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Modern food abundance has led to the fact that a huge number of types of flour, both domestic and foreign, have appeared on store shelves. Among the general population, the palm still belongs to the well-known and practically “native” wheat flour – it is this that is most often used by amateur cooks for baking. Rye flour is a little less popular, and other types are in the “bronze” third place: products from corn, buckwheat, barley, sunflower seeds and other ingredients.
However, even among the most exotic varieties of raw materials for baking, bird cherry flour stands apart. Until today, it remains a delicacy and is not widely used. On an industrial scale, the production of bird cherry flour is not carried out. Only small enterprises are engaged in its manufacture, which release this product on the market in very limited quantities. However, real gourmets highly appreciated the taste and nutritional characteristics of this product. They even got the hang of cooking bird cherry flour at home – they liked the unusual taste of baking based on it so much.
Historical information
Bird cherry is a plant whose fruits have been used in Rus’ for a long time. At the same time, they were valued not only for their excellent taste, but also for their healing properties. For cooking, the fruits of bird cherry were used not only as a whole, but also in crushed form.
It is believed that the inhabitants of Western Siberia were the first to use bird cherry flour. They picked ripe berries and dried them in the sun. After that, the dry fruits were ground in mortars until a brown powder was obtained. It was used to make both sweet and savory pastries, but was most often added to cakes and fruit pies.
Inhabitants of the coastal areas prepared the dough from a mixture of ground bird cherry and fish oil. It turned out quite thick and was ideal for making very hearty salty cakes, which served as an excellent source of energy in regions where low air temperatures prevailed.
In Siberia, recipes for dishes made from bird cherry flour were passed down from generation to generation. To date, many of them have improved somewhat, taking into account the changing trends and the significantly expanded technical capabilities of culinary specialists.
Chemical composition and calorific value
Outwardly, bird cherry flour is a brown powder with a characteristic aroma. It tastes sweetish, with a subtle bitterness and a slight almond flavor. It is for the taste qualities that crushed berries are so valued by professional chefs and confectioners.
It should be noted that the nutritional value of the product is only 119 kcal per 100 g. In this way, bird cherry flour compares favorably with other types of raw materials for baking. The composition of nutrients is as follows: 0,7 g of proteins, 0,28 g of fat and 11,42 g of carbohydrates.
The mineral composition of bird cherry flour is impressive.
Calcium (6 mg) is the key to a good condition of dental and bone tissue. In addition, it has antihistamine properties and helps to “disperse” the metabolism.
Iron (0,17 mg) is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and is also one of the participants in the process of hematopoiesis.
Magnesium (7 mg) plays an important role in energy metabolism, and also prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys and gallbladder. In addition, it is necessary for the normalization of the digestion process and helps maintain healthy bone, dental and muscle tissue.
Phosphorus (16 mg) is necessary for cognitive performance, plays an important role in energy metabolism, and is also necessary for proper muscle function.
Potassium (157 mg) is needed to regulate water balance, thereby helping to “unload” the kidneys and prevent edema. It plays an important role in the normalization of the heart rhythm, and also helps to supply oxygen to brain cells.
Zinc (0,1 mg) plays an important role in the absorption of vitamin A in the body. It also increases the regenerative capacity of tissues, promoting cell division, and has anti-inflammatory properties, preventing the development of arthritis.
Copper (0,057 mg) is necessary for the body in order to prevent the development of anemia. In addition, its deficiency is fraught with the development of skin diseases, increased fragility of hair and nails.
Manganese (0,052 mg) reduces blood sugar levels to acceptable levels, prevents fatty deformation of liver tissues, helps get rid of “bad” cholesterol and prevents the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
Fluorine (2 mcg) is necessary in order to prevent the development of caries. It also helps to remove toxic substances from the body, including heavy metals, and has a stimulating effect on the process of hematopoiesis.
As for vitamins, the product contains vitamin C (9,5 mg), known for its antibacterial properties and the ability to increase the body’s defenses.
Vitamin B1 (0,028 mg) plays the “first violin” in energy metabolism. In addition, it has a stimulating effect on human cognitive abilities. It is good for the health of the digestive system. Also, this vitamin helps maintain healthy bone tissue and is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.
