Unabi: benefits and harm to the body

Historians claim that unabi was one of the staples of ancient people. When the cultivation of cereals was not yet widespread, they were ground, and bread was baked from the resulting flour. In the life of many peoples of the world, Chinese dates, as this exotic fruit is often called, played a huge role. For its excellent taste and valuable nutritional qualities in Japan, the plant was called the tree of longevity and youth, in other countries it is known by the name jujube.

Although the exact age of this unique culture is not known, there is a version that it was successfully grown 3-4 thousand years ago. On the shelves of domestic stores, delicious and very nutritious unabi fruits appeared not so long ago, therefore they are not familiar to a wide range of consumers. We will try to fill this gap in gastronomic knowledge. We will tell about the nutritional and medicinal properties of Chinese dates, what can be prepared from fruits, and who is contraindicated in using them.

What is unabi (jujube)

In the Muslim religion, unabi is a cult plant. According to one legend, the tree grows in the Garden of Eden, and the names of people living on Earth are inscribed on its leaves. Each fallen leaf portends the death of the person whose name is indicated on it. Mythical judgments can not be trusted, but scientific evidence of the benefits of exotic fruits is not in doubt. Chinese dates are in demand today in cosmetology and the pharmaceutical industry, have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years, and sweet desserts are prepared from them in the national cuisines of many countries of the world. Craftsmen from Asian countries make original crafts and souvenirs from unabi wood. This valuable tree species, after special processing, is used to manufacture some types of musical instruments.

What does it look like

The variety of variants of the names of jujube is often confusing, because people unfamiliar with the flora of the tropics believe that we are talking about different representatives of the plant world. Indeed, the Chinese date, like no other plant, is endowed with more than a dozen bright nicknames: it is called jujuba, jujuba, jojoba. The plant also differs in species diversity. In the wild, there are more than a hundred species and about a dozen cultivated varieties.

This exotic plant has the following characteristics:

1. Belongs to the jujube family of the Krushinovs. The plant is a spiny tree-like shrub, which in adulthood reaches 3-4 m in height. The life span of individual specimens reaches over one hundred years.
2. Small unabi leaves are elliptical in shape. The shrub is very branched, so in spring it pleases with fresh abundant greens, but with the onset of autumn all the foliage falls.
3. The flowering of the subtropical culture continues throughout the summer, and by autumn, stone fruits appear.
4. Ripe fruits have a bright red color. They are oblong in shape, very similar to plum or kiwi. The taste of Chinese dates is similar to an apple.
5. The tree begins to bear fruit already in 2-3 years of life. Therefore, in the southern regions of the post-Soviet space, summer residents are happy to cultivate this unique culture. Usually the crop is harvested in late autumn after the leaves fall.

Good to know: the tree of paradise perishes at low temperatures. Therefore, summer residents who grow culture with a decorative purpose, wrap it tightly in the winter.

Where grows

Some scientists believe that China is the birthplace of jujube, others call Syria and the north of the African continent. Culture in ancient times quickly spread throughout the south of Asia, and at the beginning of the 20th century a paradise tree was introduced to America, where it successfully took root in the southwestern regions. In Russia, tropical fruit is now grown in the Caucasus, Crimea, Krasnodar Territory. The culture is widespread in Moldova, India and Bulgaria, Afghanistan and Madagascar. The Mediterranean countries are also among the main suppliers of tropical fruits to the world market.

Unabi feels comfortable in a tropical climate. For example, in the Sunny Valley of Crimea back in 1953, a large garden was laid, which to this day gives high yields. Breeders even managed to develop their own Crimean variety of jujube.

It is interesting: Paradise tree is very demanding on the soil: it grows well and bears fruit on loams in places where groundwater is deeply located. The beneficial properties of fruits directly depend on the quality of the soil.

Composition and calorie content

Unabi fruits are unique not only in a botanical sense, they contain several dozen biologically active substances. But the main component of the composition is ascorbic acid. The content of this component in Chinese dates is 50 times higher than in apples, and citrus fruits jujube exceeded by 20 times in this indicator. In addition to vitamin C, the fruits present:

1. Amino acids. In their dates contains almost two dozen. These substances are involved in important synthesis processes, regulate bowel function, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Carotenes. They are derivatives of vitamin A. These substances provide strength to the hair follicles and are distinguished by powerful antioxidant activity.
3. Starches. Useful for the intestines, stabilize the microflora and reduce the risk of developing oncology in the digestive tract.
4. Mineral elements. There are a lot of substances of this group in Chinese dates. These are zinc, iron, magnesium, cobalt, manganese. Each of these elements takes part in biochemical processes taking place in the human body.
5. Carbohydrates. Natural sources of energy.
6. Pectins. They have antidiabetic properties. They help keep sugar levels stable.
7. Proteins Natural proteins, which are a necessary building material for tissues and cells.
8. Bioflavonoids. These unique natural compounds cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals, as well as effectively fight inflammation.
9. A nicotinic acid. It is an important participant in metabolic processes, stimulates the production of gastric secretion.
10. Tannins. They belong to the group of tannins. Their presence in drinks invigorates, improves mood.

