German medlar is a plant of the pink family. It grows in the southwestern part of Asia, in the south of Eastern Europe and in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Therefore, it is often called the loquat Caucasian.
Pick your recipe
Medlar is a small red-brown fruit, the diameter of which does not exceed three centimeters. Despite the expanded sepals, giving the medlar a hollow appearance, the fruits are solid. Inside, in the pulp are the bones. The taste of the fruit is astringent, sour. But if you keep it in the cold, then the medlar will become sweet and later it can be used in cooking.
100 g of German (Caucasian) medlar contains 525 kcal., 14 g of carbohydrates, pectin, vitamins A, C and group B. Moreover, proteins and fats are completely absent. Among the minerals, potassium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, iron and others are present.
The medlar contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals, the lion's share is vitamin C. 100 grams of fruit contains 17.8% of ascorbic acid from the recommended daily intake. Therefore, it is very useful in the offseason. Regular use of medlar strengthens the immune system, helping the body resist the effects of viruses and infections.
Potassium contained in the fetus has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, prevents the development of diseases in this area, improves the condition of blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots. The fruits of medlar can normalize blood pressure and affect the quality of blood coagulation. Using medlar, you can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Organic acids are present in the fruits of medlar, they have a beneficial effect on the functions of the liver and blood vessels, normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands. The composition also contains tannins with anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. The fruits of medlar have an indispensable benefit for hypofunction, disorders of the nervous system, as well as for the prevention of cancer.
Medlar contains pectin. The main properties of the substance are cleansing the body of decay products, eliminating cholesterol, improving blood circulation and normalizing intestinal motility. Calcium, which in itself has a positive effect on the state of bone tissue, and in combination with magnesium, activates and normalizes the functioning of the muscle fibers of the nervous system.
Contraindication to the use of medlar can be individual intolerance to the substances that make up the composition. It is forbidden to eat fresh fruits suffering from peptic ulcer, gastritis and pancreatic diseases.
After freezing, the fruits of medlar cease to be acidic, lose their astringent properties, and become sweetish in taste. They can be consumed fresh or processed. From medlar, jams and preserves are cooked, compotes and juices are made, and they are added to the composition of a wide variety of desserts.
As a medicine, decoctions are prepared. They are useful for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of intestinal motility and urolithiasis. Insisted on alcohol, the flesh of the medlar helps to cope with respiratory diseases, is useful during the treatment of bronchial asthma, helps to alleviate cough and remove sputum.