Vitamin B2 (0,026 mg) is a participant in energy metabolism, which is also necessary for normal hematopoiesis. In particular, without it, it is impossible to absorb the iron that enters the body with food, which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. In addition, it is responsible for the condition of the mucous membranes, contributing to the speedy regeneration of cells and the healing of microtraumas. It is important for vision, and also helps the nervous system to cope with overload.
Vitamin B3 (0,417 mg) ensures normal blood microcirculation. It is able to dilate blood vessels, preventing their spasms, takes part in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones. Without it, vegetable proteins that come with food are not absorbed. It also has a beneficial effect on the digestion process, stimulating the production of gastric juice and taking part in the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. Finally, this vitamin helps to reduce the content of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, thereby preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
Vitamin B5 (0,135 mg) is needed primarily for the adrenal glands to produce glucocorticoids. Also, other vitamins cannot be absorbed without it. In addition, it has antioxidant properties and increases the overall resistance of the body.
Without vitamin B6 (0,029 mg), normal absorption of proteins and fats entering the body is impossible. It is also a prophylactic that prevents the development of skin diseases, helps to get out of a state of depression and cope with emotional overload.
Vitamin B9 (5 mcg) is necessary, first of all, for expectant mothers in order to avoid problems with the development of the fetus. In addition, it plays an important role in regulating the functioning of the circulatory system, and is also a hepatoprotector.
Vitamin B4 (1,9 mg) plays the role of a powerful hepatoprotector, helping liver tissues to recover from the use of medications and alcohol. In addition, it is necessary for the health of the nervous system, preventing panic attacks and nervous breakdowns. Also, this substance plays an important role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, being a prophylactic against the development of diabetes.
Vitamin A (17 mcg) is a powerful antioxidant needed to protect cells in all tissues of the body. In addition, it has an immunostimulating effect and ensures the health of the reproductive system.
Vitamin E (0,26 mg) is also known for its antioxidant properties. Without it, tissue regeneration, healing of any injuries and wounds is impossible. In addition, it has a positive effect on the general condition of the body, preventing the development of chronic fatigue syndrome and slowing down the aging process.
Vitamin K (6,4 mcg) prevents vascular calcification – their walls remain elastic and do not harden due to the appearance of calcium deposits. In addition, this substance regulates the process of blood clotting and protects against the development of such a dangerous disease as osteoporosis.
In addition, crushed bird cherry contains dietary fiber (1,4 g), which acts on the intestines as a natural scrub, binding and removing toxins. Among other substances that are present in bird cherry flour, citric, malic and organic acids, pigments, as well as natural antibiotics, phytoncides, which have bactericidal properties, should be distinguished.
Useful Properties
The healing properties of crushed bird cherry are due to micro- and macroelements, as well as vitamins present in its composition. Consider how this product affects the body, in more detail.
Bird cherry flour is a natural antiseptic due to the high content of phytoncides in the fruits from which it is prepared. As a result, it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
The fiber present in the product, as well as tannins, contribute to a significant improvement in the condition of the digestive tract. So, in particular, they prevent digestive disorders, including diarrhea. In addition, bird cherry berries are an antispasmodic, as a result of which they help get rid of colic.
Due to the fact that the berries of the shrub contain a very substantial amount of vitamin C, they are an effective means of preventing respiratory diseases, and also help the body cope with the disease faster. Given the fact that the product also has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect, its healing effect in case of colds is difficult to overestimate.
The flavonoids present in the composition of the flour have a positive effect on the condition of the vessels, increasing their elasticity.
Bird cherry flour baking has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, because it simultaneously has tonic and calming properties. This product helps to get out of a stressful state, it is useful for increased lability of the nervous system. However, it does not have an excessive relaxing effect and does not contribute to a decrease in the ability to concentrate.
Bird cherry flour is an effective aphrodisiac that is very beneficial for men’s health.
Pectins and vitamin PP, which the product is rich in, contribute to the natural removal of “bad” cholesterol from the body.
Vitamin C, together with flavonoids, has a stimulating effect on the immune system, increasing the overall resistance of the body to viruses and bacteria.
Due to the pronounced diuretic effect of bird cherry fruits, the flour from them has a positive effect on kidney health and helps to remove sand and small stones.
Ground bird cherry is good for joints. It stops inflammatory processes and pain syndrome, strengthens them, and prevents the deposition of salts.
Противопоказания
Despite the fact that bird cherry flour is a real storehouse of useful substances, for certain categories of people the use of this product is undesirable.
