In late autumn, bright orange persimmons begin to appear on the shelves. In Russian, the name of this delicious fruit came from the Persian language, and literally translates as a date plum. But it is worth knowing that, in addition to its delicate taste, persimmon has many medicinal qualities.
- Quick navigation through the article:
- What is useful
- Vitamins trace elements
- Benefit harm
- Kinglet
- Sharon
- Dried persimmon
- Frozen persimmon
- Benefits for a woman
- Benefits for men
- Benefits for pregnant women
- Slimming
- Contraindications
- Testimonials
Food of the gods or just fruit?
Samurai used berry juice to heal wounds, and crushed bones were brewed with boiling water along with green tea. The drink gave strength and strengthened the spirit. It was believed that the berry is capable of providing no less energy supply than animal protein. In the East, they immediately appreciated the benefits and harms of persimmon for the human body. The Japanese called it the food of the gods and to this day they revered the plant no less than sakura. There are several hundred persimmon plantations in both Japan and China.
That is why the Eastern countries are considered one of the leading exporters of this fruit. The main methods of cooking are inherited here.
Persimmon plantation in China
The Japanese eat dried and dried persimmons, cook marshmallow and marmalade from it, add to meat as a side dish. And even despite the fact that in Japanese persimmon is called "kaki", dishes made from this berry are considered national pride.
Persimmon marmalade
Japanese beef with persimmon
It was Japanese or oriental "kaki" (in Japanese "persimmon") that Europeans first tried, and were really unpleasantly upset. It is not a fact that they knew Russian, but the attitude towards the berry at first arose corresponding to the Russian translation. According to one version, at the end of the 18th century, one of the attempts was made by the American admiral Matthew Perry, who served in Japan in those years.
Unripe persimmon
The berries had to be picked not ripe, and the general did not communicate too much with the local population, which led to a sad result. The product was then branded "poisonous and useless" for a long time. Much later, at the end of the 19th century, the Indians still figured out what was what and understood everything about persimmon. Its benefits and harms. And most importantly, they took into account that it can only be collected in late autumn, then all the tannin leaves it, and the bitterness is replaced by a pleasant sweet taste.
Interestingly, it was in Japan that recipes first appeared where persimmon served as a hot side dish. It is used by the world's leading restaurants to prepare gastronomic masterpieces:
- One of the recipes is pork with persimmon.
For its preparation, the berries must be peeled, the persimmon cut into pieces. Interestingly, persimmons with onions are stewed before meat. The pork is added almost at the end, thinly sliced. At the end, add tomato paste and celery.
Pork with persimmon
This is just one of many hot appetizer recipes.
Calorie content
For those who want to lose extra pounds, persimmon will be a great help. In addition to the abundance of nutrients, 100 g of the fruit contains only 66 kcal. But, despite such a low calorie content, it gives a feeling of fullness. That is why in southern countries it is customary to serve this fruit as a separate dish for lunch.In the evening, after 4 pm, they will not offer you a berry, because plant fibers and fiber give you satiety for the rest of the day, and fast carbohydrates risk turning into fat.
100 g of pulp also contains:
- 0.5 g fat;
- 15.4 g carbohydrates;
- 0.4 g protein;
- 1.6 g dietary fiber.
Where does persimmon grow?
Directly depends on geography. Persimmon does not like swampy soils, is not very picky about moisture. If the persimmon stretches too high, then all the strength goes to growth, and the fruits, on the contrary, are small and bitter, therefore, the seedlings are often cut on an industrial scale. But wild ones, on the contrary, are unsuitable for food, and in some cases can lead to poisoning and intestinal obstruction.
Wild persimmon - berry
Wild Dagestan persimmon tree
The Japanese tree is not very tall - 12-15 meters in height, due to this, the berries grow juicy, and the taste is sweet. Eastern persimmon is a frost-resistant tree, it can withstand frost down to minus 17 degrees. A distant relative of the persimmon tree, the ebony tree, famous in Ancient Egypt, was used in the construction of pyramids, and the tree itself can live up to five hundred years.
Oriental or Japanese persimmon
Persimmon tree
Persimmon is an autumn berry, it gains a special tart taste with the first frosts, in Japan and China with the onset of October, it is at every step. Only one shop will offer you 10 or 15 varieties, including dried ones.
Dried persimmon and cat
Chinese persimmon shop
In total, more than 500 species of persimmons are known to man, about half of the varieties are artificially bred. The exception is Korolek. It has been known for more than 2 thousand years, has a pleasant tart taste, its pulp is slightly darkish.
