What is medlar and apricot? Loquat juice

What is medlar and how is it eaten? beneficial properties and contraindications, use in traditional treatment fruits, leaves, seeds of the plant - this is what we will talk about today on the website.

Medlar fruit (photo) - where it grows, what it looks like, what it tastes like

The homeland of medlar is considered to be Asia and Iran. It was brought to Russia in the 19th century. In the first photo there is a Japanese medlar, in the second there is a Caucasian one.

Medlar is a close relative of hawthorn and. The tree reaches a height of 7-8 meters, the trunk and branches are covered with small thorns, the leaves are quite large, it blooms in mid-spring - in April. Flowers white, have 5 petals.

After flowering, a “drupe” is formed - the fruit of the medlar. The fruits are orange in color and have a spherical shape of 2-3 cm, to taste– sour, sweet and sour, sometimes there is astringency; to some, medlar resembles an apple, to others, strawberries, passion fruit. Most of all, when asked what medlar tastes like, people remember apricot.

The fruits are stored rather poorly, so they are very rarely exported.

There are about 30 varieties of wood, the most famous are Japanese and Caucasian (German) medlar, the latter is very unpretentious, widespread in the south of Russia, Ukraine, in the Transcaucasus, in other areas it simply does not have time to ripen - the growing season is too long.

Whether the medlar fruit is exotic or just Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Turkish, Abkhazian, Georgian, Spanish, Israeli is up to everyone to decide. It is not uncommon on the Black Sea coast, so I think many could try it while on vacation.

Composition of medlar and calorie content

• - phytoncides;
• — B vitamins, vitamin A and C;
• - tannins;
• — minerals(for example, calcium, zinc, potassium, copper, iodine, etc.)

Medlar fruit is rich in rare substances: potassium and vitamin A. Potassium is involved in nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Vitamin A is very useful, it affects the perception of colors, growth and development of a person, strengthens cell membranes and removes toxins.

For 100 g of medlar there is only 47 calories. It is classified as a dietary product high content fiber.

Useful properties of medlar

How is medlar beneficial for the body?

This interesting plant has a number of beneficial properties and substances for humans.

• It does an excellent job of strengthening the immune system due to the large amount of ascorbic acid in the composition.

• Since the fruits of this fruit contain tannins, and they are known to have astringent properties, it helps even with bloody diarrhea (unripe), and more ripe fruits will help with constipation.

• Medlar normalizes digestion.

• Cleanses the body.

• Strengthens health, the body as a whole, increases resistance to harmful microorganisms and infections.

• It accumulates useful substances in the body, so it is especially useful during pregnancy. Plus - good source folic acid, so necessary while expecting a child.

• Helps lower blood pressure; juice is often used for this.

• As can be an excellent source.

• Loquat leaves are used for treatment.

• Prevents renal colic.

• Helps with bladder stones.

• Due to the large amount of pectin (as in apples), it activates the processes of digestion and metabolism, helps reduce cholesterol, removes heavy metal salts and radionuclides.

• Makes breathing easier, relieves mucus in the lungs, and relieves coughing. Especially in combination with honey.

• Promotes the production of insulin, improves blood, therefore recommended for diabetics.

• Heals the liver.

• Prevention of cancer.

Interesting fact: loquat contains 1,500 thousand times more beneficial properties for the eyes than carrots.

It is also very interesting that to get a beautiful tan you need to eat a plate of grated carrots before going to the beach. But since medlar contains many times more useful substances, similar to carrots, we can conclude that instead of carrots for tanning, you should eat medlar, and in smaller quantities. With such a rich composition, it is used in medicine and cosmetology.

Medlar fruit - benefits in cosmetology

Thanks to its composition rich in nutrients, orange fruit medlar is often used in folk medicine and cosmetology. Creams containing this healthy fruit will restore radiance, elasticity and hydration to the skin, strengthen and improve the complexion.

Creams with the addition of extracts of the leaves of this tree will relieve teenage or other problematic rashes, refresh and remove oily shine.

