Asia grows - the medlar - the beneficial properties and contraindications of this plant have long been studied by folk healers. Exotic fruit has a bright rich aroma and a sweet-sour juicy, astringent, tart taste. The use of medlar has a beneficial effect on human immunity. Berries have antioxidant properties, remove toxins, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and help the body cope with certain diseases faster.

What is medlar

An evergreen thorny tree or shrub with small orange fruits, which are collected in clusters of 10 pieces, is called medlar. The plant belongs to the rose family. The homeland of the shrub is China, India, the Himalayas. In Russia, it is grown in Sochi and the Crimea. The tree can grow up to 7 meters in height, its bark is covered with thorns. Oval leaves are leathery, large, felted on the shady side. Small flowers of a yellow or white shade grow singly, have a strong smell. Small yellow fruits are covered with edging, have a pear-shaped, oval, round shape.

The fruit has a delicate pulp and a pleasant sour taste reminiscent of an apple, strawberry and pear. A fruit with an unusual name is tasty and at the same time useful - it can cure a person of many diseases, saturate the body with essential trace elements and vitamins. Unripe medlar contains tannins, so it is often used for leather dressing. And interesting crafts are made from noble and beautiful brown-red wood.

What does a medlar look like

Fleshy, large fruits can be of different shapes: pear-shaped or spherical. The thin skin of orange or yellow is easily removed, revealing a juicy tender pulp, inside of which there is one or more brown seeds. Berries grow in clusters up to 12 pieces on each. The most common varieties are:

• Japanese medlar (loqua, nispero, shesek). The evergreen tree has large leaves and yellow-orange fruits resembling apricots. It begins to bloom from September to November, and the fruits ripen in June. The Japanese variety does not tolerate frost. The taste of fruits with sourness, a bit like a pear. It is useful to use the berries fresh, after cleaning them from the skin. Photos of ripe fruits can be found on the gardeners website.
• Medlar Caucasian (German). A low tree with long large leaves. The pulp is sweet and sour, with a tart taste. The fruits are brown or red in color with small inclusions. True, such a fruit becomes if it is frozen. Therefore, berries are harvested at the end of autumn. The German medlar can be seen growing in the Balkans, in Iran, there is also a tree in the Crimea. Due to the wide distribution on the peninsula, another name for the German variety is often found - Crimean medlar.

Compound

The medlar fruit is similar in composition to an apple, it contains vitamins PP, C and P, ascorbic acid, which helps to increase protection against viruses. At the same time, the beneficial properties of the fruits of an evergreen tree differ significantly from the healing properties of apples, since the plant has a beneficial effect on digestion. In addition, the calorie content of medlar is only 45 kcal per 100 g of product, so the fruit is often used in diets. The plant also contains:

• tannins;
• sugar;
• fruit acids;
• phytoncides;
• provitamin A;
• aromatic substances;
• pectins.

How is medlar used

The fruits of an evergreen plant can be eaten processed, but better fresh. The fruit is actively used for making juice, delicious jam, compote, jam, oriental sweets, alcoholic beverages (liqueurs, wines). Less commonly, they make syrup, sherbet, and candy fillings from berries. They also use salted and pickled fruits as a snack. Fruit sauces go well with sausages, meat dishes, scrambled eggs, pancakes, puddings. Seeds also have an excellent use - they are used to make a high-quality coffee surrogate, which is not inferior in taste to the original.

Japanese medlar is often used in medicine - the beneficial properties of the plant help to normalize digestion. Fully ripe fruits perfectly cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. The plant in the form of tinctures is used to treat asthma, colds. A decoction of the leaves is used for bleeding or diarrhea. The fruits are effective in cosmetology in the form of lotions, masks, extracts and as an anti-inflammatory, emollient, tonic. Wood is also valuable, and tannins found in leaves and bark are indispensable in the manufacture of outerwear.