Persimmon "Kinglet"
Dark-fleshed, pitted kinglet
As we said above, wild varieties, although they give a large harvest, are completely unsuitable for food, they have a very high tannin content. Artificially bred varieties are initially devoid of the tart "gene". For example, the "Sharon" variety is a miracle of Israeli breeding science.
Israeli persimmon "Sharon"
Sharon is an artificially created persimmon variety, a mixture of oriental berries and apples. The Israelis came up with a name for the variety simply, naming the persimmon in honor of the valley located in the west of the country, Saron. It is not difficult to distinguish this variety. Its pulp is dense and firm, the skin is thin. The taste resembles three fruits at once - apple, quince and apricot. Very often, this particular variety is used for making salads, it has no seeds and is well stored.
Features of the growth of persimmon
Few know how does persimmon grow in reality. Many believe that this is primarily a shrub. Far from it. Persimmon is a tree that grows in tropical or subtropical climates.
In Russia, industrial cultivation of these fruits is carried out in warm regions - the Caucasus, Crimea and other regions.
Trees or large shrubs, which are also found in some varieties, can grow for up to 500 years.
Question, where does persimmon grow, is not so important and interesting. Consideration of varieties, which are known up to several hundred, looks much more tempting.
Experts, on the other hand, consider the usual 200 varieties, which are also known to most amateurs. But among the presented variety of fruits, there are also several exotic representatives.
For example, South American persimmon, which has a second name - Chocolate Pudding. Its fruits can reach 900 g. At first, the pulp has a rich green hue, but as it ripens, it acquires a traditional brown color.
To taste, such persimmon has exactly a bright chocolate taste. There are many similar varieties and they all belong to persimmon, to the ebony family.
And what about Russia?
Our country also has its own persimmon. For example, the Rossiyanka variety was bred in the Crimea.Such a tree can withstand frosts up to minus 30 degrees, on the other hand, it contains natural tannin, which is indispensable for humans. Tannins and special coarse fibers stimulate the digestive tract, remove harmful substances from the body, including dangerous toxins, and reduce the risk of cancer. It is important just to wait until autumn for the fruit to ripen.
Crimean persimmon varieties
Virgin persimmon
Persimmon is very popular in Abkhazia and Transcaucasia. Here you can find both wild varieties and most of the selection: Virginian persimmon, Gora-Gorvela, Gora Roman-Kosh. They are quite frost-resistant and have good yield indicators. Persimmon of the Gora Gorvela variety is one of the best Russian hybrids, the fruit weight is more than 270 grams. Fruits ripen at the end of October, sometimes in November. A feature of the Gora Kosh variety is the complexity of fruit set. The trees here are both female and male, so for every ten bearing trees, one pollinator must be planted. Persimmon flowers, by the way, are extraordinarily beautiful.
Persimmon blossom
Persimmon ovary
By the way, the taste of the berry directly depends on whether there is a seed there or not. If there is a seed, then the consistency of the pulp is more tender. An interesting property of persimmons is that pests do not eat it, so most of the grown fruits are not moved by any chemical attack.
Benefits during pregnancy
The richness of important components makes persimmon extremely useful during pregnancy. But before use, a woman will need to test the body for the absence of an allergic reaction.
If the expectant mother suffers from diabetes mellitus, then you need to be careful with persimmon. It is best to consult your doctor as the fruit contains a lot of sugars in its composition.
In case of problems with weight and its excess, observe the measure without overeating the fruit. The same applies to pregnant women who have problems with stool in the form of constipation.
Important: during the period of gestation, it is enough to eat up to 2 fruits a day, which will only be beneficial.
The plant is filled with substances that are in it in the easiest form for assimilation by the body. It does not pose a danger to health and well-being if the measure is followed.
Nutritional composition, calorie content and methods of eating persimmons
The Japanese said persimmon is food for the gods, and medicine is for healers. The healing properties of the berry were noticed by the samurai, it was they who took with them in a belt bag dried berries, which in appearance resembled figs. In this form, the fruit did not spoil for a long time and retained the maximum nutritional properties.
Useful properties of persimmon
Persimmon is rightfully considered one of the most useful berries. It contains vitamins A and P, iron, sodium, calcium, potassium, citric and malic acids, essential dietary fiber and beta-carotene, which in combination with vitamin C improves vision and is a powerful antioxidant. Persimmon strengthens blood vessels, supports the cardiovascular system and removes toxins from the body. Persimmons also contain iodine in some quantity. The berry is famous for its dietary properties, because in one hundred grams of fruit there are hardly 50 calories.
