Kumquat

The exotic name Kumquat belongs to a fruit that resembles in appearance the mandarin of elongated shape. At the same time, its citrus taste is distinguished by light sourness, and its aroma is bright and fragrant. This fruit ripens in southeastern China, in the province of Guangzhou, translated into Russian its name translates as "golden apple".

On the shelves of stores in Russia, kumquat appeared relatively recently. Due to its unique taste, it is becoming more and more popular every day. In addition, this unusual fruit possesses the mass of useful properties.

What is useful kumquat?

Kumquat is different from many other fruits in that it contains no nitrates.

• Fruit is recommended to use to people who adhere to a strict diet. It allows you to compensate for the lack of important vitamins in the body, which are often lacking during the struggle with excess weight.
• The antibacterial properties of this fruit are most pronounced when its peel is exposed to heat.
• Kumquat has a positive effect on apathy, nervous tension and stress.
• Promotes the "golden apple" and accelerate the process of recovery from fungal diseases, thanks to its antibacterial properties. It is an excellent prevention of diseases of this nature.
• Vitamin drink made from kumquat, will be an excellent prevention of colds. To enhance the health effect, you can add ginger root to it.

How to eat kumquat?

So that the kumquat could show all its beneficial properties, it is best to eat along with the peel in fresh form. When heat treated vitamins are destroyed. But with the skin, it should be used with caution, because it can irritate the kidneys.

Also, the fruit can be added to snacks, desserts, sauces, pastries, salads, seasonings, cocktails and tea, baked with fish and meat dishes, it will emphasize the taste of poultry dishes. Finely chopped pieces of this fruit will give an unusual savory touch to the usual recipe. In addition, it can be an excellent basis for making marmalades and preserves. Jam or candied fruit can be made from it.

If you mix 0.5 tsp. ginger root, 1 tbsp. l sugar, 2 finely grated dried kumquat fruit with 35 ml of white rum, and then strain, you get the original cocktail. For completeness, ice should be added there. To preserve the beneficial properties of dried kumquat should be stored in a bag of fabric, cleaning in a dry place. Also for storage you can use a plastic or glass container with a tightly closed lid. Fresh fruit can be stored for 14 days in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Dried kumquat: calorie content

The caloric content of this fruit is 71 kcal per 100 g. The energy value of dried kumquat is per 100 g of product: 4 g of proteins, 2 g of fat and 10 g of carbohydrates. And given the large number of useful elements that make up its composition, it is safe to say that this fruit will become a valuable component in the menu of people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Dried kumquat: useful properties

Dried kumquat contains a large amount of mineral elements and vitamins, without which our body simply can not do. Like any citrus fruits, this fruit is rich in vitamin C. In addition, kumquat contains vitamin A and E, vitamins of group B. Of the trace elements, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, manganese, sodium, copper and zinc are particularly worth mentioning.

• Essential oils contained in the peel of kumquat and giving it such a pleasant aroma, have antibacterial properties. Therefore, it is better to dry untreated.
• Dried kumquat can normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as prevent the development of duodenal ulcer and stomach.
• The use of the "golden apple" - a good prevention of acute respiratory infections and a great way to strengthen the immune system. In addition, the pieces of this fruit can be decomposed in the house, when the period of influenza and acute respiratory epidemic comes. Essential oil secreted by the peel, will help disinfect the air, cope with viruses. If you put one piece in the oil burner, then the bactericidal effect will only intensify.
• When coughing, dried kumquat can be put into boiling water and the resulting infusion can be used for inhalation.
• Helps the fetus in the fight against nervous exhaustion, improves the condition of depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and emotional burnout. It has a beneficial effect on mood, increasing body tone.
• Its use has a positive effect on the work of the digestive system. Golden Apple reduces cholesterol levels in blood vessels and is an effective prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Despite the fact that today kumquat is not as widespread as oranges or tangerines, you should pay attention to it. Its beneficial properties are no less varied than other citrus fruits. And in the dried form, with proper storage, they are stored for several years. Even a few kumquat fruits, eaten per day, can improve the overall tone of the body and become a guarantee of a good mood for the whole day. In addition, it is an excellent means of preventing fungal diseases, colds and diseases of the digestive system.