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12 Brilliant Facts About Cherimoya

Cherimoya is a tree of the Annona genus, the Annonov family. Other names for this plant are chirimola, owl, the pearl of the Andes, chirmolia, and golden Peruvian apple. The name comes from two words of the Quechua language: chiri – “cold” and moya – “seed”. This name is explained by the tree’s endurance to weather conditions. It grows well in dry and cool areas.

  1. The homeland of the plant is the foothills of the Andes of Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. In Peru, fruits have been known since the time of the Incas. Cherimoya is grown in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, the Antilles, in cool regions of Central America, and even in the United States, in southern Florida and California.
  2. The trees are successfully cultivated in India, Australia, South Africa, Eritrea, Somalia, Portugal, Egypt, Italy, Algeria and Libya, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Hawaii. But the most significant crops are harvested in Portugal and Spain.
  3. The cherimoya tree grows up to 9 meters in height. Leaves are two-row, up to 15 cm long, and 9 cm wide.
  4. Flowers with short stalks, growing along the branches. The flower consists of 3 outer thick and fleshy petals, inside there are 3 small petals.
  5. The fruits are complex and consist of segments. Depending on the variety, the shape of the fruit can be conical or heart-like.
  6. The length of the fruit reaches 10-20 cm, the flesh is white and aromatic, fibrous-creamy texture. Each fruit contains about 20 large black seeds. The weight of one fruit is from 0.5 to 3 kg. Up to 200 fruits can be harvested from one tree.
  7. Cherimoya pulp tastes like banana, strawberry, pineapple, papaya, and mango with milk at the same time. Some varieties have a light cinnamon aroma.
  8. Cherimoya is often referred to as the ice cream tree because the pulp, especially when frozen, is very similar in consistency and taste to the fruity ice cream.
  9. The seeds of the fruit are very poisonous and cannot be eaten; to sleep well, it is enough to put a fresh cherry leaf in the pillowcase.
  10. The fruit is the national fruit of Chile.
  11. In the middle of the 19th century, Mark Twain called cherimoya the most delicious fruit in the world.
  12. In Chile, the pulp is frozen and served in waffle cups like ice cream.
  13. Outside of the growth of this fruit, its price is quite high.
  14. In some countries, one fruit will cost up to $ 50. Since they are heavy, they are often sold cut in half.
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17 Tasty Facts About Tangelo

Tangelos are considered to be a type of tangerine and are noted for their juiciness and mildly sweet flavor. Tangelos (Citrus paradisi x Citrus reticulata) are hybrids of the tangerine and either the pomelo or the grapefruit. The first fruit hybrid was produced by Dr. Walter T. Swingle and Dr. Herbert J. Webber in 1911, and has been available in the market ever since.

  1. While it’s often erroneously believed to be genetically modified, the tangelo is actually a product of natural hybridization and does not require genetic manipulation for its production.
  2. Compared to oranges, tangerines are smaller in size and have a looser peel, which is easy to remove. These characteristics of tangerines make them an ideal snack.
  3. Tangelos are also widely known as the honeybell fruit, which is a hybrid fruit.
  4. They are a cross between the pomelo/grapefruit, and the mandarin orange.
  5. The Minneola variety is identified by its knob-like formation at the stem, and its deep orange color.
  6. Mandarin oranges are a cross between a tangerine and an orange.
  7. Tangerines have a deep orange color too, and a pebbly texture peel which is easy to remove.
  8. You can enjoy the fruit raw, cook it, add it to salads, etc.
  9. It is best eaten raw and is easy to peel. You can have the fruit or its juice during breakfast.
  10. Fresh and raw pieces can also be added to salads.
  11. You can use tangelos for recipes that require oranges for cooking but make sure you add them near the end of the cooking time so the fruits don’t break down.
  12. One of the most asked questions about this fruit is, “Do tangelos have seeds?” It’s interesting that unlike other citrus fruits, tangelos actually have little to no seeds. The amount of seeds largely depends on the environment where the trees thrive.
  13. Tangelo trees that are surrounded by other trees of their kind often produce fruits that have little to no seeds, while tangelo trees that are near tangerine or orange trees often contain small seeds.
  14. Aside from their sweet and zesty taste, another reason that you should consider eating tangelos is that they can offer you a handful of health benefits.  
  15. Tangelos, being the hybrid of the tangerine and pomelo/grapefruit, contain the nutritional benefits of both of these fruits.
  16. The tangelo fruit has been used in jams, marmalade, and cakes, and has also been included in salads and main dishes. Sliced segments of the fruit are also used as a decorative garnish, while its juice can provide a tangy twist to marinades and sauces. 
  17. Tangelos can also be used as a substitute for mandarin oranges, grapefruits, and even lemons.
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12 Cognitive Facts About Rambutan Fruit

