Every year more and more exotic fruits appear on the shelves of our stores, so kumquat (or golden orange) has long ceased to be a novelty. Like all citrus fruits, kumquat fruit has extensive beneficial properties, which will be discussed below.
The composition of Kumquat: a set of vitamins and minerals
Outwardly, kumquat resembles a mixture of orange and lemon. It has a bright orange orange color, but its size is much smaller, and the shape is more elongated. The maximum length of such a fruit can be only 5 centimeters with a diameter of 3 centimeters. The taste of Kumquat citrus is slightly sour, although on the whole it is sweeter, especially if the fruit ripens well. Kumquat or kinkan fruit, as they still like to call it, has a very low calorie content, which attracts nutritionists and fans of healthy food. 100 grams of this fruit contains only 70 Kcal.
Important!The caloric value of kumavat largely depends on the degree of its maturity. The longer it hangs on a branch, the sweeter and more nutritious it will be. However, 70 Kcal per 100 grams is the limit value.
In the process of cooking kumquat usually becomes more caloric. In particular, if it is dried and turned into dried fruit, this figure will increase to 280 Kcal per 100 grams of product. But be that as it may, it is worthwhile to include kumquat in your diet, as it is a source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that the human body needs. Like any other citrus, kumquat also contains essential components, as well as a very large amount of vitamin C. In addition, The chemical composition of this tropical fruit from China contains:
- full set of vitamins of group B;
- vitamins E and P;
- carotene (after consumption turns into vitamin A);
- lutein (necessary for good vision);
- pectin (good effect on digestion, can reduce cholesterol levels);
- fatty acid;
- antioxidants;
- zinc;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- potassium
- calcium;
- sodium;
- magnesium.
Useful properties of Kumquat
It is possible to discuss kinkan and its beneficial properties indefinitely, since this fruit really has a very strong effect on the human body and its regular use can have a positive effect on health. Kumquat is very widely used in Eastern medicine, where it is used not only for prevention, but also for targeted treatment of complex diseases. Therefore, it should be said that kumquat has not only useful properties, but is a medicinal fruit:
- Like all citruses, it is an excellent tool in the fight against colds and viral diseases. Regular consumption of this fruit helps to improve immunity due to the accumulation of large amounts of vitamin C in the body. Even a special tincture is prepared for the treatment of cumquat and honey cough, and inhalations prepared from the skin of this fruit help to fight nasal congestion.
- Kinkan also has a great effect on bacteria, so that in folk medicine it is used as a bactericidal agent. In particular, it is used to combat fungus, inflammatory processes on the skin, and even with purulent exudates.
- Kumquat stimulates the body's metabolism, which in turn leads to the active removal of toxins from the body and to reduce cholesterol levels. This property of the fruit is very valuable for people who struggle with excess fat accumulation.
- It activates the work of the stomach and intestines, as the acid of the fruit stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, and the pectin and fiber contained in the composition cleanse the digestive system well.
The heart and blood vessels also begin to work better, since the mineral components of kumquat are able to normalize blood pressure and improve heart rate, even in old age. People who regularly eat kumquat protect themselves from arthrosis and atherosclerosis.- The use of kumquat improves the flow of mental processes, aided by the nutritional value of the fruit and the content of essential oils in it.
- Essential oils and vitamins that are in the composition of kumquat, also help to cope with nerve loads. Therefore, it is especially important to eat kumquat in a period of depression, as well as with severe mental loads that lead to fatigue.
The heart and blood vessels also begin to work better, since the mineral components of kumquat are able to normalize blood pressure and improve heart rate, even in old age. People who regularly eat kumquat protect themselves from arthrosis and atherosclerosis.Did you know? The properties of the antioxidant can successfully use kumquat in the fight against alcohol poisoning, or simply to relieve a hangover and intoxication.
Is there any benefit from dried product?
It is believed that dried kumquat can bring more benefits to people than fresh fruit. This is due to the fact that in the process of drying the active components are doubled, retaining useful properties. Thus, if you want to get the maximum benefit from the kumquat mentioned above, it is better to eat exactly dried fruit.
Important! Pieces of kumquat peel are recommended to lay out around the room. This will help not only to bring a pleasant smell into the room, but also allow you to clear the air of viruses and bacteria.It is especially important to eat the peel of dried kumquat, since its drying process increases its bactericidal properties, which are important for combating colds. Even if you just take a fresh and dried fruit, you just want to eat dried, because it will emanate more intense flavors.