The composition of fresh and dried unabi fruits contains ether compounds and some other substances necessary for human health.

With such a rich composition, the caloric content of a 100 gram portion of exotic fruits is only 80 units. Such an indicator is within acceptable limits for products that include dietary nutrition for obesity and some other pathologies.

Note: the bark and roots of the tree of paradise contain up to 9.3% of tannins. They are used in the processing of hard leathers. Also in these parts of the shrub there are dyes that give leather products a pleasant red-orange hue, and silk fabrics have a terracotta color.

Useful properties of unabi

General benefit

Since ancient times, the tree of paradise has been actively used in eastern medicine. The Chinese still make tonic and soothing drinks from the fruits. Interestingly, these two effects depend on the concentration of the infusion, that is, when using a larger dosage of plant material, tea invigorates. If you take a small portion of the base - a drink will help a person relax and calm down. In Chinese medicine, jujube is one of the five most effective medicinal plants.

In official medicine, herbal ingredients go into the production of various medicines. Moreover, for these purposes, not only fruits are used, but also green leaves, and sometimes bark, roots and even fruit bones. Chinese date is considered a universal natural remedy, because it has the following set of beneficial effects:

• effectively cleans toxic products, including free radicals;
• activates brain activity;
• increases the body's resistance;
• reduces appetite;
• helps normalize sleep;
• regulates the process of blood formation;
• strengthens the state of the nervous system;
• stimulates liver function;
• improves digestion;
• strengthens bone tissue and teeth;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• supports the work of the heart;
• relieves muscle cramps.

You can still list the properties of a unique tropical fruit that are beneficial to human health. But the main purpose of the fruits of Chinese dates is the saturation of tissues with vitamins and mineral elements. It should be noted that the fruit copes with this function perfectly.

The nutritional and medicinal properties of jujube fruits should be used in the following pathological conditions:

• respiratory infections;
• tonsillitis and respiratory diseases;
• insomnia;
• chronic fatigue;
• dermatitis and other skin diseases;
• weakened immunity;
• nervous disorders;
• urogenital system pathologies in women and men;
• stomatitis and toothaches;
• obesity;
• hypertonic disease.

Studies by scientists have shown that regular consumption of unabi fruits strengthens blood vessels and significantly reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Tropical fruit-based tonic drinks energize and enhance memory. The cytotoxic activity of the fruit blocks the development of foreign cells. Therefore, the presence in the diet of Chinese dates will be a reliable prevention against the development of oncology. It is enough to eat 20-30 fresh or dried fruits daily to strengthen and provide the body with the necessary nutrients.

Unabi fruits are on the list of safest foods. Nutritionists recommend supplementing the menu with people of different ages and sexes. Consider how the tropical fruit is useful for certain groups of the population.

For women

Chinese dates are considered one of the best natural antioxidants. Cosmetics with the inclusion of fruit components rejuvenate and cleanse the skin well. It is established that jujube has a moderate antihistamine property, that is, with allergies reduces itching and irritation. The high content of vitamins in the offseason will help strengthen the immune forces. And in case of sleep disturbance, fresh tea with unabi fruits will help to cope with this common problem. In addition to these properties, exotic fruits improve the condition of the woman's reproductive system, and also reduce the negative symptoms of the premenstrual period.

For men

Although the stronger sex is not very supportive of exotic fruits because of their sweet taste, Chinese dates are able to provide significant support for the following problems of men's health:

• prostatitis;
• male infertility;
• low potency;
• low quality seminal fluid.

Having a positive effect on the state of blood vessels, the presence of unabi fruits in the daily diet will become a reliable prevention of the development of cardiac pathologies. In addition, with the help of fruit, it is possible to increase working capacity and cope without loss with the effects of stresses that plague modern men at every step. And another useful for men property of a tropical plant is help from baldness. Simple homemade recipes will help preserve the hair. The product also copes with the consequences of nicotine and alcohol addiction.