The stalls of food markets in Southeast Asia are simply bursting with an abundance of outlandish fruits for us, especially in Thailand. In this country, tourists’ eyes run up from the fruit variety, and many of them opt for one very unusual fruit, similar to a small red nut and covered with long fleshy hairs. This is rambutan – one of the most popular fruits in this country.

  1. According to local legend, rambutan in Thailand appeared quite a by accident. It was brought by a Chinese or Malaysian tin miner who moved from Penang to Thailand and settled in the town of Surat Thani. He brought with him 5 seedlings of this fruit tree. A few years later, he was forced to return, and the rambutan planted in the garden began to grow and bear unusual and surprisingly tasty fruits.
  2. Years later, this land was acquired by the Ministry of Education and built a school there. A separate school garden was created for the overgrown rambutan trees. As a result, this fruit was called ngo rongrian, which translates as “school rambutan”. This name was firmly fixed for them and is still used today. Its Indonesian name rambut is translated as “hair”. I think it’s clear why.
  3. Rambutan outwardly resembles a small nut 3 to 6 cm in diameter, covered with red or yellow skin and decorated with long fleshy green hairs. These fruits grow in clusters of up to 30 pieces.
  4. The rambutan fruit tree itself is a tall evergreen tree with wide, spreading foliage. The leaves are oval or ovoid. During the flowering period, the crown of the tree is covered with small flowers collected in branched inflorescences.
  5. The harvest period lasts from May to September.
  6. In rambutan, they eat a translucent, juicy pulp of milky white color, very rich in vitamin C, minerals (phosphorus, iron, calcium), as well as carbohydrates, protein, and niacin.
  7. There are 2 types of rambutan: Rongrian (round, with bright red skin, greenish hairs, and sweet flesh) and Si Chom Phu (egg-shaped, with pink skin and pink tendrils, not as sweet as Rongrian).
  8. The fruit’s hair is a great shelter for ants, so shake the fruit thoroughly before peeling it.
  9. Rambutan is eaten in any form. It is eaten like this, peeled from the skin, and various jams and preserves are made from it. The pulp of the fruit is also used as a filling for pies, as an ingredient in salads, etc.
  10. It is important to present this fruit correctly. There is a cleaning method for this. First, you need to make a small circular incision around the fruit, and then carefully remove the thin skin from one part by pulling on the hairs. It comes off easily. Leave the second part untouched and use it as a convenient holder for the rest of the fruit. The pulp is eaten carefully, trying not to touch the bones, which can spoil the whole taste. On the table, the fruits themselves and dishes from them are served chilled.
  11. Rambutans spoil rather quickly, so it is recommended to use them immediately. The maximum shelf life in the refrigerator is 7 days.
  12. Thailand’s annual income from the sale of these fruits is about $ 12 million. This fruit even has its own holiday – School Rambutan Day, which is celebrated in August.
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13 Gorgeous Facts About Sweetie

Although the sweet’s biography is only a few decades old, this unusual fruit has already gained a whole army of fans. True, for domestic consumers this selection product is still unusual, but many are already looking at it with interest when they see the green giant on store shelves.

Indeed, the dimensions of this representative of citrus crops are striking in their scale: the size of one fruit is equivalent to two large apples. But this miracle of selection amazes not only with its parameters. The exotic fruit has a rich composition, so it is good for human health. But since Sweetie is not familiar to the general public, it’s time to introduce him.