Beneficial features

Due to its balanced unique composition, medlar is very healing - it has beneficial properties for people who suffer from diseases such as hypertension, asthma, bronchitis. The leaves of the shrub help with diabetes. Unripe fruits provide invaluable assistance in kidney diseases. The Japanese medlar plant is useful during pregnancy, fruits strengthen the woman's body, supply the body with the vitamins necessary for the full development of the child. What is useful medlar? Regular consumption of fruit strengthens the immune system and contributes to:

• saturation of the body with microelements;
• stabilization of the digestive system, purification of vascular and liver toxins;
• relief from colic in the intestines;
• removal of stones from the kidneys;
• fixation with diarrhea (immature fruits) or relaxation with constipation;
• excretion of sputum in diseases of the respiratory system;
• reduce the risk of oncology;
• increase the body's resistance to viral infections;
• pressure stabilization;
• blood clotting;
• lowering sugar;
• prevention of strokes and heart attacks.

Healing properties of leaves

There are useful substances both in the fruits of the medlar and in the leaves of the plant. As a rule, decoctions, infusions are made from them, which are taken to treat bronchitis, asthma, inflammation of the respiratory tract. Leaf extract helps to cope with rashes and inflammation on the skin. The great benefit of medlar in diabetes mellitus, tk. the plant helps to increase the amount of insulin, which has a positive effect on the well-being of the patient. In addition, the leaves

• help with diarrhea
• prevent premature aging;
• prevent the occurrence of strokes, heart attacks;
• reduce "bad" cholesterol;
• remove salt from the body;
• normalize blood pressure;
• used to treat cough.

Bones

The seeds from the fruits of the plant also have useful properties. If the seeds are pre-dried and then ground, you get a surrogate that tastes like coffee. At the same time, the drink has a tonic property. A tincture of seeds, honey and alcohol quickly relieves pain and helps with asthma. Due to the fact that the seeds contain a small number of toxic substances, they can only be consumed in processed form: fried, dried, ground.

Medlar to maintain a slim figure

All recipes for weight loss, as a rule, are aimed at stabilizing the work of the gastrointestinal tract and removing water. Medlar is fully consistent with these goals. The use of fruits from this tree strengthens the intestines, cleanses the body well and saturates it with useful substances. The biochemical composition of the fruit will help not to experience hunger. It is useful to use the fruits on fasting days, because. The fruit is low in calories and rich in fiber. The medlar diet should be only one day a week. It is not recommended to consume more than one kilogram of fruit.

Medlar in cosmetology

The exotic fruit is often used for cosmetic purposes. The juicy pulp of the fruit helps fight acne and various rashes, smoothes wrinkles, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, and brightens pigmentation. A cream based on medlar extract can increase skin elasticity and firmness. The tonic from the leaves is good at fighting irritation on the face and other parts of the body.

A mask of evergreen berries will make the skin smooth. Fruit-based tonic lotion helps fight acne, blackheads, and inflammation on the face. To prepare it, you only need to mix 250 grams of fruit with a glass (100 ml) of vodka. This mixture should be wiped on the face. Store the lotion in a cool, dark place or refrigerator.

Medlar in folk medicine

The beneficial properties of the evergreen plant have been known for a long time. You can find many recipes with medlar in folk medicine. For example, a decoction prepared from unripe fruits is used to treat urolithiasis. If you make a decoction of the leaves, then you can drink it as a fixing, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and antioxidant agent. Some healers recommend eating the fruit to relieve kidney disease. And to cleanse the body of toxins, you can use this recipe:

1. It is necessary to take a large spoonful of dried leaves, place them in a thermos.
2. Next, pour the mixture with half a liter of boiling water.
3. The liquid should be filtered after three hours.
4. The resulting healing decoction should be consumed 50 ml 20 minutes before meals.
5. A cleansing course should be carried out once every four months for two weeks.

