We all know the citrus yellow fruit - lemon. But not many people know about his "brother" from the citrus family - citron. And although this is not a very popular fruit, we encounter it more often than we could imagine. So what is this overseas miracle?
History of Citron
The fruit has a very interesting story. And although it is not confirmed by reliable facts, I want to believe that this is exactly how it was.
Rumor has it that this exotic fruit was brought in the third century BC by Alexander the Great himself. And he saw him somewhere on Indian territory, in Mesopotamia or near the Nile. Thus, the fruit and got into the Mediterranean.
The ancient Roman poets Virgil and Martial spoke of him. And the philosopher Theofrast called him an apple with a strong aroma, but inedible.
In addition, citron is also mentioned in the scriptures, in the Bible, where it is reported that Moses gave it to the Jews. In Israel, citron is a very valuable fruit in connection with the traditional holiday of Sukkot, when a ceremony is performed where it is assigned the leading role.
In Europe, only the Calabria region has climatic conditions for growing citron. Since then it has been called - the Riviera dei Chedri, which translates as "coast of the citron."
Description and characteristics of fruit
The citron plant grows on a small half-meter spreading tree or shrub with dense green leaves and prickly branches. The difference with other varieties of citrus is precisely in these spikes that cover the trunk and branches. Their length is at least 3 cm. The leaves are similar in color to the juicy green summer grass.
Citron (photo can be seen below), in shape is very similar to his more famous fellow. However, there are species that differ greatly in shape from lemon. For example, "lotus", or "fingers of the Buddha." This variety has the appearance of a hand with many fingers, and also resembles a lotus.
During flowering, small white flowers appear, sometimes with a red tint. Fruits can reach 30 cm in diameter, and in length from 15 to 45 cm. They have a yellow or orange color. Oval in shape with pointed elongated ends. The surface of the fruit is very ribbed and coarser than that of the same lemon. This is very clearly visible in the photo of the citron.
Composition of an unusual fruit
The pulp of this fruit contains fiber, carbohydrates, fats, pectins and proteins. In addition, the composition of the citron includes:
- volatile;
- minerals;
- fruit acids;
- glycosides;
- vitamins B, C and beta-carotene.
The citron peel is no less useful than the flesh. It contains essential oils, as well as coumarins, which are of great benefit to the human body. And a lot of fiber, which has diuretic properties and helps with constipation.
The main substances in the peel are:
- diosmin;
- aurantiamarin;
- hesperidin;
- limonene;
- bergapten and others
Useful properties of citron
Thanks to the coumarins and limetin contained in the citron, a beneficial effect on the body occurs:
- muscle cramps are relieved;
- blood liquefies;
- are anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Coumarin in tandem with diosmin improves and normalizes blood circulation in the capillaries and veins.
Bergapten helps the production of melanin, soothes the nervous system and prevents burns and degeneration of skin cells, which can occur due to radioactive radiation.
Pectin and fiber have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract, remove toxins and toxins, reduce the level of absorbed cholesterol, and actively affect peristalsis.
Burns fat and acts as an antioxidant limonene. A large concentration of ascorbic acid has an antiseptic effect, tones the body, improves the functioning of the immune system and blood composition.
In addition, the substances that make up the fetus help:
- normalize hormonal levels;
- improve eyesight;
- eliminate inflammatory processes in the respiratory system;
- improve the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
- reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood;
- facilitate expectoration, as well as dilute sputum;
- help with a hangover.
As you can see, the positive properties of citron fruit are very numerous, so it can be recommended for use by most people.
Harmful properties
Since citron causes excessive secretion of gastric juice, it should not be used by people with pancreatitis, ulcers, gastritis, or hepatitis. It is also undesirable to use if a woman is expecting a baby, during lactation and children.
Like all citrus fruits, citron fruit (photo can be seen below) can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it should be carefully taken by those who suffer from food allergies.
Cooking Application
Unlike other citrus fruits, citron is not so widely used in cooking, especially when fresh. Its fruits are very bitter, so Asians, for example, soak the pulp in salt water.
But here in the form of jam or jam, citron is actively used by confectioners. Cakes, cakes or marmalade are very tasty and unusual. It also makes excellent candied fruits. They are recommended to be taken as a snack to losing weight people.