Folk recipe masks with medlar looks like this:

• Mix about 30 ml of nectar with a teaspoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of cream and flour. This mass should be applied to damp facial skin with your fingertips, cover with a paper towel and leave for 1/4 hour. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water.

You can also make tonic at home yourself. Mix a glass of medlar juice with a small amount of vodka. Wipe your face with this mixture before applying any cream. But people with sensitive skin You should use this product very carefully due to its alcohol content. It is advisable to store in the refrigerator.

Loquat to maintain a slim figure

Since any healthy diet is based on a sufficient level of body water, in removing excess salt and toxins, in consuming all necessary vitamins, then medlar fully corresponds to all of the above.

It will not only improve the health of the body by removing harmful substances from it, but will also supplement it with missing minerals and improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines. It is very useful to use this fruit in fasting days, it is rich in fiber and contains few calories, which means that a feeling of fullness and lightness is ensured.

But you shouldn’t get carried away with such days; they should be no more than once a week. You can’t eat more than 1 kg during this day either.

Like any other product, medlar, in addition to its benefits, also has harm, contraindications to its consumption as food or the use of the plant and its components in treatment.

Medlar contraindications - harm

• - gastritis with increased acidity;
• - stomach and intestinal ulcers;
• - diseases of the pancreas;
• - for various forms of cholecystitis.

All these recommendations mainly apply to unripe sour medlar fruits, as they increase acidity. But ripe ones can hardly do any harm. If a person suffers from the above problems, but really loves medlar, then it can be eaten in processed form - jam, compote, dried fruit.

The use of medlar in folk medicine

Medlar tincture for the treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma

Those who have long understood the benefits of this delicious fruit, even developed some recipes.

Ingredients: 10 pcs. medlars, 5 g of honey, a glass of rice vodka.

• Remove the seeds, put the fruits in a blender, grind until homogeneous mass. Then mix the resulting jelly thoroughly with honey. The previously extracted bones should be added to the resulting mixture, poured with rice vodka, a blender is needed again - the bones should be crushed and mixed. Pour it all into glass jar and close the lid. Place the jar in a place where it is dark and cool and let the mixture steep for a week. Then strain the liquid through a fine colander.

The resulting product promotes the removal of phlegm. The taste is reminiscent of apples and apricots. Due to the alcohol content, not recommended for children.

Loquat leaves and seeds are no less useful

Leaf decoction Great for sore throat and sore throat. Several leaves are poured with a small amount of boiling water (about 200 ml), the broth should cool. Gargle at the first symptoms.

Bones They are used only in a processed state because they are slightly poisonous. Dried seeds brewed for cores. A tincture of alcohol, seeds and honey (200 ml of vodka, 10 seeds, 4 tablespoons of honey, leave for 3-5 days) will help not only with bronchial asthma, but also about a sick heart, it will relieve pain.

If you have problems with the stomach or intestines, boil the bones for about twenty minutes, let them sit, and drink half a glass before eating.

When to collect medlar fruits and how to store them

• The leaves are also used in folk medicine and are usually collected throughout the summer.

• The fruits are usually harvested in late autumn because sour taste after frost it changes to sweet, they become softer. If you do not pick the fruits, they will remain hanging all winter; some even collect them in early spring.

Fruits should be medium-sized, not completely soft and not hard, without dark spots.

The fruit has a short shelf life - it is juicy and ripens quickly.

During storage, it is necessary to ensure that they do not touch, otherwise the product will quickly deteriorate. It is not necessary to keep medlar in the refrigerator; it can be stored simply in the room for 3 days.

How to eat medlar correctly

In order for all the nutrients to enter the body, the fruit must be eaten in fresh, not forgetting to remove the seeds. The most delicious fruits are those that have hung on the tree longer, are medium in size, bright, without bruises or stains. Small ones are often downright sour, large ones are often overripe and beginning to ferment.

Whether or not to peel the peel is an acquired taste, as with apples, some stubbornly peel the fruit, while others happily gnaw on the apple peel, rightly believing that it contains a lot of useful substances. The same applies to the described fruits, although some stubbornly call medlar berries.