With diseases of the stomach, you can make a decoction of dried seeds. To do this, you need to take 2 tablespoons of ground seeds and 500 ml of water. Everything must be placed in a saucepan and put on a slow fire for 20 minutes, cool a little and drink half a glass on an empty stomach. Medlar can still stop internal bleeding. To do this, use 50 ml of decoction during each meal.

Contraindications

Unripe fruits of the plant are contraindicated in people who suffer from peptic ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas, gastritis with high acidity. It must be remembered that with such diseases it is not recommended even to drink fresh juice from medlar, but jam and preserves made from fruit, on the contrary, have a beneficial effect on the stomach. With caution, it is necessary to introduce fruits into the diet of children, because. they can provoke an allergic reaction. In addition, berries cannot be used:

• with open wounds;
• people with individual intolerance to the product;
• with rosacea and eczema;
• with inflammation on the skin;
• breastfeeding women;
• with cholecystitis.

When to pick fruit

Exotic fruits growing in Russia are usually harvested in late autumn. This is especially true of the Caucasian variety, because. the sour taste of fruits after frost changes to sweet, they become soft. Medium-sized ripe fruits, not hard and not completely soft, without dark spots should be chosen. Medlar has a short shelf life, while it is practically not subject to transportation.

How to eat

In order for beneficial nutrients to enter the body faster, the berries should be eaten fresh, while not forgetting to remove the seeds. The most delicious are those fruits that have been hanging on a tree for a long time, bright, medium-sized, without spots. The little ones are often sour. You can peel the peel or eat with it. Marmalade is made from berries, jam is cooked, compotes and alcohol tinctures are prepared, dried, and used in desserts. Even after being processed, the fruit does not lose its beneficial properties, and dishes from it restore the microflora and improve digestion.

Video

Useful properties of medlar have been known since ancient times. People to this day use the fruits to get rid of ailments of various etiologies. Another name for medlar is Japanese plum, loquat. In order to have a more accurate idea of ​​what benefits you will derive from the consumption of fruits, we will consider the main features in order. So, let's begin.

Composition and features of medlar

1. Medlar is an evergreen shrub that has thorns on twigs and is strewn with large clusters. The fruits have a sour aftertaste, their pulp is tender, pleasant to eat, does not knit the tongue. By taste, medlar resembles a trio - ripe strawberries, bananas, sweet and sour apples.
2. To date, more than 30 species of this plant are known to man. Medlar extends to the whole world and is widely cultivated in household plots. The most popular and sought-after varieties of shrubs are the Caucasian and Japanese medlar.
3. Useful properties of fruits become possible due to the composition of the medlar. So, it includes flavonoids, protein, phenolic compounds, some fats, carbohydrates, amygdalin.
4. The fruits are not deprived of vitamins. Among them are group B, PP, A, C. Of the mineral elements, it makes sense to single out the following: iron, potassium, iodine, magnesium, sodium, zinc, calcium, selenium.
5. As for organic acids, medlar is rich in malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids. It contains a lot of natural saccharides, which are presented in an easily digestible form. The shrub is not deprived of tannins, pectin, dietary fiber, phytoncides.
6. The bark, foliage, seeds and fruits of the plant are of particular value. Some folk healers claim that the leaves of the shrub are much more valuable than the pulp and other parts of the medlar. They argue this by the fact that unique acids are concentrated in the leaves of the medlar: pomolic, ursulic, corosolic and others.
7. Also, the foliage boasts the inclusion of plant polyphenols, glycosides, carafollin. These substances fight foreign bodies in the body. Studies have been conducted in which scientists have proven that foliage is able to overcome the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
8. The foliage of the shrub has the ability to suppress the action of free radicals and completely remove them. The green part contains triterpene, which is responsible for the synthesis of sugar and enhances the volume of insulin.
9. Pectin fights toxic compounds, salts of heavy metals, radionuclides. It acts as a brush, which is carefully passed through the cavity of the internal organs. Despite the abundance of valuable properties, medlar is not very high-calorie. In a portion weighing 100 gr. accumulates about 50 kcal. It all depends on the particular variety.

