Description and features of the distribution of the tree. Where is the fruit used, composition and useful properties, contraindications to the use of araza. Culinary recipes using fruits. Araza contains unique components that, in combination, have a beneficial effect on the body, strengthen the immune system and provide antioxidant protection. The product is quite nutritious as it contains protein.
Useful properties of araza
The fruits of the tree contain a lot of essential minerals and vitamins. This determines their beneficial properties. For example, thanks to vitamin A and ascorbic acid, vision improves, many eye diseases are prevented. The skin becomes elastic, the hair gains strength and shine to the very ends, and the functioning of the immune system becomes stable.
The benefits of araza are manifested in the body as follows:
- The components of the fruit help to resist the negative effects of infections and viruses … It is recommended to include araza in the diet during the period of the greatest spread of colds. Thus, you will be able to avoid the disease and all the resulting symptoms.
- General tonic effect … The fruit normalizes the digestion process, speeds up the metabolism of nutrients, reduces the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and controls the movement of neurons in the central nervous system. It is worth noting that Araz contains even more vitamin A than orange.
- Stabilizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract … The person's appetite and mood improves. The components of the fruit have a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane and promote the healing of minor erosions and abscesses. Vitamin B takes an active part in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Thus, the feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the stomach disappears after eating.
- Cleansing the body of lead, mercury and copper … Ascorbic acid removes toxins and free radicals, stimulates gastric secretion, improves liver function.
- Normalization of heart rate and blood pressure … The presence of magnesium and potassium has a beneficial effect on metabolism and blood formation. Minerals help to strengthen the skeletal system and teeth.
- Stabilization of cellular metabolism and energy metabolism … The components of araza stimulate the breakdown of complex compounds into simpler ones and oxidize certain organic substances in the body. This releases ATP and heat.
In addition, araza is able to prolong the youth of the body and protect the skin from the negative effects of environmental factors. The fiber contained in the fruit prevents neoplastic processes and regulates blood sugar levels.
Contraindications and harm of araza
Care should be taken when adding an unknown exotic fruit to the diet, as the gastrointestinal tract can malfunction. Therefore, it is worthwhile to first consult with a qualified specialist and make sure that the araza does not provoke an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to individual components. It is also recommended to comply with the norm when eating fruits.
Araza can cause serious harm to the body in the following cases:
- Gastritis … In the stomach, inflammatory processes begin to occur, the components of the fruit irritate the mucous membrane, and the person experiences severe pain. As a result of this, hormonal disturbances and the ejection of bile from the duodenum into the stomach may occur.
- Ulcer … The balance between aggressive factors and protective mechanisms of the stomach is lost, a feeling of nausea arises, which is often accompanied by vomiting. In addition, appetite decreases, as heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth and a feeling of heaviness appear after meals. A person's stool is disturbed and gas formation increases.
- Problems with the activity of the pancreas … Insulin production is impaired, prolonged pain sensations are localized in the epigastric region. The respiratory rate increases, the body becomes dehydrated.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice … There is a feeling of overcrowding in the digestive organ, a burning sensation in the Adam's apple, appetite worsens, and the belching acquires a bitter taste.
- Inflammation of the lining of the small intestine … There is bloating, strong rumbling, and significant weight loss. In addition, the balance of microflora is disturbed, dizziness and an increase in body temperature occur.
In addition, it is worth limiting the intake of araza to pregnant and lactating women, since there is a risk that the exotic berry will negatively affect the development of the child and weaken his immune system.
How are the fruits of araza eaten
Since the fruits are very sour, they are not eaten fresh. The thin rind is cut with a knife, and the pulp is processed. It is cut into small cubes, covered with sugar and rolled into jars. It turns out a very nutritious and healthy jam.
Araz is also used in the manufacture of soft drinks, cocktails, compotes and juices. This exotic fruit is a great addition to ice cream, sorbet, baked goods, fruit salads, sauces and canned food. There are many unusual culinary recipes with araza, which are traditional for the countries of Bolivia, Peru and Brazil. Note! After heat treatment, the aroma of the fruit ceases to be so intense. Therefore, the process of preparing a number of dishes excludes it in order to preserve the main organoleptic characteristics.