  1. Indeed, the main characteristic of the sweets is its sweetish pleasant taste. But this is not the only name for the fruit. The fruit is often called “pomelo” because it resembles its relative, the pomelo. American farmers call it in the Spanish manner – “oroblanco” or in literal translation – “white gold”.
  2. However, any name does not change the unique composition and beneficial properties of the tropical fruit, which was born thanks to the efforts of Israeli scientists. The breeders decided to cross a grapefruit and a pomelo, and as a result, they got a hybrid in which all the best qualities of the “parents” were combined. The exact date of the experiment has not been established, but the fact that Israeli scientists in 1984 applied for a patent to the University of California is a known fact.
  3. True, the Americans decided to use the novelty for their own commercial purposes. They began to study the Israeli product in their own laboratories. Then very quickly, enterprising farmers took over the initiative and began to grow the Israeli hybrid. All these events affected the fate of oroblanco, and many lovers of citrus fruits still believe that the birthplace of this unusual fruit is America, not Israel.
  4. Since sweetie is a direct descendant of white grapefruit and pomelo, its basic characteristics are largely the same as those of these two citrus fruits. As a product of selection, Oroblanko surpasses its parents in some respects.
  5. Besides, Oroblanko contains more enzymes that can break down fats than pomelo. Although pomelo also has such abilities, given the more pleasant taste of the selected fruit, nutritionists recommend that it be included in the nutritional diet of sick and losing weight people.
  6. To this list of benefits, it is worth adding a large percentage of essential oils. There are especially many of these useful components in the peel of the fruit. Even with a short contact with the fruit, traces of fat that are difficult to wash off remain on the hands.
  7. The chemical composition of the citrus hybrid is a well-balanced formula of a huge number of nutrients. In total, this set includes several dozen components that the human body needs.
  8. The energy value of tropical fruit is in the range of 50-60 kcal, which is considered an excellent indicator for inclusion in the diet of obese people. But those who do not experience serious problems in this matter, but simply want to improve their body shape, can also supplement the menu with light meals with the participation of this low-calorie product.
  9. To date, the Sweetie is well studied. At the beginning of this century, the famous researcher Shela Gorinstein conducted clinical tests on 72 patients with high levels of harmful cholesterol. All volunteers were divided into three groups. For a whole month, the first group was given daily 100 ml of fresh fruit juice, the second – 200 ml. Participants of the third group did not receive juice at all.
  10. The results of the experiment showed that in the patients who took the largest amount of juice, the content of proteins in the blood, which are involved in the formation of blood clots, decreased. Therefore, tropical fruit juice is quite suitable as a prophylactic agent for the prevention of various cardiovascular pathologies.
  11. Fruit peel oil is an excellent anti-cellulite and anti-stress agent. And a bath with sweetie peel will instantly relieve fatigue and charge you with vital energy.
  12. The anti-cancer property will help prevent the development of oncology, and if a man drinks half a glass of fresh polite juice every day, such a diet will benefit the heart and cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol. After all, it has long been proven that the male part of the population is more susceptible to cardiovascular pathologies than women.
  13. Since sweetie promotes the active removal of toxic products from the body, it must be consumed by people employed in hazardous industries, as well as by those who live in regions with an unfavorable environmental situation.
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13 Interesting Facts About Chaenomeles

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles) is a shrub that is most often used as an ornamental plant (it has unusually bright orange-red flowers). However, its fruits are edible and very healthy.