1. The fruit is contraindicated for people who have high blood pressure. Medlar has a diuretic effect and thus fights hypertension.
2. Similarly, the fruits affect patients with persistent migraines and headaches. The fruit reduces intracranial pressure and improves the patient's condition.
3. Medlar is prescribed for consumption by those who are likely to develop a heart attack, stroke, coronary disease. Fruits improve the health of the heart muscle and the entire circulatory system in particular.
4. It contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Together, they prevent oxidative processes, preventing diabetes, eye diseases, and oncological ailments.
5. Medlar frees the cavity of internal organs from free radicals. The fruit is useful for elderly people who are at risk of developing senile dementia.
6. The fruits help to cope with diarrhea and general stool disorder. They normalize digestive processes, remove stagnation, and have anthelmintic properties.
7. Loquat enhances the production of the hormone insulin, making life easier for patients with diabetes. Along with this, blood glucose levels are monitored.
8. Organic acids remove cholesterol from the cavity of the blood channels, improve protein metabolism, transform carbohydrates into energy. On this basis, the risk of atherosclerosis is reduced and natural weight loss occurs.
9. Medlar is used to eliminate small stones and sand in the cavity of the urinary system. The fruit is responsible for the correct functioning of the pancreas and thyroid glands.
10. Decoctions, teas, freshly squeezed juices are prepared from the plant. These drinks remove phlegm from the cavity of the respiratory tract, ease the course of asthma and reduce body temperature during fever.
11. Fruits strengthen the immune system during viral infections, and also help to recover from a protracted illness. Medlar enhances wound healing, so lotions based on it are used for skin ailments.
12. Interestingly, unripe fruit is effective for diarrhea. Ripe specimens, on the contrary, have a laxative effect and normalize bowel function. Medlar prevents fermentation of food in the esophagus.

1. On the basis of green foliage, various tonics, lotions and facial compresses are prepared. Such products help to eliminate dermatological problems, even out the relief and whiten the skin.
2. The decoction is also good for diarrhea. To prepare a drink, brew a press of leaves in 300 ml. boiling water, let stand for 4 hours and strain. Drink 45-50 ml. 20 minutes before a meal.
3. The infusion according to the above recipe also effectively cleanses the blood channels of cholesterol, cleanses the body of toxic substances, and helps to recover from stress and illness.
4. Elderly people need to prepare decoctions and infusions to relieve pain in osteoporosis, arthrosis and other ailments of this type.
5. The powerful effect of the foliage and inflorescences of the medlar encourages people to use these parts of the shrub to prepare cold remedies. It's all about the ability of medlar to disinfect and relieve inflammation.

Harm medlar

1. There are a number of restrictions under which medlar is contraindicated. Its intake should be limited in case of pancreatitis, peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, allergies to the fruit itself, gastritis.
2. In order not to cause significant harm to health, start taking small amounts. Listen to the state of the body, at the slightest sign of an allergy, stop taking it.
3. In the presence of any chronic diseases, use medlar after consultation with your doctor. Do not forget that the fruit can be presented in the form of dried fruits, marmalade, jam and other forms.

Despite the variety of medlar varieties, their chemical list remains virtually unchanged. Only the appearance and taste are different. In order not to harm yourself and loved ones, take precautions when using medlar. Then you will definitely get all the benefits.

Video: useful properties of medlar

medlar, or as it is also called, nispero or shesek is a deciduous fruit tree of the Pink family. Their fruits, medlar fruits, are a popular product in Southwest Asia, the Caucasus, they are especially appreciated in Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, where they have been cultivated for 3000 years. In ancient times, medlar was grown by both the Greeks and the Romans.