It is best to eat a ripe berry, not frozen, in this case a person will receive all the necessary substances that persimmon is rich in. Next comes dried berries, followed by dried ones. Heat treatment naturally affects the preservation of nutrients.
Drying persimmons
Sometimes during transportation, persimmons are frozen, it is believed that cold reduces astringency. Indeed, it is so. However, unripe fruit will not save you.
Useful properties of persimmon for women
In addition to their nutritional value, persimmons can provide many benefits to the female body. Beta-carotene in its composition has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, while maintaining its natural softness.Vitamins contained in ripe fruits support good vision, increase immunity and prevent the formation of cancer cells.
Did you know? The common persimmon and the Korolek variety are the fruits of the same tree, only the Korolek grows from male pollinated flowers.
Persimmon fruits are a natural antiseptic, they have a mild bactericidal effect, and iodine in their composition improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, which is the main link in the female hormonal system.
Also this berry:
- improves performance;
- has a tonic effect;
- has a mild sedative effect;
- increases efficiency.
Women can use the fruit to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well as varicose veins and anemia. The content of vitamin C in them makes it an excellent assistant in the fight against colds.
Learn more about the beneficial properties of fruits: figs, kumquat, feijoa, longan, medlar, kiwano, guava, pineapple, papaya, lychee, arbutus, yoshta, goji, mulberry, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, currant (red, white, black), plums, cherry plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots, pears, tangerine apples.
How to choose a good persimmon correctly?
Experienced persimmons know: first of all, you need to study the leaves of the berry. The drier and more yellow they are, the more ripe the fruit. Ripe persimmons are translucent and spotty in places. However, it is also better not to buy too "sour" fruit, there is a risk that the berry is unsuitable for food due to problems with transportation.
Ripe persimmon
A ripe berry often has dark specks and small black markings near the stem. Persimmons should not be hard on the one hand and too soft on the other.
Contraindications for the use of persimmon
Berry you can not eat in such cases:
- postoperative period to prevent adhesions and intestinal obstruction;
- intolerance or allergies;
- the presence of problems with the pancreas, acute pancreatitis.
Relative contraindications, when it is permissible to eat persimmon in small quantities, include:
- the presence of diabetes mellitus;
- obesity;
- a tendency to constipation.
To get the most out of the sun fruit you need to properly eat this tasty treat.
This video will tell you about the benefits of persimmon:
The following video will tell you what you can't eat persimmons with:
This video will show you what happens if you overeat persimmons:
What to do if persimmon is bitter?
This is due to the already familiar tannins. You can neutralize the viscosity with a refrigerator. The berries can be frozen for several hours. Another option is to put the persimmon in a bag of tomatoes or apples. The ethylene they release will help the berry ripen and get rid of excess viscosity.
If none of the options are suitable, you can simply stew the fruit, the berry will lose its astringency after heat treatment. In the Caucasus, such a side dish is often used with veal. For example, you can make a warm Italian pasta sauce.
Pasta sauce for veal
Indications for the use of persimmon
Doctors advise to include an exotic fruit in the diet for patients with gastritis, psoriasis, hypertension, iodine deficiency. The vitamins and minerals in persimmons are also used to:
- treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, stomach;
- normalization of the genitourinary system;
- fight overweight;
- strengthening immunity;
- reducing the risk of developing anemia;
- relieving migraine symptoms
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The Arabs and Persians believe that genies are in the trunk and branches of the persimmon, which transmit a little fire to the orange fruit.
In what form and what varieties are best used
Each berry variety has its own characteristics. Some are too sweet, some are hard, the third has a bitter aftertaste, the fourth can be stored for a long time. They are all known and widely used by humans.
Fig persimmon
The benefits of fig persimmon are invaluable. The harm to humans is minimal. The negative effect is primarily with overeating the product. Fig persimmon is one of the most popular in the preparation and storage of berries. This is the so-called black variety, which is especially tasty when fresh and dries well.
By the way, persimmon is a rare berry that practically does not lose its beneficial properties when dried.
The benefits and harms of persimmon seeds
For reference: persimmon seeds are a completely edible product. In the United States, they were used by the Indians, back in the Civil War. They pounded powder out of them and made pancakes. It was believed that they are more satisfying than wheat flour.
In ground form, brewed in tea, the seeds are an excellent invigorating agent, not inferior to coffee.