First of all, women in an “interesting” position, as well as nursing mothers, should exclude dishes from ground bird cherry. In addition, the high content of tannins, which have fixing properties, makes bird cherry flour not a suitable product for people who are prone to constipation.
The high sugar content makes bird cherry flour an undesirable product for people who suffer from diabetes. You should also be careful to introduce pastries from bird cherry flour into the diet for people who suffer from chronic diseases of the digestive system.
Finally, nutritionists recommend not to get too carried away with the use of ground bird cherry dishes for people with reduced immunity. The thing is that the seeds of bird cherry contain the substance amygdalin. When it enters the body, it is transformed into hydrocyanic acid. Of course, the content of amygdalin in bird cherry flour is extremely low, and, theoretically, it is not capable of harming a person, provided that the immune system works as it should. If the body’s defenses leave much to be desired, then it is better to refuse to eat bird cherry dishes.
Also, despite the fact that bird cherry is an aphrodisiac, its effect on human reproductive abilities is very ambiguous. So, in the Middle Ages, healers used the berries of this plant in order to prepare tinctures that women used to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Although scientists have not yet received official confirmation of the contraceptive properties of bird cherry from scientists, if you are planning a child, it is better to refuse to eat dishes from bird cherry flour.
Use in cooking
Bird cherry flour is a unique product. Just one spoonful of powder added to the dough can drastically change its taste.
The thing is that bird cherry berries boast a very bright taste and aroma, which combines notes of almonds, cherries and chocolate. Therefore, bird cherry flour goes well with almonds and other nuts, apricots, pears, as well as chocolate and cognac.
When using bird cherry flour for baking, one should take into account the fact that it compacts the cake, and therefore it is best to use it for making “wet” dough, in which there is a large amount of sour cream, butter and milk.
Cooking bird cherry flour at home
As noted above, bird cherry flour is a product that is not available in most supermarkets. However, this does not mean at all that its use should be abandoned. In fact, you can make flour from bird cherry berries at home.
Sort the dried bird cherry berries, and then chop thoroughly. The stone of the fruit is quite dense, so you need to use a hammer or a meat grinder. Bones should not be removed, because it is their composition that provides the unique original aroma of bird cherry flour.
In the second step, transfer the mass to a coffee grinder and grind it until a homogeneous powder is obtained.
Please note that processing will take a lot of time: in order to obtain raw materials of optimal quality, you should grind the berries in portions of three tablespoons, including a coffee grinder for 60-80 seconds.
Ready flour should be stored in an airtight container at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. The shelf life is twelve months.
Preparing a pie from bird cherry flour
To make a pie, you will need the following ingredients: 200 g sour cream, the same amount of sugar, three eggs, a teaspoon of soda, 150 g wheat flour, 200 g bird cherry flour, salt on the tip of a knife. Ingredients for the cream: a glass of sour cream, a quarter cup of sugar, a teaspoon of vanillin.
Mix sour cream with sugar, beat in eggs, soda and salt. Mix thoroughly and add both types of flour there. Knead the dough.
It should be thick, like melted chocolate.
Put the dough on a baking sheet greased with butter, and send it to the oven, preheated to 190 degrees, for twenty minutes. During this time, you should prepare the cream.
Mix sour cream with sugar, add vanilla and beat thoroughly. After the cake has cooled, cut it in half and spread with cream.
It will take several hours for the cake to soak properly.
Preparing a cake from bird cherry flour
To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients: a glass of bird cherry flour, the same amount of wheat flour, 250 ml of milk, one egg, half a teaspoon of slaked soda, three teaspoons of cocoa.
Ingredients for the cream: two glasses of low-fat sour cream and 150 g of sugar.
Put the milk on a low heat, gradually mixing the previously sifted bird cherry flour into it. After the mixture boils, boil it for a few minutes, and then leave to brew until it cools completely.
Mix wheat flour with egg. Add slaked soda and pour this mixture into the milk with bird cherry. Stir the resulting mass and divide it into four portions. From each form a round cake. They should be baked for a quarter of an hour in an oven preheated to 180 degrees.
Prepare cream. Mix sour cream with sugar and beat the mixture with a mixer. Brush the cake and sprinkle cocoa on top. In order for the pastry to soak, it will need to spend a couple of hours in the refrigerator.