The Persians have also cultivated them for centuries. Loquat fruit was popular in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as during the Victorian era. Today, in some countries of Asia and the Caucasus, medlar is still grown; in Japan and Israel, this fruit is very much appreciated. However, in Europe it can be found mainly in botanical gardens and gardens of lovers of exotic fruits.

What is medlar and what is it eaten with?

Medlar is the closest relative of hawthorn, quince and pear. There are 2 main types of loquat:

- this is a low tree 3-4 m. The fruits are distinguished by the fact that they are round in shape, brown in color and the pulp is sweet and sour, but tart. To make the fruits soft and most ready for consumption, they are harvested only after the first frost. If there is no point in waiting for frost, they are collected and stored in a strong saline solution. In this form, they can be stored in a cool place for several weeks, and only after that it can be eaten - it acquires its taste, and the center becomes soft and pleasant. Many describe the taste of German medlar as similar to applesauce.

It is now for us that fruit is something unusual and exotic, but just a hundred years ago, for Europeans it was quite common, people ate its fruits fresh, made desserts and jams from medlar.

Medlar Japanese- This is a tree whose height can reach 5-7 meters with a wide dense crown. Japanese loquat flowers are white and fragrant. The fruits are round or oblong with a diameter of about 3-5 cm. The color of ripe fruits is light or orange-yellow, outwardly very similar to apricots. The flesh is white, juicy, sweet and sour with a few brown seeds. Grown in the Caucasus, found in the wild in China. The harvest is already in April-June, compared with the German medlar, the fruits of which become edible only after the first frosts.

Japanese medlar can only be stored for a few days, as they spoil quickly, and they also do not tolerate transportation well. Apparently because of this, there are very few chances to meet these fruits in our stores.

Interesting facts about medlar

• In Israel, the Japanese medlar is called "Shesek". In Spain - nispero (nispero).

• Initially, in Japan, medlar trees were grown for decorative purposes.

• From the extract of medlar leaves, many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies make remedies for hair loss and hair growth.

• In the extract from the leaves of the medlar, a substance was recently discovered that supposedly has the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells. Now they are still being tested and there are no final results.

Medlar - useful properties

Compound: Water, dietary fiber, protein, malic and citric acid, fructose.

Vitamins and minerals: Beta-carotene, carotene, niacin, folic acid, vitamin E and A, B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium.

Calories: 100 grams of medlar contains about 42 kcal.

In countries such as Spain, Japan or Israel, Japanese medlar is very much loved and appreciated. This fruit is mostly eaten fresh, and they also make jams and jams, desserts, as well as compotes and liqueurs. The Spaniards manage to make sauces and side dishes for meat from medlar.

Like any other fruit, medlar has many useful properties. Due to the fact that medlar contains very few calories, it is great for those who are on a diet.

Medlar is recommended for people who have diseases or dysfunctions of the kidneys, increasing their ability to filter. It contains a lot of molecular water, thanks to which it nourishes our body with moisture and helps to get rid of toxins.

The main benefit of medlar is that it is very rich in vitamin A, which is indispensable for the health of our eyes.

Medlar is useful for gastrointestinal diseases, as it improves digestion and cleanses the intestines.

Spanish farmers with a medlar crop (nispero); photo source: laopiniondemalaga.es

How to choose and store medlar

When choosing medlar, you should pay attention to the size, too small ones will be sour, as they may be unripe, and large ones may be overripe, which means not quite juicy. Ideally, you need to choose a medium-sized medlar - about the size of a plum.

The color should be even, without signs of the beginning of a decaying process, of medium softness.

Medlar is stored for only a few days in a cool place. Can also be stored at room temperature.

It is best to use medlar fresh, as in this form all the beneficial properties of this beautiful fruit are preserved. Before you eat the loquat, do not forget to remove the peel.

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Diets and healthy eating 08.11.2017

Today, dear readers, I want to talk about an unusual fruit for us called medlar. If any of you rested in Turkey, Egypt or in our southern latitudes, then you saw or even bought these sweet and sour solar fruits in local markets, slightly reminiscent of an apple, a pear, and an apricot in appearance. Medlar can be found in the Crimea, in Abkhazia, in Georgia. It is also sold in our large supermarkets. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend you do. Both tasty and good for our health.