  1. Chaenomeles is the fruit of a Japanese or flowering quince. The shape is a ball with an upper part protruding like a mushroom cap.
  2. Sizes – from 4 to 15 cm in diameter, in the center are small elongated seeds of brown or black color.
  3. Peel – thin, smooth, light green, yellow, orange, peach, brown blotches are allowed, pulp – dense, light yellow, greenish, white, juicy; taste – tart, slightly astringent, sourish.
  4. The more ripe the fruit, the higher the calorie content due to the increased sugar content. However, the nutritional value does not change significantly.
  5. The pulp contains a large number of pectins – these substances have antioxidant and antitoxic effects. When it enters the human digestive tract, they form a gel that envelops harmful compounds, which are subsequently removed naturally.
  6. They are especially appreciated for their high content of vitamin C. That is why Chaenomeles is also called a northern lemon.
  7. Chinese healers recommend activating the vital energy of qi by eating ripe quince. To do this, thin slices are coated with honey and dissolve in the mouth during meditation. The healing effect is used not only in philosophical movements.
  8. Improves bowel function, protects its mucous membrane from the aggressive effects of gastric juice and bile acids. Increases the speed of peristalsis, restores the balance of intestinal microflora, increases appetite, and helps to get rid of intoxication.
  9. Possesses immunomodulatory and immuno-strengthening properties, during the season of epidemics prevents complications if they are still sick. Increases the overall resistance of the body.
  10. Stimulates the work of the hematopoietic system, increasing blood clotting. Normalizes the function of internal organs – liver and spleen. Stabilizes the pulse rhythm.
  11. Chaenomeles can be used as an external agent to prevent purulent-inflammatory processes and accelerate epithelialization with long-lasting non-healing scratches.
  12. The beneficial properties of Chaenomeles depend on ripeness. The longer the quince ripens on the tree, the more active the bio-properties.

13. Of course, quince can be used to make jam or jam; in general, it is also suitable for making competes.
Or you can freeze it (after cutting it into pieces) in order to take it out in winter and brew it in a thermos (like a rosehip).

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10 Most Surprising Facts About Persimmon

Persimmon is an interesting berry and not everyone likes it. To date, the astringent effect that persimmon peel gives has practically disappeared due to crossing it with other fruits. Sweet, aromatic, and pleasant texture – persimmon is a vitamin and medicinal product. Here are some facts that reveal this orange berry from all sides:

  1. Translated from the Latin persimmon – food of the gods. It is also called winter cherry, the plum of the gods, Chinese peach, heart apple.
  1. Persimmons contain a lot of beta-carotene – its amount exceeds the amount of beta-carotene in pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers. This element is responsible for skin health and visual acuity. It is also useful for those who have a harmful nicotine addiction.
  2. Persimmons are considered healthier than apples due to their higher content of calcium, sodium, iron, and manganese. Persimmons also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which is useful for the stomach and remove toxins from the body.
  3. Persimmon helps in the fight against depression and autumn blues. It contains a lot of magnesium, which soothes and tunes a person to a positive, and fructose with glucose, which simply improves mood. Persimmon makes the day more enjoyable with its bright color!
  4. Persimmon satisfies hunger well while being a low-calorie product. This is used by athletes and all those who carefully monitor their weight.
  5. Ripe persimmons have hard and smooth skin, but so transparent that you can see the fibers and jelly-like pulp of the berry. The softer to the touch the persimmon, the tastier and riper it is.
  6. Persimmons are rich in vitamin C, and therefore will be an excellent assistant to you in the fight and prevention of seasonal colds. There are even recipes for rinsing and tinctures based on persimmon, but it is enough to just eat it.
  1. To get rid of the astringent effect of persimmon peel, you need to put it in the freezer for several hours. Or for several days in a plastic bag along with apples. Persimmon will ripen and lose its tasteless quality. Or just peel off the peel.
  2. Persimmons are not only used as a dessert, they are added to salads, baked goods, dried, and then eaten as candy. Persimmon adds spice and variety to the dish!
  3. Persimmons also contain a lot of potassium, which affects the work of the heart and blood vessels.
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17 Interesting Facts About Plum

Plums are fruits of the genus Prunus (stone fruits). Plum may have been one of the first fruits grown by humans, along with olives, grapes, and figs.