Medlar – unusual name fruit mentally takes you to the orchards of the East, where exotic fruit trees and bushes, mysterious beauties walk, unprecedented passions boil. This is a fruit that has absorbed the warmth of sunlight and the tenderness of southern nights.

In fact - it is an evergreen tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. The height of trees in the homeland of growth can reach 7-8 meters, depending on the species. There are species that grow as shrubs.

The plant is distributed in Southeast Asia, Caucasus, Iran. In Japan and China, medlar is grown on an industrial scale, but the tree is mainly grown as an ornamental green plant.

Medlar loves warmth, it needs long daylight hours, although it is quite frost-resistant, withstanding frosts down to -15°C. Severe frosts can cause the tree to stop blooming and bearing fruit.

In mid-latitudes, it will need shelter for the winter, which is almost impossible to provide for an 8-meter tree, so in middle lane medlar is grown as shrubs or at home.

Berry, leaves, fruits - what does the fruit taste like?

The fruit is pear-shaped, sizes from small, like an apricot, to large, like a peach. There are varieties that are very small, the size of a cherry, round in shape, and also giants the size of an avocado.

Medlar has unusual taste, different from the usual taste sensations. Gourmets note that the taste is similar to a combination of pear and cherry, or apple and apricot, or strawberry.

Opinions vary, so everyone should try and decide for themselves what this fruit tastes like. The sweet and sour juice of the fruit quenches thirst well; it is cool, delicate, with a delicate aroma. When choosing a fruit, you need to focus on its softness and aroma. The most delicious are considered to be small berries, the size of an apricot. They are juicy and very fragrant.

The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped, glossy, with brightly visible veins. By autumn, the leaves turn purple, which gives the plant a special decorative appearance. It is not for nothing that medlar is grown to decorate parks and gardens in the Caucasus republics.

The plant blooms with beautiful, fragrant, single flowers.

Beneficial properties of fruits

Medlar is considered not only tasty, but also useful product. Its effect on the body is determined by the vitamins and minerals it contains, fiber, beta-carotene, phytoncides, etc.

The fruit is used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• Restoring metabolism, strengthening immunity.
• Diseases gastrointestinal tract: it improves the digestion of food, is used for pathologies caused by pathogenic bacteria, removes mucus and other decay elements from the body, etc.
• Diabetes mellitus. Use of this fruit promotes the production of insulin in the body.

• The fruits, due to their low calorie content, are used in dietary nutrition.
• Inflammatory diseases. Consumption of medlar helps to quickly cure bronchitis, softens the course of urolithiasis, and has a positive effect on male strength.
• The fruit is able to rejuvenate the skin and nourish it with essential vitamins. After using masks made from medlar pulp, the skin becomes smooth, smooth and radiant.

In addition to the fruits medicinal properties The leaves of the plant also have.

Medlar Japanese, German, Crimean, Caucasian (Abkhazia)

Several types of garden medlar are known. Depending on the species, not only the growth form of medlar changes, but also appearance fruit. The most common are Japanese, which is mainly planted in Japan, China, and German, also called Crimean or Caucasian.

The Japanese type of fruit is large, juicy and very aromatic. The tree blooms between September and March, the fruits ripen at the end of June. The German species is small in size, but it is more frost-resistant and unpretentious. Therefore, this plant variety is mainly grown in Russia. This variety The plant blooms in May, and fruit maturity occurs in late autumn.

Unlike the Japanese variety, the color of the fruit of the German variety is brownish-red; it is consumed after the first frost.

How to grow at home

As a decorative tree, the plant can be grown at home from seed or vegetatively. It will decorate winter garden with its unusual appearance.

Breeders have bred special domestic plant species: varieties “Morozko”, “Tanaka”, “Premier”, “Champagne”, etc. They are also capable of bearing fruit, but the taste of the fruit is milder and less pronounced. The Japanese species can be propagated by cuttings, which are either planted in drainage or grafted onto an apple or hawthorn tree.

