2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The paradise apple (Diospyros kaki) (Persimmon) is a plant of the ebony family (Ebenaceae), a genus of Diospyros and an exotic fruit that is probably the most cold-resistant among subtropical fruit plants. Surprisingly, during dormancy the fruit can withstand up to -20 degrees. In our country the most cold-resistant variety of paradise apple is Kosta.
The paradise apple looks like a cross between a yellow apple and a red tomato. Extremely useful and tasty, it has an oval or slightly elliptical shape and a deep orange color. It is characterized by a four-part elliptical cup.
Translated from Greek, the name of the fruit means "divine fire". Homeland of this unique fruit are China and Japan. In their lands from time immemorial appreciate the delicious fruit and know all its health benefits. Much later, only in The paradise apple was distributed in the Mediterranean and then in America in the 18th century, when the orange tomato-like fruit reached Bulgaria in the middle of the last century, and today it can be seen growing in some parts of the Black Sea and in Southern Bulgaria.
The paradise apple begins to bear fruit usually after 3-4 years from planting the tree. Its flowering is in May. The height of the paradise apple tree reaches 8-10 m, and its leaves are specific - large with an elliptical shape and rich in oil.
Varieties of paradise apple
As a representative of the subtropical climate zone, the paradise apple and its varieties are extremely resistant to cold or lower temperatures. There are 5 soras paradise apple:
- Fuyu - a popular variety of paradise apple with quite sweet and crunchy fruits. In shape and size they are slightly flattened and of medium size. The fruit begins to ripen when its color changes from green to orange;
- Suruga - these are larger paradise apples with their characteristic orange-red color. They ripen in late October, early November and have a fairly dense and sweet interior;
- Giant Fuyu - in shape this variety paradise apple is more elongated and large. It has a reddish color even when immature. At full maturity, their color becomes dark red. The tree itself of this variety is low, and the apples of paradise ripen in October;
- Jiro - this is probably the most popular variety of paradise apple in America. The fruits themselves are quite large and of very good quality;
- Costata - this variety paradise apple has a pronounced conical shape. It ripens in October and is characterized by a yellow color and a pronounced astringent taste at full maturity.
Composition of the paradise apple
The delicious and exotic for us paradise apple is a bomb of useful substances for the body. It contains significant doses of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, vitamin C, P, PP, B1, B2, E and glutamic acid. The fruits of the paradise apple are rich in sugars (glucose and fructose 13-19%), pectin and dyes.
They make the fruit quite nutritious. In ripe paradise apples the amount of sugar is 17-18%. In 100 g of persimmon there are: 127 kcal, 0.4 g of fat, 33.5 g of carbohydrates, 64.4 ml of water, 100 ml of potassium. The glycemic index of the paradise apple is 44.77.
Selection and storage of paradise apple
When choosing paradise apple on the market you can not help but notice that most of the fruit is rotten. This is normal and in most cases is a sign that the fruit is ripe and tasty. Choose relatively hard paradise apples and generally without mechanical injuries. Eat well-ripened fruits quickly because they do not have a long shelf life.
On the market you will find more often paradise apples, which are sold after the green ones have been picked. This is for greater durability, but do not eat the unripe fruit, which is reminiscent of the still green pink tomato.
However, this does not mean that you cannot buy the paradise apple. When you get home, just leave the fruit on the windowsill and wait for it to color well. The most delicious are considered to be the paradise apples, ripe on a tree and acquired a soft and sweet texture of the branch itself.
Store the paradise apple in the refrigerator, preferably in the lower compartment for fruits and vegetables. There, the fruits can last a maximum of 2 weeks. Under no circumstances freeze the fruit.
Culinary application of the paradise apple
The culinary application of the paradise apple is not great, because it is best to just eat the fruit raw. To do this, you need to remove its skin, as well as the stone in the heart of the paradise apple. The rest of the fruit in a fleshy and tasty part that you need to eat instantly.
All the valuable substances of the paradise apple can be preserved in it only if it is raw. Do not heat it, just put it as a garnish or decoration for cakes. C paradise apple you can prepare sweet and tasty creams, as well as put it in a cake or pastry.
Syrup or compotes, various jellies, jams and marmalades are prepared from the fruits of the paradise apple. It is easy to make homemade persimmon syrup. To do this, peel and finely chop a few fruits, pour hot water over them and after 5-10 minutes strain the water. Mash the fruit. Pour the juice into bottles and store it in a cool, tightly closed.
Benefits of the paradise apple
The bright orange color of paradise apples indicates a high content of beta-carotene, which is very important for vision and protects the skin from premature aging. With its huge content of vitamin C, the paradise apple has been used as a successful remedy for scurvy for centuries. Vitamin C helps to deal with viral conditions, and in combination with beta carotene, both vitamins guarantee a strong immune system.
The rich content of vitamin PP in the paradise apple successfully fights fatigue, depression, makes our skin healthy and without acne, and the hair acquires a cow shine and structure. The magnesium in the paradise apple is important for the work of the heart, potassium strengthens the circulatory system, and iron fights anemia.
Even nowadays, folk medicine uses persimmon in the treatment of anemia, impaired gastrointestinal tract, various seasonal ailments, such as flu, colds, because orange fruits perfectly increase our resistance.
Due to the high content of vitamins, as well as small doses of lycopene, persimmon is an excellent antioxidant that reduces free radicals and fights melancholic moods, especially during the winter months.
The most valuable in the paradise apple is vegetable sugar. It is quite a good helper in diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as in high blood pressure. Paradise apple has a diuretic effect, and 3-4 fruits a day are better than pills to regulate blood pressure.
On top of that, the paradise apple is a faithful friend of those of us who want to get rid of some other unnecessary ring. The fruit provides many valuable substances, and at the same time contains few calories and effectively manages to create a long feeling of satiety. Paradise apple is highly recommended by nutritionists for overweight people.
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Divine Fruit - The Apple Of Paradise
The paradise apple is also called the divine fruit. This name is not accidental at all. Unloved unfairly by some, it is a real vitamin bomb. The many healing properties of the divine fruit have been known for thousands of years. It grows on the tree Malus diospyros.
The Amazing Benefits Of The Paradise Apple
The paradise apple is one of the most useful autumn fruits. It contains antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, the combination of which brings incredible benefits to our body and organism. The fruit is relatively new. It was first discovered in the mid-19th century in China and Japan.
Why Should We Eat A Paradise Apple Often?
The paradise apple is a unique fruit that not everyone loves, but is so useful that it is not worth neglecting. The divine fruit is a vitamin bomb known for its healing properties for centuries. The exotic plant comes from the Ebony family.
Paradise Apple Against Depression
Eating a paradise apple between meals will prevent lung infection, according to a recent study. The reason lies in the content of beta-carotene in these fruits. In addition, regular consumption of persimmon will regulate the digestive processes in the body thanks to the pectin substances contained in the fruit.
In The Season Of The Paradise Apple - What We Need To Know About It
Many of us consume the paradise apple only in the period before the New Year, when the demand for it increases and the amount of products floods the shops and markets. However, heavenly apples should be consumed periodically as they have healing properties.
