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Kumquat is a healthy tropical fruit belonging to the citrus group. Outwardly, it looks like an elongated orange. The distinctive features include the possibility of eating the fruit along with the peel, since it has a pleasant taste. Useful properties of dried kumquat are due to the content of vitamins A, E and fiber.
Composition and nutritional value of dried kumquat
Dried kumquat is a product made using a heat treatment technology, as a result of which excess moisture evaporates from the fruit. It is also called fortunello or Japanese orange. China is considered the birthplace of exotic fruits. They grow on evergreen trees, the height of which varies from 2 to 5 m.
The main benefit of kumquat is its low calorie content with high nutritional value. Its use is relevant in winter, when the need for nutrients increases, and fresh fruits are not freely available. The composition of dried kumquat includes a lot of useful components:
- essential oils;
- magnesium;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- vitamins C, E, B and A;
- sodium;
- beta-carotene;
- iron;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- monosaccharides.
How many calories in dried kumquat
Dried kumquat is considered a dietary product. The calorie content of dried kumquat per 100 grams is 71 kcal. Despite this, it has the property of quickly saturating.
Contents of BJU
Compared to fresh fruit, dried fruit contains 3 times more carbohydrates – 9 g. The low fat content allows people who watch their weight to use the product. Protein content per 100 g of product – 2 g.
Types of dried kumquat
There are several types of treats. In appearance, they differ in color. Their useful properties are the same. The product can be:
- green;
- yellow;
- red;
- Orange.
Yellow and orange fruits are found in wildlife. Dried green or red kumquat is considered artificial. Such shades are obtained with the help of a dye. To enrich the taste of the product, various additives are used in its manufacture. Useful properties of this do not change. Most often, sugar syrup or powder is added to dried kumquat.
Taste, appearance and useful properties depend on the variety of kumquat. Fruit is of the following types:
- Meiwa;
- Hong Kong;
- Marumi;
- Nagami.
The Hong Kong is considered the smallest variety of kumquat. Useful properties are conducive to the use of fruit in food. Tiny fruits are especially popular in China. The most fragrant type of fruit is Marumi. A characteristic feature of Nagami is its oblong shape. For useful properties, this variety is valued in the United States. Meiwa is large and round in shape. Its advantage is the absence of bones. The benefits of this type are especially pronounced when used for medicinal purposes.
How to make dried kumquat
Dried kumquat can be purchased ready-made or you can make your own. Special knowledge is not required for this. It is necessary to choose the right fruits. Their benefits depend on the maturity and quality of the fruit. The process of preparing the dried product is as follows:
- To create sugar syrup, water and granulated sugar are mixed in equal proportions.
- The liquid is boiled over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Kumquats are cut into circles, after which they are soaked in the resulting cooled syrup.
- The circles are laid out on parchment paper and placed in an oven preheated to 80 ° C for an hour.
- After the set time, the fruits are turned over and put in the oven for another 20 minutes.
On an industrial scale, the fruits are dried in a dehydrator or under the influence of sunlight. Most often, sugar is added to the product, which allows it to be used as a dessert, and not instead of a vitamin food supplement. But even in this form, the fruit, due to its properties, has health benefits.
What is the use of dried kumquat
Useful properties of dried kumquat are achieved due to the rich chemical composition. Despite this, it should be consumed in limited quantities. The benefits of the product for the human body are due to the following properties:
- prevention of age-related changes in visual function;
- improvement of the digestive system;
- removal of toxins from the body;
- increased immunity;
- restoration of metabolic processes;
- stabilization of the nervous system;
- replenishment of the energy reserve;
- relief of fungal diseases;
- removal of excess cholesterol from the body.
The health benefits are due to the ability of the product to replenish the supply of vitamins. To achieve the desired effect, it is advisable to eat kumquat on an ongoing basis, without abusing it. The beneficial properties of green and red dried kumquat are exactly the same as those of the product varieties that do not contain dyes. The difference is only in appearance.
What is useful dried kumquat for women
Women’s reviews of dried kumquat indicate the benefits of the product for weight loss. It can be a complete replacement for high-calorie desserts. The substances that make up the product have a rejuvenating property. They slow down the aging process and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails and hair. Due to the content of vitamin E, dried fruit stimulates the reproductive system. The main benefit is the formation of a high-quality egg and stimulation of the growth of the uterine layer. It also increases sex drive. The beneficial properties of the fruit make it possible to use them as a means to stabilize the menstrual cycle.
How to choose and store
When choosing dried fruits, one should focus on their color, shape and integrity of the peel. A slight deformation does not affect the benefit. But in general, the surface should be smooth and shiny. Before buying, it is necessary to inspect the fruits for the presence of mold. Unscrupulous sellers clean the fruits from plaque before serving. Because of this, stains and light spots may be present.
Dried kumquats can be stored at room temperature. Useful properties in this case are not lost. As a container for storage, it is desirable to choose a tin can. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of the product. In this case, you can stock up for several months. The maximum storage period is six months.
The use of dried kumquat in cooking
Every corner of the world uses kumquat in its own way. Most often, the product is used as a dessert or addition to porridge and salads. The skin has a sweet taste, and the flesh has a slight sourness. The product goes well with spinach, Chinese cabbage and lettuce. A sauce made from kumquat, grated ginger, garlic and honey is very popular. It is served with meat or fish.
Kumquat is often used to make cooling cocktails and warming tea. In the first case, the fruit is combined with mint leaves, banana, kiwi or pear. A fruit mixture of these components can be added to ice cream. As part of tea, kumquat is combined with chamomile and honey. This tea is beneficial for nervous disorders and indigestion.
Противопоказания
Before eating dried kumquat for food, you should familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications. Like other representatives of citrus fruits, kumquat has allergenic properties. Therefore, people who are predisposed to individual intolerance should not try the product. In this case, the benefits of the fruit are doubtful. It is also not recommended to use it in the following cases:
- kidney disease;
- diabetes;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system (ulcer, gastritis).
In the initial stages of diabetes, fruit consumption is allowed in limited quantities. Benefits for breastfeeding women are questionable. It is better to refuse the product completely. The reaction of the child’s body to the presence of this product in the mother’s diet can be unpredictable.
Conclusion
Useful properties of dried kumquat do not depend on the form in which it is consumed. The product can replace a full meal or supplement any dish with it. The benefits of kumquat will be most pronounced if you eat it 3-4 times a week.