Araza recipes
Only ripe araza fruits are added to food, so you should be guided by the color of the peel. In ripe berries, it is yellow. The maximum shelf life of fruits is 10 days at 4-5 degrees and 90% humidity.
Here are some nutritious and easy-to-cook recipes with araz:
- Pumpkin pie with araz … A glass of whole grain flour is sieved and combined with 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, an egg, 2 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, and 100 grams of softened butter. Knead the dough, cover with cling film and put in a cool place for an hour (you can't put it in the refrigerator). Meanwhile, the pumpkin is peeled and cut into thin slices. Araz is divided in half. One part is cut into rings, and the juice is squeezed out of the second and combined with a tablespoon of honey. The oven is heated to 190-200 degrees. The finished dough is placed on baking paper and rolled out into a thin layer. Slices of pumpkin are distributed in its center. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Araza is placed on top. At the edges, the dough is wrapped inward. First, the pie is baked for 20 minutes, and then greased with honey-araz sauce and baked for about 10 minutes more. If you are allergic to honey, then it is quite possible to replace it with sugar.
- Jam from gooseberry and araza … A pound of gooseberries are thoroughly washed and the tails are removed. Peel off the skin from 100 grams of araza. The berries are combined and chopped with a mixer. See at your own discretion what consistency you want to achieve. The resulting mass is transferred to a non-stick pan and 600-700 grams of sugar are added. Jam is boiled over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remember to stir regularly with a spatula. The longer you cook, the thicker the contents will come out. Then sterilize the lids and jars. Jam should be poured a little cooled. After that, the banks are wrapped in a thick blanket for a day. Store in a cool place.
- Fragrant buns with araz … Dissolve 25 grams of compressed yeast in warm water. After a few minutes, 20 grams of melted butter, an egg, 150 grams of sugar, orange zest and chopped araza pulp are added there. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Then gradually start adding 400 grams of sifted flour. The dough should be soft and not stick to your hands. Cover it with a towel and leave in a warm place for an hour. Meanwhile, melt 40 grams of butter, add 3 tablespoons of orange juice and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to it. The dough is rolled out into a thin layer and greased with the prepared filling. Then it is rolled up and cut into small pieces. The rolls are placed vertically on a baking dish and left for 15-20 minutes. After that, they can be sent to the oven for half an hour. Sprinkle the finished buns with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
- Donuts … Araz is crushed with a mixer and 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons of orange, 50 grams of sugar and 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil are added to it. Pour 3 cups of sifted wheat flour and 15 grams of baking powder to these ingredients. The dough is thoroughly kneaded, it should turn out to be soft and elastic. A thick-walled saucepan is filled with vegetable oil and put on fire. The dough rolled into balls is placed in bubbling oil. When the donuts are browned, you can take them out. Dessert is sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with liquid honey or condensed milk.
- Stew duck … The duck is thoroughly washed under running water and the remaining feathers are removed. Then it is chopped into about 6 pieces and fried in an oiled skillet until golden brown. Cut the onion and carrot. Araz is peeled and cut into cubes. The fried meat is placed in a cauldron, pepper, salted, covered with chopped vegetables and poured with water so that it completely covers the meat. Stew over low heat for about an hour. Pieces of araza are added 10 minutes before cooking. The meat acquires a piquant sourness.
Berries go well with many vegetables and fruits. Basil, sage, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, rosemary and nutmeg will help highlight their unique aroma and taste.
Interesting facts about araz
Due to the unusual arrangement of the branches, the tree is often grown to create hedges, forest belts, decorate parks, facades and squares.
The closest relative of the tree is kamu-kamu. Araza can coexist with him without any problems.
When waterlogged, the root system of the araza rots, and the tree dies. Therefore, it grows in open and bright areas, where the water does not particularly stagnate.
From the moment of planting, the seeds of araza can sprout only after 4-6 months. The tree grows very slowly.
One of the most important advantages of the plant is that it can bear fruit all year round under favorable conditions.
Watch a video about araz:
Thin peel does not save the fruit during transportation and long-term storage. Even with the slightest pressure on the fruit, a dark trace can remain. Therefore, outside the territory where it grows, people cannot recognize the natural taste of araza.