  1. Plum trees grow on all continents except Antarctica. But most of all they are grown in temperate zones. The average lifespan of cultivated plums is 10-15 years.
  2. Most plum trees grow in gardens near residential areas.
  3. Flower buds on most cultivars sit on short spurs along with the shoots of the main branch. Each bud can contain one to five flowers, and often appear as dense flower clusters when the trees are in full bloom.
  4. The fruits have an average size of 2.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter; shape from spherical to oval. The flesh is hard and juicy. The fruit is smooth with a waxy surface. Skin color ranges from bluish-black to red, purple, green, or yellow.
  5. The most popular and most common is the “home plum”, which takes 90% of all plum tree plantings in the world.
  6. Like most fruits, plums are low in calories. There are approximately 46 calories in 100 grams of raw plums; and they consist of 87% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and less than 1% fat.
  7. Plum is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9), and vitamin E.
  8. Minerals present in them include potassium, fluoride, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. They are also loaded with fiber, sorbitol, and isatin.
  9. The antioxidant power of plums helps in the treatment of osteoporosis, obesity and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
  10. Plums also contain anthocyanin and quercetin, which are important in preventing the breakdown of brain cells.
  11. Plums have a low glycemic index, so consuming plums helps control blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  12. Numerous studies have proven that eating plums helps prevent the appearance of cancer cells, strengthens the immune system, and prolongs youth.
  13. Plums are widely consumed as dessert fruits. Plum fruits range in flavor from sweet to tart. Compotes and preserves are prepared from plums. They are used for baking pastries.
  14. In the Balkans, the plum is converted into an alcoholic drink called Slivovica (Serbian: šljivovica). Šljivovica is the national drink of Serbia in domestic production, and the plum is the national fruit.
  15. “Plum wine” is popular in Japan, Korea, and is also produced in China. In central England, a similar alcoholic beverage known as the plum drum is also made from plums.
  16. Dried plums, without fermentation, are called prunes. These plums contain a high level of sugar, the quality of which depends on the drying method (in dehydrators or the sun) and the storage method.
  17. The plum is heavily involved in Chinese mythology. She is often depicted carved on jade, as the Chinese associate her with wisdom.

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17 Interesting Facts About Tangerine

In ancient China, tangerines were considered a symbol of happiness, wealth, and longevity. That is why the Chinese, going on a visit, took several fruits as a gift to the owners, thereby showing that they wish them all the best. And the hosts, in turn, also gave tangerines to the guests before leaving. There is an assumption that the very name “mandarin”, translated from the Chinese language, means “rich man”.