The plant needs sunlight, sufficient air humidity, for its fruiting it is important that it is not exposed to frost. One tree can live 30-40 years with good care.

Take the opportunity to learn more about the best indoor plant Dracaena (photo of Dracaena, how to care for, propagate, etc.)

Where to buy seedlings. Price

The easiest way to propagate a plant is to buy a seedling. They are grown in special nurseries and sold through specialized stores, including via the Internet:

1. The online store “Gardens of Babylon” offers to purchase medlar seedlings from 1,350 rubles. for 1 piece
2. In the online store "Saplings" the plant is sold at a price of 679 rubles. per piece
3. At the Sign of the Earth Nursery, the cost of a plant is 1,200 rubles. for 1 piece

Before choosing a seedling via the Internet, you need to look at reviews about the quality of the material sent through this Internet portal, which are available not only directly on the site, but also on thematic forums.

Medlar seedlings, growing conditions in an apartment, soil, care

Having purchased a plant seedling, you need to think about its location. The height of a home plant can reach 1-1.5 meters; it needs good lighting, but without direct sunlight. If the plant does not have enough light, it will begin to shed its leaves and will not bloom or bear fruit, so lighting may be required.

You can plant any type of plant in an apartment, but if the plant is purchased for planting and growing at home, then preference is given to species specifically designed for indoor conditions.

Cuttings are planted in spring or autumn in slightly acidic soils with good drainage.

A suitable pot is selected for planting; it should allow the roots of the cutting to be freely placed. Preparing the soil and drainage. Added to the soil mineral fertilizers, expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the pot. The plant is carefully placed in the pot.

Caring for the plant consists of regular watering and periodically spraying the leaves with warm water. In the summer, the tree can be taken out into the fresh air, increasing watering. In winter, watering is reduced, the plant can be kept on the balcony, up to a temperature of -2°C – +5°C, without watering it.

To form a crown, the plant is pruned by a third in the first and second years, then as needed.

The plant is replanted as it grows, once every 3-4 years.

Growing a tree in the country

If the tree is planned to be planted on a personal plot, then It is better to plant German medlar, because it is more frost-resistant and unpretentious. IN open ground German medlar is planted as seedlings.

Before planting, it is necessary to take into account that the tree can reach a height of 3 meters or more, he needs space and good lighting. The soil chosen is slightly acidic, without close proximity to groundwater.

First, prepare a hole: peat, humus, and sand are poured into the hole in equal quantities. The dimensions of the hole should be such as to freely accommodate the roots of the seedling.

Water the plant moderately, increasing the watering rate during flowering and fruit ripening. The tree is fed 4-5 times per season with humus and organic fertilizers. To prevent diseases, seedlings are treated with pest repellents 1-2 times per season.

To form a crown, the plant must be pruned. Do it better in autumn after harvest.

Homemade medlar. How to grow from a seed at home in a pot

An interesting way to propagate a plant is to grow a tree from seeds. This method Suitable only for fresh plant seeds.

If medlar is planted with seeds, then Before planting in the ground, it is recommended to scarify the shell. The top protective layer is removed from the seed using sandpaper. Next, the bones are soaked for several hours in a biostimulator.

The prepared seeds are planted to a depth of 3-4 cm. After planting, the pot with the seeds is covered with glass to create a microclimate and placed in a bright place without direct sunlight. Seeds germinate on average after 1 month.

After germination, the glass gradually begins to be removed for several hours a day. After 2 true leaves appear, the glass is removed completely. The room temperature should be about 20°C.

Young plants need to be fed 3-4 times a season with mineral and organic fertilizers, make sure that the plant has slightly moist soil, and periodically carefully spray the sprout with warm water.

What harm can it do to the body? Contraindications

Harm from medlar can be caused by overeating it.

If the body is not accustomed to the fruit, It is recommended to consume 2-3 fruits per day, gradually increasing the dose, otherwise it may result in indigestion, colic and pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

The fruit is used with caution in open forms of gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, and intolerance of the body to the constituent substances.