What is the medlar fruit? The medlar is a close relative of the hawthorn. Among the cultivated species, the most widespread are the Japanese medlar and the German medlar, which is also called Caucasian or Crimean. Despite the same Russian name, these are different plants with different generic characteristics.

There are about 30 species of Japanese medlar and more than 1,000 different varieties of it, but the German medlar is the only one of its kind. Medlar is grown not only for its fruits, but also as an ornamental plant in the open field and on glazed verandas and sunny balconies.

What is the difference between different types

These two common types have significant differences. The Japanese medlar grows exclusively in the southern regions with a subtropical climate; it is a tree or tall shrub with the botanical name Eriobothria. In different countries, the plant is called differently - medlar, shesek, lokva. This type of medlar has a soft skin of bright orange color, the flesh is very tender with a specific pleasant aroma and a sweet taste with a slight sourness. It is not always possible to meet it fresh in our regions, since it is not stored for a long time.

German medlar does not require hot climatic conditions and even tolerates light frosts. Its skin is hard, brown in color, the flesh is tough and tart, the taste is rather sour, it requires a long ripening. After the first frost, the fruits become soft, lose some of the acid and acquire a pleasant taste.

What does a medlar look like

Look at the photographs how the medlar grows and looks in nature and in what form it enters the stores.

Beneficial features

Both types of medlar are used for food, both types are very useful and have a similar composition and effect on the body, but Japanese medlar is more often used for medicinal purposes. In addition to high taste qualities, medlar has many useful properties, let's see how medlar is useful for the body.

Compound

The composition of this fruit includes fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, organic acids, tannins. The vitamin composition is represented by ascorbic and nicotinic acids, vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, B9. Loquat is rich in trace elements of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium. Of the macronutrients in the pulp of the medlar found potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus.

calories

The calorie content of medlar is low, only 42 kcal per 100 grams. Therefore, medlar refers to dietary products recommended for weight loss.

Useful properties of medlar

First of all, the benefit of medlar is its general strengthening effect, especially in winter, when the body suffers from a lack of vitamins and minerals.

• The orange color of the Japanese loquat is due to the high content of carotene, provitamin A. This is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is important for all organs and systems, but its special value is in its ability to improve vision, prevent the development of cataracts and other eye diseases;
• Medlar strengthens the body's defenses, so it is useful for weakened people during and after illness. Loquat juice will help bring the body temperature back to normal, clear the bronchi of sputum, and the pulp with honey will relieve inflammation in the throat;
• A large amount of fiber helps cleanse the intestines, enhances digestion, improves the intestinal microflora, removes various toxins from the body;
• The beneficial properties of medlar are manifested in its ability to enhance the cleansing function of the liver, increase bile secretion, regulate the level;
• Strengthens the vascular wall, lowers blood pressure, prevents the formation of blood clots, which is very important in the prevention of stroke and heart attack;
• Thanks to tannins, medlar fruits have astringent properties and will be useful in intestinal upset;
• It has a diuretic effect, reduces the level of uric acid, promotes the dissolution of small kidney stones;
• The pulp of this fruit contains substances that can lower blood sugar levels and regulate metabolic processes, so it is useful for those suffering from diabetes;
• Antioxidants in the composition of the pulp of the medlar contribute to the prevention of cancer;
• Promotes weight loss;
• Calcium and organic acids prevent the development of osteoporosis;
• The juice has a hemostatic effect.

I bring to your attention a video about the beneficial properties of medlar.

What is useful medlar for women

Delicious yellow medlar fruit has a tonic, strengthening effect on the female body. The benefits of medlar in the high content of vitamins A and E, they have an irreplaceable effect on sexual function, increasing the amount of female sex hormones and protecting the mucous membranes from infection. These vitamins are needed for premenstrual syndrome, for various pathologies of the mammary gland. Vitamins B6 are useful for women taking birth control pills.