The useful properties of dried kumquat also include:
- The high caloric content of the product, the use of which becomes especially important in case of a cold, when the body is especially weakened and spends forces on the fight against bacteria. As the dried fruit can be eaten every morning, especially if you do not have enough time for a full breakfast. At the same time the normal daytime tone will be provided to you.
- Useful substances that are part of Kumquat, allow to normalize the digestive processes and help those people who have almost developed gastritis and ulcers.
- Dried kumquat is very sweet, so it can be very easily included in the diet of children, for whom it will be very useful.
However, if you buy dried kumquat, you should carefully look at its color. If the fruit was dried in natural conditions and not stained, it will be very pale, and its brownish tint is slightly noticeable. A very strong and pleasant citrus scent will be heard from a well-dried kumquat. If in front of you are bright pieces of kumquat, and without a characteristic aroma - they were dried in special installations, and also tinted to make it attractive.How to eat kumquat?
Kinkan fruit, unlike all citrus fruits, is recommended to eat along with the peel. Of course, many people do this with lemons and oranges, but in the case of kumquat, this is really an important recommendation, since it is in the peel that the majority of nutrients are contained. Besides, if kumquat pulp has a more sour taste, then the peel is sweeter and more pleasant, which is why it is simply impossible to refuse its use. You can not eat only the bones of this fruit.
If we talk about cooking, that is, kumquat can be both fresh and as part of various dishes, including hot ones. If fresh is well suited to salads, desserts and cocktail drinks, then in cooked it can be served both to vegetables and to meat. From its fruits you can cook very savory sauces, as well as sweet preserves and jams. Good and fresh kumquat, which can not only be drunk as a separate drink, but also added to the composition of fruit cocktails, or used as a dressing for a salad. Interestingly, on the basis of kumquat even alcoholic drinks, for example, liqueur, are prepared.
Did you know? Kumquat can be marinated in jars, as well as lemons. In this case, the fruit will retain all its beneficial properties, and its taste will only improve.
How to prepare a kumquat?
Since we have already learned about the benefits of kumquat, it is important to pay attention to how to properly prepare it, so that this storehouse of health is always at hand during the difficult winter period for the immune system. You need to buy only ripe fruit, without visible damage, although they should not be too soft and overripe, because they can not be stored for a long time.
In order to keep its freshness as long as possible, it should be placed in a refrigerator in a special chamber for fruit storage. The truth before this is not superfluous to wash the fruit and dry.
Frozen kumquat blanks will also be useful in the winter. To do this, the fruit is worth mince or blender, to make it a smooth mashed potatoes. In this state, it is laid out in small containers and frozen, adhering to a temperature range from -15 to -19˚С. In this state, the fruit can retain its beneficial properties for 6 months, that is, almost until the summer.
Did you know? Kumquat essential oil is also widely used and used. It is recommended to use as a means to combat depression, as well as to relieve persistent anxiety. People who often breathe this fragrance, there is an improvement in mental activity.
What harm can kumquat cause to the human body?
Kumquat fruit has not only beneficial properties but also contraindications, and sometimes can cause significant harm to health. In particular, there are a number of cases where a person may suffer from this exotic fruit. In particular:
- Kumquat will not benefit you if you suffer from gastritis or an ulcer that is in a progressive form. All this is due to the high acidity of the fruit, as well as the aggressive components contained in its peel.
Kumquat should not be used by people with pathological problems of the kidneys, which can only be aggravated by this product.- It is not recommended to use this product in food and with a general intolerance to citrus.
- It is undesirable to use it in chronic allergic reactions, as it can cause irritation and rash on the epidermis.
- Diabetics should limit the amount of kumquat in the diet, as this fruit is very rich in glucose.
- Kumquat consumption by pregnant women will not do harm only in the first half of the term, but in the last trimester this citrus fruit is better not to eat, as it can cause allergies to the fetus.
Kumquat should not be used by people with pathological problems of the kidneys, which can only be aggravated by this product.Important! To enjoy not only tasty, but also healthy fruit, kumquat must be able to choose. You should buy only perfectly smooth fruit, with orange peel. The presence of cracks or black spots on the peel is unacceptable. Mature kumquat has moderate softness.So, if you do not have contraindications to the use of this "sunny orange", with the next opportunity be sure to put it in your basket. It will not be superfluous to stock up on frozen and dried kumquat, which is especially useful during the cold season.