Cooking recipes

With fruit you can prepare a lot of useful and delicious desserts, from it they make fillings for pies, make jam, sauces, jams.

Here are some interesting recipes using this fruit.

Jam

Most often, jam is made from medlar. For this purpose they collect ripe fruits in an amount of 5 kg, cleaned of debris, washed and boiled with the addition of 1-1.5 glasses of water. When the fruit becomes soft, rub it through a sieve, add 2 kg of sugar and boil until tender.

If you like it spicy, rich taste jam, you can add cloves. Lovers of citrus aroma add lemon or orange zest to the jam.

Ready jam packaged in sterile jars with screw caps.

Compote

Fruit compote is prepared in the same way as apple compote. IN sterile jars lay out the fruits, pour sugar syrup and sterilize for 10-15 minutes. in a water bath.

Chicken baked with apples and medlar

Given the recipe will work Not only for a quiet family dinner, this dish can surprise and delight guests.

To cook chicken you will need the following: ingredients:

• chicken 1 piece,
• sunflower oil 2 tbsp. spoons,
• salt, garlic, pepper - to taste,
• sour apples 4 pcs.,
• medlar 1/2 cup.

The carcass is soaked in a marinade of oil, salt, pepper and garlic and left for 2 hours. Transfer to a duck dish and cover with chopped apples and whole medlar.

Bake in the oven for 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the carcass, periodically pouring the resulting juice over the chicken.

You can bake duck and ham in the same way.

Loquats can be frozen for fresh use in winter. To do this, simply put it in disposable containers and put it in the freezer.

In winter, medlar can be cooked fresh compote or add to fruit salad. Meddlar is often grown as an ornamental plant, without realizing how healthy and tasty it is. Fans of exotic plants and fruits will certainly enjoy not only growing the tree, but also collecting its fruits and conducting various interesting culinary experiments with it.

What is medlar and how to grow it:

Useful properties of medlar:

Loquat is a fruit plant native to the northern coast of India, China and the Himalayas. This shrub loves moisture, so it can mainly be found on the coasts, for example, in Russia it grows in the Sochi region. It also grows well in mountainous areas, which is why it is sometimes called rock medlar.

Medlar jam. Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg medlar;
• 1-2 sprigs of cardamom;
• 350 g sugar.

Cooking method:

Peel the berries from seeds and peel; to do this, you just need to pour boiling water over it, and the skin will easily come off. Cook over low heat until softened, shaking frequently. Add sugar, cardamom sprigs, bring to a boil and cook until desired consistency. Place the finished jam into jars and cover with a lid. There is one secret: if you put nuts (instead of seeds) in the medlar, the jam from it will turn out to be very tender.

Conclusion

Well, now you know everything about the medlar fruit: what it is, what beneficial properties it has, where it is used. Be sure to try it, you definitely won’t regret it.

Medlar is an incredibly tasty fruit. However, this is not its only advantage. The beneficial properties of medlar have been known to mankind since ancient times. This genus of plants includes about thirty varieties. However, only two main species are cultivated.

Medlar

So, more details. The beneficial properties of the German medlar were known in the territories of Mesopotamia and Ancient Babylon. It was traded freely and exported to the west on ships. From here it came to European lands. Today, medlar is grown in northern Iran, Greece, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, the Balkans and the Crimean Mountains. This tree grows on slightly acidic soil in sunny, dry places.

The German medlar is different round shape, slightly flattened along the axis, and sepals deployed at the end. The fruits are small in size - about two to three centimeters in diameter. They ripen only after the first autumn frosts. Or in the case when they lie indoors for a month.

Japanese variety of fruit

And now about the second variety. What does Japanese medlar taste like? The sweet and sour juicy pulp of the fruit is a little more interesting than that of its German “relative”. It is close to hawthorn, pear and quince. In Europe, this medlar appeared in the 19th century. Today it is cultivated in the Himalayas, South and Southeast Asia, Ukraine, USA, India and Georgia. The fruits ripen in late spring. They are distinguished by their pear-shaped shape with a diameter of up to ten centimeters. Each fruit contains from one to five seeds.