In addition to desserts, fruit is used in the preparation of first courses, salads and various sauces for meat. Citron also goes well with seafood, all kinds of fish and alcoholic beverages.
The leaves of the citron plant (they are clearly visible in the photo) are used for exotic cabbage rolls (dolma). And the essence from the fruit is used as a natural food coloring of green color.
By the way, there are very few calories in it: only 20 kcal per 100 grams.
Benefit
Due to the content of many useful components - vitamins, flavonoids and other elements, citron is a very healthy fruit. It helps with various diseases and becomes a real salvation in emergency situations. For example, if a person was bitten by a snake, then the citron peel is used in a bandage at the site of a bite or in a drink. After all, citron acts as an absorbent and antidote. The same applies to poisoning with chemicals or heavy metals.
Citruses are consumed internally for diseases of the digestive system, such as gastritis or pancreatitis. However, it should be remembered that citron can be used as a medicine only during the period when the disease subsides. During an exacerbation of diseases, its use is strictly prohibited.
After acute diseases of an infectious nature, a long illness or surgery, it is recommended to eat citron as a food, as it effectively strengthens and restores the body.
Folk remedies, where citron is the main component, help with burns, including sunburn, psoriasis, baldness, insect bites, vitiligo, fungal infections and acne.
The juice of this fruit has an antiviral effect, it is used for diseases such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and asthma.
Oil is used as an antibiotic or antiseptic, as well as for aromatherapy for stress, depression, chronic fatigue, nervous breakdown.
Especially often, citrons are used by eastern healers. For example, in China it is used to treat nervous diseases. In India, they treat dysentery and eye diseases, as well as get rid of bad breath from it. In Africa, it is actively used for rheumatism.
Cosmetics with citron
When buying cosmetics, try to pay attention to the composition. If it has oil or citron juice, feel free to purchase this product. Such cosmetics will help lighten the skin, get rid of pustules, acne, age spots and freckles. Citron-based shampoos will strengthen the hair follicles and give the hair softness, shine and make them obedient.
Citron is very much loved by perfumers. They add it when they create their magnificent compositions. Especially good is the smell of citron, along with bergamot, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, lavender or vanilla.
Due to the content of a large amount of fruit acids, it is actively used for face peeling. It is added to the baths for the hands in order to strengthen the nail plates, as well as to make the cuticles soft and easy to remove.
Toners based on citron juice or oil perfectly tone the skin.
A couple of drops of essential oil can save the room from unpleasant odors, fill the air with freshness and disinfect it.
Planting and plant care
Citron is a very thermophilic plant. Therefore, deciding to plant this fruit at home, it is necessary to provide it with the correct seasonal temperature regime. In winter, it should not be lower than +10 ° С, and in summer - within + 25 … + 35 ° С.
Cuttings should be prepared in the spring, freed from leaves and placed in a mixture of sand, chernozem and humus (2: 1: 1). You can buy special soil for growing citrus varieties. Drainage should be placed at the bottom of the flower pot so that water does not stagnate during irrigation.
In summer, when it is already hot, it is necessary to spray the plants daily and pour plenty of water at room temperature. In winter, watering should be done only if necessary, that is, if the topsoil has dried up.
Citron loves light, which means it should be provided with additional lighting if it is not possible to place it in a bright place. In summer, you can slightly shade from the hot sun. And you can not keep the plant too close to heating appliances.
At any time of the year, except winter, you need to feed citron with fertilizers. They can be purchased at specialized stores.
A tree transplant should be done as soon as the roots appeared in the drainage holes. Also, the plant can be propagated by grafting or seeds.
Selection and storage
Recently, due to endurance during transportation, citrons began to appear on sale in Russia. However, you should buy them only during the ripening period. And this happens from November to the end of December.
It is imperative to pay attention to the peel. It should be elastic, not wrinkled, bright yellow. If the peel is soft, it means that the fruit is overripe, and it will be very difficult to separate it from the pulp.
Fruits are stored in the refrigerator, but not more than two weeks. Also, the fruits can be cut into rings and dried by hanging on a string.