They are fried, like pumpkin seeds, but for some reason this is not customary in our country.
How to dry persimmons properly?
The Japanese call dry persimmon - a natural candy. Usually it is brewed into tea, or used in the preparation of compotes. A big plus is that this kind of berry can be stored for many months. The benefits and harms of dried persimmon are relative.
Where do you come from?
China is considered the birthplace of persimmons. Scientists say that 2000 years ago, people began to eat its fruits. However, then she looked different. It was small, about the size of a cherry. In China today, you can find varieties in the wild that have retained their original appearance.
From China, the plant came to Japan. From there it spread throughout the world. In Russia, persimmon is cultivated in the Crimea and Krasnodar Territory.
One adult tree produces 200 - 300 kg of berries.
How to properly store persimmons at home?
- Freezing... The berries are washed, cut, laid out in bags. In this form, persimmon can be stored for up to six months. It is necessary to take ripe fruits.
- Dried or dried... In this case, the best storage method is covered dishes. Storage time from three months.
- In a refrigerator the purchased persimmon is stored for no more than 4 days.
Frozen persimmon
The harm and benefits of persimmon for the body
There are practically no contraindications if berries are taken in moderate doses. The tart fruit has a truly unique array of nutrients that can help a person cope with a variety of diseases.
For men
Persimmon - benefit or harm to men's health. The trickle of the scales is unequivocally in favor of…. Persimmons. The problem of modern men is a sedentary lifestyle. Hemorrhoids, back and spine diseases, headaches, diseases of the genitourinary sphere, alas, men are more prone to stress than Japanese samurai.
In this sense, persimmon can be a good remedy that will help to restore "masculine strength", stimulates metabolic processes in the prostate gland, and normalizes reproductive function. (How can we not recall the overpopulation of Japan and China).
Persimmon and man
Retinol, which is part of the berry, is responsible for improving the quality and motility of sperm, and vitamin A prevents prostate pathology. In medicine, it is known that prostate adenoma occurs due to hormonal disruption, an excess of prolactin. Persimmon reduces this index and brings it to the required indicators.
For women
Thanks to this same ability, persimmon helps women cope with the signs of menopause, help fight infertility, reduces the severity of periodic pain, and maintains the required level of hemoglobin during critical days.
Woman with persimmon
Regular consumption of persimmons normalizes pressure surges. Persimmons are rich in calcium, and its lack, as we know, worsens the condition of hair and nails.
For kids
But for children, on the contrary, persimmon is contraindicated.Until the age of three, the child's digestive system cannot digest the fibers of the berry, even one piece of fruit can lead to intestinal obstruction. Therefore, at first, it is better for the child to opt for other fruits.
Baby and fruit
Otherwise, you can cause irreparable harm to health. The benefits of persimmon for a child are most evident after 10 years of age. Calcium contributes to the formation of the skeleton and musculoskeletal mass of the child, increases stress resistance, which has recently been a big problem for schoolchildren.
The benefits and harms of persimmon for pregnant women
Vitamins and tannins contained in persimmon are especially important for a woman's body during pregnancy. Amino acids remove excess water and reduce the risk of edema. The berry increases the elasticity of tissues, which means that the expectant mother will have fewer stretch marks.
Persimmon and pregnancy
The complex of vitamins will strengthen the immune system, which so needs support for all 9 months. Beta-carotene and calcium will saturate the bones with the necessary calcium and magnesium. Natural iron will reduce the risk of anemia. A mild laxative effect will help a woman get rid of persistent constipation.
Persimmon - the doctor should determine the benefits and harm to the health of a pregnant woman. A woman should understand that she is responsible not only for her life, but also for the health of her child.
Structure
Remember this honey-tart taste? Why is persimmon as tart and astringent as the infusion of strong black tea? All thanks to the tannin - tannin.
When tannin comes in contact with proteins that we have in our mouth, we experience an astringent, tart taste. But this is characteristic only of unripe fruits. If it is for this reason that you dislike them, then eat only ripe berries, or bring them to ripeness yourself. How to do this is described in detail in the article - how to accelerate the ripening of persimmons.
Persimmons are especially rich in iodine. There is almost the same amount of this trace element in it as in seaweed and fish. There are not many products known in nature with a similar plant source of iodine. In addition to iodine, the fruit also contains:
- vitamin C - up to 55% of the daily value;
- vitamin A;
- B vitamins;
- malic and citric acid;
- iron;
- calcium;
- copper;
- potassium;
- manganese;
- catechins;
- glucose;
- sucrose.