Various names

Many housewives know what medlar is and how it is eaten. But about its various names - not all of them. Medlar is often called Chinese, Japanese or Maltese plum. Among the names in various localities: nespolagiapponese (Italy), bibassier (France), wollmispel (Germany), nispero (Spain), ameixaamarelle (Portugal), maltaeriği (Turkey).

Storage and use

It is necessary to store medlar in a cool, dark place so that the fruits do not come into contact with each other. It is most often eaten fresh. However, in the regions where it grows, liqueur, wine, compote, juice, marshmallow, marmalade, preserves and jam are also prepared from the fruit. The leaves are used as a decongestant and analgesic. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine.

The calorie content of medlar is 52.5 kilocalories per hundred grams of product. Not much at all. The same hundred grams contain 2.1 grams of protein, 0.8 grams of fat, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 0.6 grams of ash, and 80.5 grams of water.

The main beneficial properties of medlar

About the most important thing. The beneficial properties of medlar are not at all difficult to explain. Its fruits contain many vitamins (B9, B6, A, C), minerals (zinc, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, etc.), sugar and organic acids. Tannins and phytoncides give medlar astringent properties, which have a positive effect on the course of gastrointestinal diseases. Unripe fruits make it possible to relieve intestinal inflammation and stop bleeding. They also help with severe coughs.

Knowing what vitamins medlar contains, you can prepare the necessary remedy for the treatment of many diseases. In a word, the fruits have positive influence on human health. The flowers of the plant are also used to treat alcoholism and depression.

For weight loss

The low calorie content of medlar, according to scientific research, can suppress appetite and reduce cravings for sweets. Those who want to lose weight should drink a cup of tea daily, prepared from the leaves of this plant. The pulp of the fruit contains a lot of dietary fiber, which allows you to feel full longer and not be tempted by regular snacks. Thanks to vitamins A and C, phenols and flavonoids, all free radicals are removed from the body. And this gets rid of the oxidizing agent from the body cells.

Antiviral properties

And that's not all. The beneficial properties of medlar are excellent in treating coughs. In Japan and China, tea made from its leaves is used as an expectorant. This tea also relieves all symptoms of sore throat. In order to prepare it, you will need not only medlar leaves, but also basil, honey, licorice and ginger roots. The entire collection is poured with boiling water and infused. Tea can be stored in the refrigerator for quite a long time.

The phytoncides contained in medlar promote the production of antigens by the body. This helps it fight infections. The presence of pomolyic acid, ursolic acid and carafolline in the leaves is believed to be responsible for the HIV suppressive effect. However, this beneficial property has not yet been fully studied. Leaf extract is also used in the treatment of candidiasis. In general, a complete benefit.

Treatment of diabetes and heart disease

What else is medlar useful for? Tea made from these fruits is also considered very effective for managing the symptoms of diabetes. It is able to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce fat mass body and cholesterol levels in the body. Judging by the latest research, especially useful fruits medlars are for type 2 diabetes. Large quantity dietary fiber normalizes cholesterol levels, as it interferes with absorption into the intestines unhealthy fats. Sufficient potassium content and low content sodium keep the electrolytic properties of the blood under complete control. They also regulate blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, loquat can protect the heart from oxidative stress. Each of these factors makes these fruits an excellent medicine in the field of treating cardiovascular diseases.

Other problems

Laboratory studies have confirmed some other facts about the benefits of medlar. For example, is Chinese plum effective in relieving the symptoms of osteoporosis? The leaves of the plant relieve joint inflammation associated with this disease.

Tea made from loquat for cancer removes toxins from the body that cause cancer. The fruits are also used to prevent cancer of the colon, lungs and oral cavity. The anti-inflammatory effect exerted in the treatment of cancer by corosolic acid contained in loquat leaves also has potential in the treatment of leukemia.

