2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Prunes represent the fruit of the fruit crop Prunus domestica, belonging to the subfamily Prunoidae of the family Rosaceae. Usually the tree species reaches a height of three to eight meters. The flowers of the plant are white, and the tree is decorated with them even before the leaves appear.
For its part prune leaves are elliptical in shape and green in color. They are also differently pointed. The fruits of the fruit crop are ready to eat by the end of summer. You will recognize them by their elongated or elliptical shape, as well as by the blue leather shell, which in some places is more purple than blue.
As it ripens, the flesh of the fruit is sour in taste and greenish in color. Gradually the taste acquires sweetness and the flesh turns yellow. When the fruit is completely ready for consumption, it is quite juicy and pleasant to the taste. Of course, the taste of different varieties is not the same, so some are sweeter than others. Prunes grow mainly in Europe and Asia, and tend to grow on different types of soil. Several are grown in our country prunes. The most common among them are the Gabrovo Blue Plum, the Kyustendil Blue Plum and Strinava.
History of prunes
According to some sources prunes were cultivated in China, from where they subsequently spread to our continent as well as to other parts of the world. It turns out that our ancestors used these fruits for food two millennia ago. And in order for them to enjoy their taste for a longer time, they used different techniques for their storage. They often resorted to drying the food.
Composition of prunes
Prunes are a source of a lot of useful substances. They contain pectin, tannins, organic acids, vitamins B1, B2, PP, C, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus.
Storage of prunes
If you do not have the opportunity to grow these delicious fruits yourself, then in any case you could find them on the market. When you choose prunes, do not take ones that are too soft, as prunes generally do not last long and in such a situation, they would rot very soon if not consumed immediately.
Otherwise, drying is already a well-known way to store prunes. For this purpose, shiny, healthy and elastic fruits are chosen, on which there are no traces of mold or any disease / damage /. The plums are dried whole after being thoroughly washed. Then they are dried and left in a sunny place for no more than ten days.
Successful prunes are relatively smaller, shrunken, black in color, shiny. After drying, the flesh darkens and acquires a brownish color. They contain a large amount of nutrients and are very useful. However, the disadvantage is that they could not last much if you do not store a paper bag, and at a temperature of 12 degrees.
If stored in a humid place, it is possible for the fruit to form unwanted microorganisms. Usually, with proper storage in a dry place, the products will retain their shelf life for up to a year. When you have decided that it is time to eat prunes, you can pre-soak them in water for about an hour or two, as they will be severely dehydrated and hard. Prunes can be stored and in the freezer. For this purpose, it is not a bad idea to pre-wash, dry and pit them.
Benefits of prunes
Prunes have always been known as a very useful food product, but lately it seems that more and more often specialists have started trumpeting about the incredible benefits of their consumption. Over the years, scientists have discovered that these delicious fruits have a diuretic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, cleansing, choleretic and tonic effect. If you suffer from lazy intestines, then the intake of these fruits can only have a beneficial effect on you.
Numerous studies show that prunes help in anemia, asthma, arthritis, colon problems, gastrointestinal complaints, kidney problems. Prunes also normalize blood pressure and strengthen the liver. Taken during colds and persistent coughs, they help the unpleasant sensations to subside faster. Consumption of prunes is also recommended for postmenopausal women. Prunes should not be excluded from the menu during physical fatigue and stress, as they help the body recover.
US studies also show that frequent consumption of prunes can fight gum problems and even tooth decay. According to scientists, these fruits contain substances that have the ability to destroy the bacteria responsible for the formation of tartar.
Nutritionists are fascinated by prunes, as they are not only useful, but even actively help to lose weight. They suppress appetite and improve the digestive process, which could only facilitate the removal of excess weight. Note that if you eat prunes to this end, you should do it by early afternoon at the latest, because fruits simply contain sugars that need time to break down. It is not recommended to consume them in the late hours and at night, because instead of losing weight, you are more likely to gain weight.
Consumption of prunes reduces the risk of eye problems. The antioxidants they contain protect the eye from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
The content of vitamin K in prunes has a positive effect on the nervous system. This element significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's. They help the body get rid of so-called bad cholesterol.
Among other things, prunes are quite nutritious and charge the body with energy for a long time. Thanks to Prunus domestica they manage to balance the processes in the human body. Prunes manage to serve as a beauty tool. Hair mask prepared with them restores shine and elasticity to the hair. If you include the miraculous fruits in a face lipstick, you will notice how your complexion has become clearer and your skin has become smoother and softer. Today, prunes are also used in the manufacture of various cosmetic products.
Prune juice is also extremely useful for the body and especially for getting in shape. Thanks to the substances in its composition, it creates a feeling of satiety for a long time. In this way, calorie intake is significantly limited. Do not overdo it, because it can cause gas and stomach discomfort!
Few know that prunes has a very good effect in the treatment of corns. You need a few pitted plums to boil in milk. When the mixture is ready, allow to cool slightly, but not completely. You need to put on the callus while the medicine is still warm. Do the procedure for a few days and you will see how soon the callus will start to soften and can be easily removed with pumice.
Prunes in cooking
Taking into account the fact that prunes are not only useful, but also delicious, we can not fail to mention that they are widely used in the preparation of a number of popular specialties. Plum pie, plum pie, plum pudding and pork combined with these amazing fruits are just a very small part of all the culinary temptations you can invite to your table. Nectars, syrups, plum jam, jellies, oshav, plum compote, liqueurs have long been prepared from prunes. Plum brandy is extremely widespread in Bulgaria. Otherwise, prunes go very well with honey, walnuts, cinnamon and coconut.
Harm from prunes
Although extremely useful, with prunes should not be overdone. In case you have a more sensitive stomach, excessive consumption of these fruits can cause you an unwanted laxative effect. People who have kidney stones also should not consume prunes!
If you are still wondering whether to plant prunes in your orchard, don't be surprised, do it today. If you do not have a yard, try to include these delicious and very useful fruits in your menu.
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Diet With Prunes
The prune diet is considered one of the most effective. It is observed only 3 days, during which you can lose up to 2 kg. The diet also helps to clarify the complexion, as well as cleanse and refresh the body. The best time to take this diet is the end of summer.
7 Health Benefits From Eating Fresh And Prunes
Besides being very tasty, prunes are extremely nutritious and healthy food. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. You can eat them fresh or dried. And if you still haven't made them an integral part of your menu, we suggest you check out 7 proven ones health benefits of taking prunes - in both variants, fresh or dried.
Prunes Are As Useful As Fresh Ones
Prunes are an incredibly useful gift from nature. They contain many vitamins (B1, B2, PP, C), provitamin A, as well as minerals, trace elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron. It is well known that prunes are consumed in addition to fresh, jam, marmalade, compote, and dried.
With Prunes Against Toothache And Gum Problems
Of the fruit trees grown in our country, prunes are one of the most common. Prune is a honey tree that is highly valued because it contains pectin, vitamins, fiber, minerals and other nutrients. Its taste is also not to be overlooked. They are consumed both fresh and dried.
Eat Prunes To Keep You Lean
Prunes are our best allies in the fight against excess weight, because they eliminate the feeling of hunger, reports the Daily Mail. Nutritionists usually advise people on a diet to avoid dried fruits because they are high in sugar. But an experiment conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool actually shows that consuming prunes lose weight more easily than those who do not include them in their diet.