Persimmon for various diseases
Today we have already mentioned the healing properties of the tart berry. Let us briefly recall the main ones.
With diabetes... Everything is good in moderation. For diabetics, persimmon, as a medicine, should be taken a little at a time. It will increase the elasticity of blood vessels, which is extremely necessary for people with this disease.
With diseases of the liver and kidneys... Removes toxins, stimulates water exchange.
With pancreatitis... Reduces the risk of kidney stones formation, increases the rate of bile formation.
With intestinal diseases... Fiber and coarse fibers enhance intestinal motility, remove waste, relieve intestinal infections and parasites.
With anemia... Persimmons contain large amounts of natural iron.
With heart disease... Normalizes blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attack and strokes. Strengthens blood vessels and heart muscle.
Contraindications:
However, such a bad fruit also has contraindications. First of all, this is the postoperative time, especially during operations on the gastrointestinal tract. Among other things, persimmon is indicated in small quantities for diabetics. Unripe fruit is dangerous, since excess tannin can provoke acute intestinal obstruction.
Berry varieties
The most common varieties in our region are Sharon and Korolek. Sharon was taken out of an apple and a Japanese persimmon. Due to this hybridity, the skin of the fruit is thin and the flesh is dense, so it can be eaten like an apple.
The kinglet, unlike the sharon, has bones, and it tastes more tart.
Although the taste of the berries may differ slightly, all varieties are the same in usefulness: they have an antibacterial effect, stimulate the immune system and, in general, saturate the body with vitamins and microelements.
Persimmon at home from seeds
For those who want to provide themselves with juicy and sweet fruits at any time of the year, you can think about growing persimmons on a windowsill. However, it should be understood that the first "harvest" will have to wait five years. This is especially true for "stone fruit" varieties, i.e. not vaccinated.
Pros of growing persimmons at home:
- Persimmon does not require special care.
- It is a perennial plant.
Minuses:
- The plant requires space, depending on the variety, it can grow up to 10-15 meters.
- Requires constant humidity and light.
- Like all perennial plants, it sheds leaves for the winter.
.
conclusions: It makes sense to grow for a summer residence. Or for an experiment.
If you decide to grow a tree from seed, the quality of the seeds is of the utmost importance. This issue must be approached thoroughly - after all, the fruits will delight the owner of the house for many years. Usually Russians choose Korolek.
For men
Persimmon is no less useful for men than for women. "Divine fruit", as it is called in China, is able to act as an aphrodisiac: it increases libido, enhances interest in the female sex and increases the sensitivity of receptors.
Fruits contain a lot of magnesium and calcium, and from their lack in the body, sexual impotence appears.
If a man regularly eats persimmons during the season, it will reduce the risk of prostatitis.
According to statistics, men are more likely to suffer from heart disease than women. Persimmon is an excellent cardiofruit, which is a must for hearts.
How to plant?
First of all, the bone must be chosen from the fruit that has just been eaten, preferably not subjected to either freezing or overheating. Otherwise, there is no need to wait for the harvest.
The next step is to prepare the seed for germination. To do this, it is placed in a humid environment for three to five days. Most often these are cotton pads dipped in water, the container is placed in a plastic bag.
Now it is important to plant the bone correctly. For planting, it is better to take at least three seeds. To do this, prepare the soil: Add one tablespoon of vermiculite to ordinary soil at the rate of 0.5 liters of capacity, mix. Put expanded clay scalded with boiling water on the bottom of the pot.
| Photo | Description of action |
| This is how sprouted persimmon seeds look like. | |
| Prepare holes for planting with a toothpick or wooden stick. | |
| We spread the seeds with the sprouted side down. | |
| Water and cover with foil. | |
| We poke holes in the film. We put the form with seeds in a warm place. | |
| After 10, maximum 15 days, the sprout will appear. It must be carefully peeled off with tweezers and tweezers. It is important here to wait until the seed opens up to half. | |
| This is how the plant will be in a month. |
It is not so difficult to grow a persimmon from a stone on a windowsill, it is more difficult to wait for the first fruits. When you see that sprouts have appeared, the pot needs to be rearranged with a cut to the light. This is how the young shoots of persimmon will look like in two months.
Young persimmon
From seed to plant fruit
Every day the plant will gain strength, it is important to remember that this plant is not a decorative flower and requires space. The first year the tree needs to be replanted often, further its growth will noticeably decrease. When it reaches 1.5 meters, you can pinch it.