Just like carrots, medlar is good for vision. Great content Vitamin A keeps eyes healthy and also prevents tissue degeneration after oxidative stress. By regularly consuming loquat, you can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. And in general, you improve your vision. You will also prevent the risk of lens clouding.

Detoxification

What medlar is and how it is eaten is also known to those people who need to remove uric acid salts from their bodies. That is, reduce the risk of gout and the formation of kidney stones. Pectin, the high occurrence of which helps block the absorption of toxins in the intestines, prevents the occurrence of cancer. The liver is strengthened by tea made from loquat leaves. The seed extract prevents liver fibrosis from developing.

Cosmetic properties

The cosmetic properties of this fruit cannot be overestimated. All their power and strength is actively used in all kinds of tonics, masks and skin creams. In recipes home cosmetics medlar is also not ignored. A large amount of vitamin A helps prevent excessive dryness of the mucous membranes and skin. Medlar tones the skin and has a strengthening effect on it. Plus, it is loaded with various anti-aging antioxidants. They reduce oxidative processes in skin cells.

Try washing about six to eight ripe fruits, scalding them, removing the skin, discarding the seeds, and pureeing the pulp. For dry skin, you should also add olive oil or coconut oil and a little lemon juice for a whitening effect. Sometimes they also add a couple of drops of some aromatic oil. The mixture is distributed evenly over the face. Enjoy the aroma for half an hour and relax. Wash off the mask from the face using running cold water.

Another recipe. Wash six to eight fruits. Cut, remove the seeds and make a paste. Add one tablespoon of kefir and oatmeal to this mixture. Stir until smooth. This mask is applied to the skin of the neck and face for fifteen minutes. After this it is washed off cold water. The mask cleanses skin cells and rejuvenates them.

Another option. Grind the pits to a coarse powder. Prepare fruit paste from the pulp. After this, a spoonful of honey is added and the whole thing is mixed. This scrub can perfectly exfoliate dead skin cells and cleanse it.

The leaves have been known medicinally for many years. They treat various skin diseases and inflammations. In Japan, this tea is used to treat any skin rash, psoriasis, eczema, and chronic allergic dermatitis.

Hazardous properties

Just remember that medlar is contraindicated for pregnant women. The same as for small children. People with stomach ulcers should not consume these fruits. When manifested allergic reactions they are also contraindicated.

In cooking

Of course, the easiest way is to peel the fruits and enjoy their sweetness. spicy taste in its raw form. However, gourmets prefer various interesting recipes. Among them: medlar jam, custard, fruit salad, etc. The leaves are also used in cooking.

Medlar compote is incredibly popular in Japanese cuisine. Just like tea brewed with it. Filled with water, boiled, with the addition of basil, ginger, turmeric - excellent and healthy drink with an incredibly soft and pleasant taste.

You can also make jam from medlar. To do this, you need to take a couple of cups of fruits without seeds. We need to make them fruit puree. Heat two glasses of water. As soon as it boils, add a glass of sugar and fruit pulp. Stir the mixture until smooth, leave to boil. As soon as the jam gels, it is ready. You can add a little cardamom or cinnamon there. The finished jam is rolled into sterilized jars and stored throughout the winter.

You can also make a sauce from medlar. To do this, cut the medlar and apricot into small slices, add garlic, ginger and cumin seeds to the mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. For piquancy, you can add a little lemon juice and sugar.

Loquat has a number of important health benefits, including preventing diabetes, lowering cholesterol, reducing cancer risk, protecting bone mineral density, improving gastrointestinal health, vision, strengthening immune system and lowering blood pressure. Let's figure out what kind of fruit this is?

What is medlar and its origin

Loquat (nispero, shesek) is a plant native to Central-South China and Japan and is an evergreen shrub or tree 5-7 meters tall with bright orange fruits.
Many people think that loquat originated in China, but it actually originated in Japan over a thousand years ago and has spread to dozens of other countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, North America, South America and Mediterranean regions.

How do you eat medlar?