During pregnancy

Despite the whole list of food bans, Chinese dates are allowed to be used by expectant mothers. Doctors and nutritionists made an exception for the subtropical fetus, based on the positive properties of this product.

1. Indeed, fruits saturated with vitamin and mineral supplements are capable of providing two organisms with a supply of essential substances at once.
2. The presence of iron in the composition will help prevent the development of anemia in a pregnant woman, and ascorbic acid will increase defenses.
3. Antioxidant substances of the composition remove toxins and excess fluid from the body, which will prevent the appearance of edema.
4. For women in position, the unabi fruit is also beneficial in its high fiber content, which improves intestinal motility. Therefore, the presence of such a product in the diet, in addition to all the above advantages, will help to ensure regular stool.
5. Separately, I want to note the benefits of folic acid for the developing fetus. In the first trimester, when the nervous system of the unborn child is formed, a lack of this component can lead to congenital anomalies in the baby.

Important: if before pregnancy the woman did not use Chinese dates, there is a risk of developing an allergy to the tropical product. Therefore, before introducing an unfamiliar product into the diet, consult a doctor.

When breastfeeding

In the first three months after birth, nursing mothers should refrain from eating any fruit, especially exotic. But after this period, Chinese dates are quite worthy of becoming a part of a woman’s daily diet, if the baby does not cause an allergy. Jujube fruits stimulate the production of breast milk, improve the absorption of food, and help fight constipation. All of these actions in combination, of course, will be very useful for the restoration of the strength of a woman. But you need to eat sweet fruits in small portions. One fresh or sun-dried date per day is enough to fortify the main menu.

For kids

A fruit rich in vitamin and mineral supplements is certainly good for the growing body. But to give such a treat to children is possible only after two years. By this time, the children's body is fully adapted to the consumption of solid food. It is necessary to introduce fruit into the food carefully and with minimal portions. So that the pulp of the fetus does not stick to the child’s teeth, it must be crushed, and after drinking, give the baby water to drink.

Unabi fruit should be given to adolescents suffering from overweight. Substances present in the composition of the product reduce the concentration of lipids in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart pathologies in the child.

When losing weight

The sweet taste of the Chinese date will not be an obstacle for those who monitor the volume of their waist. On the contrary, nutritionists recommend that all losing weight individuals be sure to supplement the diet with this healthy fruit. Exotic fruit will help to bear the hardships of a rigid diet, increase overall tone, provide vitamins and minerals. The ability of the jujube to relieve nervous tension will help to establish sleep during this period. Just one cup of warm fruit tea will act as a light sleeping pill, providing a full, good sleep.

Low calorie product in combination with a high content of protein and fiber will give a good saturation during a day snack.

Note: Chinese dates are very popular among fitness lovers.

With diabetes

Nutritionists and endocrinologists not only welcome the inclusion of jujube fruits in the diet of diabetics, they strongly recommend the use of this product to such patients. Studies have shown that Chinese dates are the best natural sugar substitute, which in combination with its set of beneficial effects will help strengthen the weakened body of patients of the first and second type of diabetes.

Of course, before including delicious fruits in the menu, you should first consult a doctor. But even in the case of normal blood glucose levels, one should not get carried away with unabi fruits. Diabetics can consume several fresh or dried fruits per day, but it is better to prepare medicinal decoctions or vitamin teas and compotes.

Addition: according to the recipes of traditional medicine at home, you can prepare decoctions, infusions and ointments from different parts of the tree of paradise. Interestingly, for medicinal purposes, absolutely all elements of the plant are used, including the seeds of the fruit. For example, for the treatment of skin diseases, it is enough to mix in a ratio of 1: 5 crushed fresh leaves and olive oil. After 10 days of infusion, the ointment for external treatment is ready for use.

Important: Unabi glycemic index - 20 units.

Harm and contraindications

The list of positive qualities of the Chinese date is impressive. But, despite the enormous benefits of tropical fruit for people of different ages, if desired, due to its valuable composition, to improve health, the existing contraindications must be taken into account. The product in any form is prohibited

• young children;
• persons prone to allergic manifestations;
• with hypotension;
• people suffering from flatulence;
• with poor appetite.

Pregnant women are allowed to eat fruit in moderation, but it is strictly forbidden to take medications from seeds and leaves. In these parts of the plant there are substances that can provoke a miscarriage.

For an adult, the maximum daily intake of fresh and dried fruit jujube is 80 g. If this dose is exceeded, headaches, apathy, and weakness may appear. Therefore, if you want to resolve the situation with insomnia due to healthy fruit, you should very carefully determine the dosage.