Medlar during pregnancy

No less important are fat-soluble vitamins during pregnancy, they are necessary for the proper intrauterine development of the child, they are involved in the proper development of the placenta, in the formation of bone tissue, in metabolic processes and in the nascent nervous system of the baby.

It is best if these vitamins enter the body of the expectant mother not in a synthetic form, but from plant foods. Such vitamins are better absorbed, their overdose does not occur, which is also very important during a difficult period of pregnancy. No less important are the minerals that medlar is so rich in. But you can’t abuse it, during pregnancy, the use of any, especially new products for yourself, must be agreed with the doctor.

Medlar for beauty

An excellent result can be achieved by using the pulp and juice of medlar for homemade masks, creams, lotions. They tighten the skin, lighten it, help to cope with acne.

Here are some simple recipes that you can make yourself at home.

Mask for dry skin

Peel the fruits, rub the pulp thoroughly until smooth, add a teaspoon of olive oil and apply on the skin of the face and neck for 20 minutes. The mask has a rejuvenating effect.

Mask for oily skin

Mix medlar pulp with a tablespoon of kefir and a teaspoon of lemon juice, apply to the skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The mask well cleanses the skin of excess fat, relieves inflammation, tightens.

How to choose medlar, how to eat, what to cook from it

This question often arises among those who first bought a delicious orange medlar fruit. When choosing, the main criterion should be a uniform color and the absence of damage. The fruits of medium size and not too soft are considered to be of the highest quality. It is best to eat fresh fruits, after removing the peel from them, in this case we will get the maximum benefit from the medlar.

Fresh fruits are stored for only a few days, so jams, preserves, jelly, sauces, marmalade are often prepared from them, as well as dried and frozen.

Up to 7 ripe fruits, peeled and pitted, can be eaten per day. Medlar can be given to children after 6 years, but not more than 1 - 2 pieces in the absence of allergies and contraindications.

Loquat bones contain alkaloids that are hazardous to health and can lead to serious poisoning, so it is not recommended to use them internally for any purpose, especially for children.

Medlar in folk medicine

In folk medicine, the benefits of medlar have been known since ancient times; these fruits are successfully used to treat certain diseases, and not so much their pulp as the leaves of the plant.

• To treat diarrhea, pour a tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water, insist, strain and take 1-2 tablespoons before meals. The same infusion can be used to gargle with sore throat.
• Such an infusion of leaves has a wound-healing and hemostatic effect. It is taken for gastric and duodenal ulcers, internal bleeding, hemorrhoids, trophic ulcers, bleeding gums.
• To cleanse the body, take ½ liter of boiling water per tablespoon of leaves, insist in a thermos for an hour and filter. Take this infusion 1/4 cup before meals for two weeks.
• For various colds, an alcohol tincture is prepared, for which the pulp of 4 fruits is kneaded into gruel and poured with 1/2 cup of vodka. After insisting for three days, the tincture is filtered and taken one spoonful before meals. This tincture is used as an expectorant for coughs, bronchitis, asthma.
• With a cold, medlar leaf tea, which is prepared from several leaves and a cup of boiling water, helps well. In this tea, you can add ginger, honey, lemon juice to taste, which will enhance the effect of the plant and improve the taste.

Medlar grows mainly in warm climates. The fruit shrub not only has a beautiful appearance, but also pleases with delicious fruits. Usually harvested in autumn, in October. Medlar is incredibly useful. It is eaten raw, and jam is made from fruits. Shrubs are also used in folk medicine.

Medlar: how to eat?

