Meet Momordica
A fruit that has so many different names, in factIt belongs to the Pumpkin family and is a distant relative of the usual zucchini. Already, the fact that, in ancient times in China, only members of the imperial family could taste it could speak about its value. And in India it was considered the plant of the Gods. Ancient Asians (namely, Asia is considered the birthplace of this fruit) on the merits appreciated its beneficial properties. Does not prevent to get acquainted with them and us. So what kind of fruit is momordica?
Name secrets
An interesting plant that is now activelygrown in India, the Caribbean, in China, is a climbing annual. Some of its species can be found in the Crimea. Of course, many of us want to know what momordika is, how to use it. And unless you are not interested in the mysterious name? In fact, it goes back to the Latin verb, translated as "bite." But this is due not to the way the fruit is consumed, but to its appearance. The fact is that the leaves of the plant resemble the bites of animals.
Appearance momordiki
Indian pomegranate looks more like an elongated pumpkinor oblong cucumber. At first the fruits are green, but as they ripen they get yellow, and then a rich orange color. All of them are studded with warts. A ripe plant has a habit of splitting at the bottom, exposing small growths that contain seeds. And momordika can be recognized by its pleasant aroma during flowering. Its yellow flowers smell like a blooming jasmine.
The chemical composition of the fetus
This is a tropical plant that has stepped into ours.breadth, not for nothing is considered such a useful and unique fruit. After all, momordika stores truly a storehouse of the substances we need. And not only its fruits are valued, but all other parts of the plant: root, stem, leaves. What is so rich momordika? Useful properties of a plant are explained by its composition.
- The red shell of the fruit, which encloses the seed,contains carotene rich oil. Everyone knows that this substance in our body turns into vitamin A, about the benefits of which hardly anyone will argue.
- The seeds of the plant are also rich in lycopene. It is the most powerful antioxidant of all that only exist today. And in our body, it can only come from food.
- Laboratory studies have shown the presence of triterpene saponins in the root of momordica. And these substances are simply indispensable in the treatment of rheumatism.
- And, of course, it is impossible not to recall the phytoncides that kill numerous viruses and bacteria.
- And take quarantine, which reduces blood sugar levels? It turns out that the fruit is a natural medicine, the use of which is very useful for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Momordica: how to use?
To brag of pleasant tastes thisthe fruit, unfortunately, cannot. It is quite bitter, so it is more often used in pharmacology than in cooking. However, it can be eaten. Quite often, this plant is used in Asian cuisine.
How to eat momordika? It all depends on what you decide to use.
The pulp is recommended to be used unripe,then it tastes like a cucumber. But when the fruit is ripe, it becomes soft, but bitter. To make the taste more neutral, the pulp is often boiled in salt water. And then momordika can be added to legumes as a spice.
The situation is different with the seeds of the plant.They are sweet, but rather tough. However, if they are subjected to heat treatment, the seeds will become softer. Most often they are fried. In Asian cuisine, this is an indispensable ingredient for all kinds of salads and stews.
However, not only seeds and fruits gives peoplemomordika. How to use its leaves? Young, fresh shoots will be an excellent addition to the vinaigrettes. They can also serve as a basis for medicinal soups and delicious borscht. This fruit has a high nutritional value. But, among other things, momordika is a low-calorie product. In its 100 grams contains not more than 20 kilocalories. After all, it almost (85%) consists of water.
The value of momordiki in the treatment of various diseases
It is clear that a plant with such a composition rich in useful substances can be of great benefit.
- Thanks to carotene, which contains momordika, the use of this fruit helps to improve immunity and restore vigilant vision.
- Substances that are found in the juice of this plant can stop the growth of cancer cells. This product is especially effective in pancreatic cancer.
- Momordica root is actively used in bronchitis as an expectorant.
- Plant seeds can significantly lower cholesterol levels. In addition, they serve as an excellent preventive tool for heart disease.
- Momordica leaf extract can destroy not only common staphylococci, but even HIV.
Contraindications for use
Even if you know firsthand what is usefulmomordika, how to use this plant, do not forget that in some cases it is better to refuse to use it. For example, during pregnancy or lactation. Still, this is an exotic vegetable, and it is not known how it can affect your child. In addition, its use is not recommended for those who have an individual intolerance to this fetus.
Momordica in folk medicine
The tropical guest has long been widely used not only in pharmacology. She found her fans in the circle of those who prefer recipes of traditional medicine.
- But for the treatment of flu or coldused tincture of momordiki. Make it easy. Three-liter jar tightly filled with fruits that you first need to clear the seeds. Add half a liter of vodka to the container, close the lid and put it in a dark place for a couple of weeks. It is better to drink the healing medicine on an empty stomach, about half an hour before meals (1 teaspoon). This should be done within 3 days.
- Prize and decoction of the seeds of this plant.Approximately 20 pieces chop and pour boiling water. 10 minutes to hold the mixture on low heat. Let it stand and strain. You need to consume a quarter of a glass at least 3-4 times a day. This remedy helps with fever and hemorrhoids. It can also be used as a diuretic.
Growing Momordica
Despite the fact that this is an overseas vegetable, some amateur gardeners manage to grow it in our latitudes. True, only 2 types are suitable for this - “Indian pomegranate” and “balsamic pear”.
If you decide that this miracle fruit shouldTo settle at your dacha, try to get the seeds of a dark color. They are considered matured, and, therefore, you can not worry about germination. Mommica can be sown either in March or April. It is usually transplanted to the open ground in May, but only if the thermometer is already confidently showing +25 degrees. After all, momordika comes from the tropics, which means that it is a heat-loving plant. Momordica rises approximately on the 10-15th day. But the fruits ripen only by the end of August.
Do not forget that this plant is enoughpicky, so you can get a good harvest only if it will be grown on fertile soil. Therefore, it is good to use organic fertilizers. Especially effective to make them under the soil digging.
Give good results and mineral dressing. Feel free to delight the plant with superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride.
And remember that momordica is a vine.So she needs support. For this purpose, you can use the trellis. The plant will be well lit and will give a rich harvest. When momordika lacks nutrition or light, the ovary is flaking. But even if the fruit can be saved, they will be small.
Often this plant is also grown as indoor culture (on a balcony or windowsill). Do not forget to care for him, and it will delight you with a rich harvest.
An amazing and useful fruit - momordika. People already confronted with it will confirm her healing qualities.