Otherwise, Chinese dates are a very tasty and nutritious product, which is worth paying attention to all, especially during periods of winter vitamin deficiency.

How to choose and store

Unfamiliar products, especially exotic fruits, you must be able to choose the right one. Chinese dates rarely appear in our stores, so consumers are not familiar with the rules for choosing fruits. They are simple:

1. Ideally, buy fresh copies of unabi reddish-brown and slightly wrinkled.
2. Uneven color with interspersed yellowish spots is allowed, but no damage, dents or signs of rot should be present.
3. It is advisable to find out in which area the fruits were grown. Preference should be given to fruits from the mountainous terrain.
4. Chinese dates retain their valuable properties in any form for a whole year. In canned form, the product can be stored for up to 3 years.
5. If fresh fruits are stored in the refrigerator, they must be sold within a month.

Important: people prone to allergic manifestations and suffering from digestive disorders, it is advisable to consult a doctor about the inclusion of a new product in the diet. It is also necessary to consult a specialist if there is an intention to undergo a course of home treatment with drugs prepared from various parts of the tree of paradise.

How to eat unabi

Jujube fruits are often eaten fresh, which gives the human body maximum benefit. But before eating, fruits must be washed thoroughly under running water. The peel of Chinese dates is concentrated in a lot of useful substances, so they should be eaten along with the outer shell. In stores you can find dried unabi fruits, packaged in bags. From such dried fruits you can cook compotes, vitamin drinks at home, add them to porridge. In specialized stores of oriental spices, jujube is sold as a seasoning.

In taste, the Chinese date is very close to an apple. But from the fruits traditional for our table, it is distinguished by the dense structure of the pulp and sensitive tart notes in the flavoring bouquet. When dried, unabi is difficult to distinguish from ordinary dates.

Norms of use
To maintain health and immune forces, it is enough to eat several fruits a day, but not more than 20 pieces. It is especially worth leaning on Chinese dates when there is a risk of contracting the flu and other viral infections. If valuable fruits are constantly present in the diet, the benefits of such an additive will immediately positively affect the general condition. Exotic fruit is useful for the elderly: it will help stabilize blood pressure, improve memory, and inhibit the growth of malignant cells.

What can be cooked from unabi: recipes

In European cuisine and eastern countries, Chinese dates are a desirable product. From it you can cook a huge number of original dishes with exquisite taste characteristics. As a source of culinary material used dried, dried, canned fruits. The powder mixture is used to make medicinal teas. Fresh fruits are ideal for a hearty and healthy afternoon snack.

Here are some interesting ways to make Chinese dates:

1. In Korea and China, they love jujube in tea.
2. In Japan, particles of sweet fruit are added to rice and pastries.
3. Europeans love to make smoothies with fruits and Chinese dates.
4. The world collection has recipes for making fried Chinese dates.
5. Many types of world-famous oriental sweets are also prepared with the obligatory inclusion of particles of dried unabi fruit.
6. There are recipes for pickled cucumbers, where an exotic fruit is listed in the list of ingredients.
7. Jujube is added to pastries, wine, fruit desserts, salads, as well as to the first and second meat dishes.
8. Since the fruits are saturated with tannins, in crushed form they can be used as a substitute for coffee.

Our pragmatic housewives also contributed to the treasury of world culinary. We offer several popular recipes using fruits and other parts of jujube.

Tea

Toning tea according to the traditional Chinese recipe was also enjoyed by our lovers of natural drinks. With strict adherence to the sequence of its preparation, you will get a tool that instantly relieves fatigue, soothes nerves, and charges with positive energy.

The following ingredients are included in the composition of the vegetable base for the drink:

• 20 fruits of Chinese dates (dried fruits);
• cinnamon stick;
• anise star
• a full tablespoon of quality leaf tea (you can take black or green varieties);
• a piece of ginger root (5 cm);
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (preferably coconut).
• These proportions are given per liter of purified water.

Cooking process:

1. The procedure is simple, but takes time. First, cut the ginger root into thin slices.
2. Mix all of these components, except sugar, in a container, pour the mass with water.
3. Put the dishes with the composition on low heat.
4. Boil until the fruit softens.
5. Add sugar at the end of the preparation process.
6. Ready tea according to the Chinese recipe to insist another 15 minutes, then pour it into cups.

After the first sips of an invigorating drink, a surge of strength is immediately felt, the mood rises.

