2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The junk / cherry plum / are the fruits of the angiosperm plant Prunus cerasifera, belonging to the genus Prunus and the family Rosaceae. In some places in our country it is known as afuzka. Usually this type of plant reaches a height of six to fifteen meters, looking either as large shrubs or as trees of more modest size. In fact, they are one of the earliest flowering trees in the temperate zones of our continent. Usually in mid-February or at the end of the month you can already see the delicate white flowers of the plant.
The leaves of Prunus cerasifera are elliptical in shape, colored green. They are four to six centimeters long. The most important part and undoubtedly the most delicious part of the plant are its fruits. They are spherical and colored yellow or red. They reach 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The fleshy part of the fruit is juicy and soft, with a stone hidden in it. Sometimes the stone is easy to remove, and other times more difficult. It depends on the variety. Otherwise, the meat is thick and sweet, with a sour note. It is covered with a shiny shell.
Prunus cerasifera trees are not inferior to other members of the genus. Their very positive feature is the great fertility. Sometimes 200-300 kilograms are obtained from adult trees junks. They are characterized by the fact that they grow very quickly and can grow in all regions of the country. It is believed that this type of plant originated in the Balkans. They are widespread in many places in Europe and in the Middle East.
Composition of junk
Junks are a source of many valuable substances. They contain water, fiber, sugars, proteins. They contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B4, vitamin B9 and vitamin K. They are also a source of pectin, organic acids, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and others.
Varieties of junk
Different varieties are grown junks. Among the most famous are the Red Aphis, the Yellow Aphis and the Enibakanka. The red aphid has large and rounded fruits, colored in dark red, sometimes in dark purple. The flesh is thick and juicy, and the stone is easily separated. The yellow aphid also has round fruits. The fruits are fleshy, yellow, with a faint scent of apricot. The stone is a little harder to separate. Enibakanka is characterized by large, round fruits, colored red. It is a common culture in Yambol and Sliven.
Growing junk
According to experts, it is advisable to plant plants belonging to different varieties for successful pollination and fertilization. Usually Prunus cerasifera is tried at 6 x 4 meters, and it is possible that these parameters may change depending on the conditions that are present in your garden. It is also recommended to water the tree for two weeks before the fruits begin to ripen. Junks are not particularly susceptible to disease, so no special action is required in this regard.
Sometimes, however, young saplings are attacked by aphids. In the first years the plants grow quickly. They are cold-resistant and also drought-resistant. They can grow on different types of soil. Prunus cerasifera bears fruit quickly. Junks are picked by grinding or shaking the tree. As before, the area under the plant should be cleaned of weeds and debris. For greater convenience, you can lay nylon or canvas. After the junks are removed, the poor quality material is removed and the rest is used as intended.
Selection and storage of junk
When we choose junks, we must pay attention to several of their features. The fruits should not be too soft. Their appearance should be fresh and their surface smooth. Once picked, the mature junk cannot be kept fresh for long. They are easily expensive, so it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible.
Culinary use of junk
Juicy and sweet meat of junks make them suitable for use in any culinary experiments. Over the years, chefs have found their application in various marmalades, jams, nectars, compotes, oshav and even pickles. Their characteristic sour taste makes them a perfect ingredient in specialties such as Bakla with junk, Naked soup and Casserole with vegetables and junk. However, among the emblematic for the Bulgarians products with junk remains the brandy produced by them, or the so-called junk. It can be prepared from different varieties of Prunus cerasifera, as long as they are ripe at the same time.
Benefits of junk
The junk are fruits that have many useful qualities. They provide the body with energy and supply it with invaluable nutrients. As a source of fiber, these delicious balls support normal digestion and are a great helper in constipation and lazy intestines. According to some folk healers, junks help with vomiting and lethargy. They give the body energy and improve tone, so they are recommended for people who often feel tired and tired.
They also help with metabolism. Some experts claim that junks successfully protect against osteoporosis and have a positive effect on women who have entered menopause. It is also interesting that the flowers of Prunus cerasifera are used in homeopathy. The essence of them is used in preparations against fear, physical and emotional exhaustion, sleep problems.
Harms from junk
Although they are very useful and delicious, with junks they should not be overdone, especially when they are not well ripened. People with sensitive stomachs should be most careful, because with excessive consumption of green fruits, they can get an upset stomach.