The fruits of loquat, as medlar is also called, are pear-shaped, slightly larger than those of plums; if ripe, they are bright orange on the outside and white on the inside. Their taste is somewhat reminiscent of mango and peach. The medlar fruit can be eaten immediately, fresh, or can be used to make jams and jellies, as well as in dried form.

Here are some recipes for using the medlar fruit:

Medicinal tincture of medlar

You will need
Medlar – 10 pieces
Honey – 3 tablespoons
Vodka – 200 ml

Preparation

This tincture is great for coughs, as it helps remove phlegm.
This tincture will taste like almonds with apples and apricots

We'll need
Medlar – 5 pieces
Water -1 liter
Sugar – 150 grams
Lemon – 1/3

Preparation

The leaves of the plant are also useful. They are dried and brewed into tea, which is popular traditional means in Japan.

Crushed leaves are also used to make poultices and ointments that are applied topically to wounds and sore areas of the skin.
There is no need to throw away the medlar seeds either - they are an excellent coffee substitute. Dry and brew.

Composition of medlar, its vitamins and microelements

Diverse Spectrum nutrients The nutrients found in loquat fruits and leaves include: pectin, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber, making it very effective in improving a person's overall health.

The table below clearly shows how healthy and rich medlar is in various substances and elements.

Now let's take a closer look at the many health benefits of loquat.

Useful properties of medlar

Pressure

One of the many nutrients found in loquats is potassium, which acts as a vasodilator for cardiovascular system body. By reducing tension and pressure on blood vessels and arteries, potassium can lower blood pressure and protect heart health. Potassium is often considered a brain stimulant, due to the increase in blood flow to the brain's capillaries, which can improve cognition.

Preventing diabetes

Loquat tea is often suggested to prevent or treat diabetes. It has been proven that sugar levels are significantly lower in those who drink this tea regularly. The unique organic compounds found in this drink are able to regulate insulin and glucose levels, which helps protect the body from diabetes. Additionally, for those suffering from diabetes, it is very important to avoid spikes in blood sugar. Drinking loquat tea in this case will also be an ideal solution.

Cancer

Eat a whole series antioxidants found in loquat that are beneficial for human health. Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals in the body that are created naturally by-product cellular metabolism. These molecules with unpaired electrons can cause healthy cells to mutate, leading to chronic diseases, including cancer. Loquat tea has been shown to reduce the risk of lung and oral cancer.

Respiratory organs

Expectorants are important in treating colds and other respiratory infections. Loquat tea is used as an expectorant. It is drunk or used as a mouth rinse. This is very effective remedy to expel mucus and phlegm.

Immune system

Loquat is an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the key components of the human immune system. Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells and is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and also works as an antioxidant to prevent chronic diseases. Additionally, vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which helps tissue grow and repair throughout the body after illness or injury.

Digestion

Pectin is special kind dietary fiber found in loquat, which is why the fruit is highly praised for aiding digestion. Dietary fiber increases stool bulk and stimulates peristalsis, which promotes regular bowel movements. If you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, cramps, bloating or other stomach upsets, dietary fiber will help relieve inflammation and improve your gut health.

Strengthening Bones

Loss of bone mineral density is a serious problem for many people. It is usually associated with age and menopause in women. Luckily, loquat has been shown to prevent bone density loss in various parts of the body due to its vitamin, nutrient, and hormone-mimicking chemical components.

Circulatory system

A high level of iron in a person's diet is essential to avoid anemia and its unpleasant symptoms. Iron is found in high concentrations in loquat. This mineral is an essential part of hemoglobin, which transports oxidized blood cells throughout the body, thereby increasing circulation. This can speed healing, increase energy, and ensure all organs are functioning at full capacity.

Contraindications to the use of medlar

When we consume something in large quantities, it can be toxic for one reason or another. For example, too much consumption of loquat extract can cause toxic myopathy, which is expressed by weakness and nonspecific pain. Contraindicated for people suffering gastrointestinal diseases, and should be used with caution by allergy sufferers. Therefore, consume loquat and its derivative products in moderation and wisely.

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