Loquat fruits are somewhat similar to apricots. They are spherical in shape and yellow-orange in color. The surface of the fruit is covered with a small fluff. Under the skin - sweet pulp and a few seeds. Unripe berries usually have a sour taste that subsides as they ripen. According to taste sensations, medlar resembles passion fruit. The flesh is eaten and the pits are discarded. The most delicious fruits are obtained if they are kept longer on a tree. They become reddish in color. The pulp of such fruits becomes sweeter, and the aroma is even more pronounced.

By the way, medlar can be stored for a long time. To do this, it is washed in saline and dried thoroughly. The juice of medlar berries is quite concentrated. Therefore, it is recommended to dilute it a little with water and add sugar to taste.

However, not everyone can eat medlar. Unripe berries are contraindicated for people with digestive problems, ulcers, gastritis and high acidity of the stomach. Caution should be given to young children. Allergy is possible. Therefore, medlar should be included in the diet of babies gradually.

Medlar: useful properties

• Medlar has many useful properties. In chemical composition, it is similar to apples and zucchini. The fruits contain malic acid, pectin, vitamin C.
• The composition of the medlar allows it to be eaten by diabetics. It can also help with indigestion. This action is explained by the presence of tannins in the composition of the fruits, known for their fixing effect. With diarrhea, it is enough to eat some berries, and after a while the problem will be solved.
• In folk medicine, there are many recipes for treating health problems with medlar juice. It has a good effect on the nervous system and blood vessels. Berries normalize blood pressure.
• These are not all the useful properties of medlar. The leaves of the shrub also have a medicinal effect. Of these, a decoction is most often prepared. It helps fight colds and coughs. Also, a decoction of medlar leaves can stop the blood.
• For medicinal purposes, the leaves are harvested from spring to late summer (May-August).
• Healing broth is easy to prepare at home. For this, 1 tbsp. raw materials must be brewed with 250 ml of boiling water and let it brew.
• Medlar is low-calorie (about 45 kcal per 100 g), so it can be eaten during a diet.
• Berries are actively used in cosmetology. They are used in cosmetic products for sensitive skin. The fruit extract of this tropical shrub moisturizes the skin, making it radiant, fresh and well-groomed. Usually medlar is contained in lotions, creams, tonics. You can add an extract from the leaves of a shrub to the cream yourself. For its preparation, dry leaves are poured with hot water. The mixture is boiled for 5 minutes. The broth is cooled and filtered.
• Marmalade, compotes, juices are made from medlar. Berries are harvested for the winter in the form of jams and jams.

Loquat jam

Compound:

• Medlar berries - 1 kg.
• Sugar - 350 gr.
• Cinnamon - 1 stick

Cooking:

1. The berries are sorted, doused with boiling water and the bones are removed. Remove the skin from the fruit, put them in pans.
2. Boil until softened. Add sugar, stirring, bring to a boil. Put cinnamon in the jam.
3. Cook over low heat until thickened. Transfer the jam to a glass jar. Close the lid.

Loquat juice

Compound:

• Loquat fruits - 1 kg.
• Water - 1l.
• Sugar - to taste

Cooking:

1. Bones are removed from the berries, they are put in a saucepan and poured with water. The mixture is brought to a boil, sugar is added.
2. The berries are boiled to a soft state over low heat. Next, the mass is filtered through a sieve.
3. The resulting mixture is brought to a boil and poured into glass containers. Medlar juice with pulp is ready!

Loquat bones: application

The pits of medlar are said to contain a small amount of cyanide. Therefore, it is not recommended to store jam with the seeds of these berries for too long. This does not mean that they themselves are deadly.

The bones of the medlar are similar to the bones of the persimmon. They are often used to make a coffee drink. It tastes quite pleasant and is somewhat reminiscent of real coffee.

Medlar is a delicious berry. When ripe, it has a sweet taste and juicy flesh. It is eaten not only because of its wonderful taste, but also because of its beneficial properties. Fruits normalize blood pressure, help with diarrhea, are used to improve skin condition and moisturize it. Compotes, preserves and jams are cooked from medlar for the winter.