Simplified Tea Recipe
This simple way has already been invented by our initiative hostesses. It is necessary to pour 15-20 unabi fruits into a thermos, pour them with boiling water. Then close the thermos tightly so that the tea is infused. After 20-30 minutes, you can enjoy the tart and slightly sweet taste of the drink. If sweets are not enough, you can add a small spoonful of honey to the tea.

Compote

There are many recipes for making compote from fresh and dried Chinese dates. The advantage of such a drink is that it can be preserved. In winter, a refreshing invigorating drink will become a real find, and its taste is so rich that no soda on this indicator can compare with it.Even for the New Year's feast, vitamin compote is ideal. Here is a set of products required for its preparation:

• 2 cups dried fruit jujube;
• exactly the amount of dried apricots;
• a glass of strawberries and raspberries (you can take frozen berries);
• 3 full glasses of sugar;
• 5 liters of water.

Preparation Scheme:

1. First, bring the water to a boil in an appropriate container.
2. Then lower the fruits of unabi and dried apricots into boiling liquid. Boil for 5 minutes.
3. After that add the berries.
4. In full, boil the compote for another 10 minutes.
5. Then remove it from the heat and cool.
6. Pour compote with slices of dried fruits and berries into cups or strain.

Jam

There are many ways to make jam from Chinese dates. Here is the popular “five-minute” method among housewives.

There are only two ingredients:

• 800 g of granulated sugar;
• 1 kg of fruit jujube.

How to cook:

1. First of all, thoroughly rinse the fruits under running water.
2. Then pierce each fruit in several places with a toothpick.
3. Pour sugar over the mass.
4. Wait until the fruit gives juice. Therefore, it is best to leave the jam blank overnight.
5. If there is little juice, add a little water. True, such an additive will slightly reduce the taste characteristics of jam.
6. After performing all of the above actions, boil the jam three times for 5 minutes. Between the stages of heat treatment, the drink should completely cool.
7. After the third cooking, immediately identify the hot product in jars, and then roll it up with iron lids. A day of canned food should stand in the room. In this case, the banks must be put upside down. An ideal place to store jam from Chinese dates is a cool cellar.

Chinese Date Cinnamon Jam
This jam recipe will appeal to small and adult family members. A fruit treat will be a great addition to pancakes and crepes, but you can enjoy it in combination with ice cream.

The following ingredients will be required:

• 2 kg of fresh fruit jujube;
• 2 kg of sugar;
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon;
• 20 g of citric acid;
• liter of water.

Preparation Scheme:

1. Thoroughly rinse fruit with a fork or a toothpick.
2. Boil for 5 minutes in boiling water.
3. Now make the syrup. To do this, mix the entire amount of water with sugar.
4. Boil the syrup until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Pour boiled Chinese dates with hot syrup. In this condition, the workpiece should stand for 5-7 hours.
6. Cook for 25 minutes over low heat.
7. When cool, pour into sterilized jars.
8. Close the container tightly with plastic caps. The jam prepared in this way should be stored in the refrigerator.

Pickled jujube fruits

This spicy appetizer will decorate the festive table and diversify the daily menu. But for this recipe, you need to cook 5 kg of unripe unabi fruits. In addition to the main ingredient, you also need to take:

• 1 kg of sugar;
• 1 kg of garlic;
• 500 ml of table vinegar;
• salt, spices.

Cooking method:

1. Cut the washed fruits, remove the seeds.
2. Peel and rinse the garlic.
3. Then put one garlic clove into each cut.
4. Put spices in advance sterilized jars, and then dates stuffed with garlic.
5. Now prepare the marinade: in a saucepan combine vinegar with salt and sugar, boil.
6. Pour the workpiece in cans with brine, cover the container with lids.
7. After 20 minutes, drain the marinade, boil again, refill in jars.
8. After this procedure, roll each jar with metal lids.
9. After complete cooling, send the container to storage in the cellar or refrigerator.

Interesting Facts

1. In the Russian regions of the Caucasus, silkworms are fed with the leaves of a paradise tree. This diet allows arthropods to produce high quality fiber.
2. If you chew the leaves of jujube for a long time, they suppress the sensitivity of the taste buds.Only after half an hour can a person again feel the bitterness and sweetness of food.
3. People living in the Himalayas believe that the sweet aroma of Chinese dates contributes to loving relationships. Therefore, local guys attach stems with jujube flowers to clothes to attract the attention of girls. And during the wedding ceremony, unabi branches are always placed in the newlyweds' bedroom before the wedding night as a sign of future happiness and fertility.
4. Dried jujube fruits taste very much like Bird's milk sweets.
5. Korean masters of jujube wood make dishes, beads and parts for violins and reed drums.

Unaby photo