The story
Dogwood is one of the oldest fruit plants. Archaeologists found its bones when excavating settlements during the Neolithic period, that is, our ancestors already ate it seven thousand years ago.
Features
In appearance, these are small fruits of deep red color. Dogwood is usually called a berry, although botanists refer to drupes along with cherries, peaches and plums. Each fruit has a seed that resembles a date seed.
An interesting fact
This plant got its name from its bright red young branches and fruits; it is borrowed from Turkic languages, where the wordкизил means “красный”.
Varieties
The dogwood tree grows both in the wild and in gardens. Breeders have developed varieties that bear fruit during August – October. Species with berries of different shapes and colors have also appeared: pear-shaped and spherical, bright yellow and lilac.
Composition
The berry is low in sugars and calories. 100 grams of dogwood contains:
water – 85 g;
carbohydrates — 9 g;
proteins — 1 g;
fats — 0.01 g;
caloric content – 45 kcal;
the glycemic index is 25.
Health benefits
Vitamin C source
It contains a lot of ascorbic acid, an important vitamin for health. In the 18th century, dogwood was successfully used as a remedy for scurvy.
An interesting fact
Just 100 grams of fruit contain about 27% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
It affects blood sugar levels
Moderate consumption of dogwood is beneficial for diabetics.
A study involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus showed that those who consumed dogwood fruit extract had increased insulin levels.
Contains antioxidants
Dogwood is a source of antioxidants that minimize oxidative processes in our body, thereby slowing down cell aging and strengthening the immune system.
Potential harm
Scientists have conducted research and found no significant harm to a healthy body of berries. But you should not overdo it either – the recommended portion is 100 grams per day.
It is better to limit or completely exclude consumption for people with stomach and kidney diseases, since organic acids found in large quantities in dogwood can be harmful.
It is also worth considering that berries are a tonic, so it’s best not to eat them before going to bed, as this can lead to insomnia.
savour
Taste tones may vary depending on the variety and ripeness of the berries. But in general, the fruits are sweet and sour with a subtle, pleasant astringency — a cross between cranberries, cherries and rose hips.
How to choose
Choose berries of a deep red hue – they are the ripest. Unripe fruits have a tart, astringent taste. It is important that they spring a little when pressed, and the surface should not be cracked or damaged.
Council
Buy berries based on how you intend to use them next. For example, slightly overripe fruits are perfect for sauces, jams and compotes.
What to cook
Make dogwood jam, jelly, marshmallow, marmalade, jam and jam with a sweet and sour taste. It is well suited for many drinks: compote, juice, fruit drink, liqueur and tinctures.
Dogwood fruits are dried to be added as a seasoning for meat and fish. Unripe ones are salted like barberry and marinated like olives.
Due to their acidity and coloring properties, dogwood fruits can be blended with berries, fruits and vegetables to improve their taste and color.
How to store
Berries can be stored in different ways: dried or fresh, in the refrigerator or in the freezer. In the latter, dogwood is stored for up to a year without losing its benefits and aroma. Interestingly, the cold has a special effect on berries — they become sweeter. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before freezing, then place them in a tightly closed container.
Keep dried dogwood in a cool, dark place and protect it from moisture: this way it can be stored for a whole year without losing its benefits.
Source: https://food.ru/
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