  1. Everyone loves seedless tangerines, but for obvious reasons, they cannot reproduce without human help. Now there are about 50 varieties of these fruits, but they all belong to cultivated plants and are not found in the wild. Most likely, sometime in time immemorial, Chinese breeders bred it.
  2. A tangerine tree can grow up to 4-5 meters in height, but it takes about 30 years for it. But from one such large tree, you can collect a solid harvest, for the season it can bring up to 6000-7000 fruits, and in some cases even more.
  3. Breeders actively cross tangerines not only with each other but also with other fruits. What is sold in stores often refers to just such hybrids, outwardly very similar to tangerines. Tangerines, for example, which are grown in China more than any other citrus, or clementines, which are a sweet hybrid of mandarin and bitter Seville orange.
  4. Of all citrus trees, tangerine is the most resistant to cold weather. Therefore, these fruits have been grown for a long time even in the south of Russia, although winters there are too cold for most other citrus fruits. But tangerines grow well in the Caucasus, in particular, in Abkhazia and Georgia. It takes 6-8 months for the fruit to fully ripen, and the conditions there are quite suitable, the warm season lasts long enough.
  5. Like other citrus fruits, tangerines are the strongest allergen. But they still have a lot of useful properties – a huge amount of vitamins, for example. For the inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere, these fruits are a valuable source of them in the winter.
  6. In cold climates, tangerine trees do not survive because they are classified as evergreens. They do not shed their leaves for the winter, and therefore snow and frost kill them easily.
  7. Mandarin juice is not commercially available, unlike orange juice, although the cost of these fruits is comparable. The thing is that orange juice is healthy, it retains many useful properties during processing, but tangerines lose these properties. Therefore, it makes no sense to make juice from them – it will not be useful for the body.
  8. The word “mandarin” in a slightly distorted form came to the main European languages from Spanish, and in ancient China, high-ranking government officials were called mandarins, and the Chinese language in English-speaking sources is still called Mandarin. Why the fruit was named as the nobles were called – no one knows. Perhaps the fact is that once in China, only tangerine officials had the right to grow tangerine fruits in their gardens.
  9. If we count all the hybrids together, it turns out that tangerines of all citrus fruits are second only to oranges in terms of the scale of the world harvest. They are grown in many countries of the world, although they came to Europe only a few centuries ago, around the time of the Napoleonic Wars.
  10. Distinguishing a tasty tangerine from a tasteless one is not difficult even in a store. With prolonged storage, these fruits lose moisture and dry out, and therefore become lighter. Therefore, the heavier the tangerine, the juicier it is likely to be, and the fruits that are too light for their size are likely to be slightly dried and not very sweet.
  11. Tangerines are nitrate-free. This is because fruits contain a lot of citric acids, which, due to their properties, neutralizes their harmful effects.
  12. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic Science Center have found that tangerines are wonderful to cheer up. Their smell relieves anxiety and stress and charges a person with optimism.
  13. Eating tangerines is a great way to recharge with vitamins. This fruit contains the same amount of vitamin C as an orange, and 3 times more vitamin A. Also, tangerines are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and bioflavonoids. Moreover, one fruit contains an average of 40 calories.
  14. Don’t rush to throw away the tangerine peels! It can also be used: use it as a flavoring for drinks and desserts. But before doing this, rinse the crusts with water and vinegar to help rinse the chemicals off. Also, avoid using shiny peels, as the gloss means the fruit has been waxed.
  15. How do you calculate the most acidic fruits? Very simple! They are of medium size and flattened. These are Unshiu tangerines, and if you do not like sweets, then you should opt for these fruits.
  16. Mandarin oil works well against cellulite.
  17. To prevent tangerines from spoiling for a long time, simple storage conditions should be observed. These citrus fruits cannot stand dryness and high temperatures, and therefore the bottom drawer of the refrigerator will be the best place for them.

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20 Curious Facts About Peaches

Peach is one of the favorite foods for plant lovers. How much do you know about this fruit? If not, read on.

  1. Peach is good for digestion and has a diuretic effect. It is good for cleansing the kidneys and bladder.
  2. This wonderful fruit has a natural soothing effect. It has a beneficial effect on the stomach for acid indigestion.
  3. Peach gives you a feeling of fullness, so it is good to use it as a snack between meals. Even though it is sweet, it has very few calories – 35-50 – and no fat at all, so those who are losing weight can eat it.
  4. Peaches are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, so it is good not only for the digestive system but also for muscles, bones, and heart.
  5. Peach has excellent moisturizing properties, therefore it is useful for skin renewal. It is often used in cosmetics.
  6. Eating peach has a positive effect on the condition of the scalp and prevents hair loss.
  7. Peaches help relieve bad moods and anxiety. In Hungary, therefore, they are called “fruits of tranquility”.
  8. Peach is very aromatic and can be used as an aphrodisiac.
  9. Peach contains selenium, which is good for cancer prevention.
  10. During the Roman Empire, people thought that this fruit came from Persia, as it sounded similar in Latin – “Prunus persica”. At first, it was called the Persian apple.
  11. In fact, the fruit is originally from China, and it got to other countries through Persia.
  12. In China, the peach is a symbol of good luck, protection, and longevity.
  13. Peach is a member of the Rosaceae family and is a close relative of the almond.
  14. August has been National Peach Month since 1982 in the United States.
  15. The peach tree is often called the tree of life.
  16. Peaches came to America during the second or third voyage of Columbus to this continent.
  17. The first peach orchard in the United States appeared in Florida in 1565.
  18. The state of Georgia in the United States is called the peach state by the local population because there are many peach orchards, although the state of California is the absolute leader in the country in growing these wonderful fruits.
  19. China is the world’s main producer of peaches, followed by Italy.
  20. The kernel of peach pits contains hydrocyanic acid, which is a poisonous substance if it enters the body in large quantities. Adults are allowed to eat 1-2 kernels of peach pits. One core weighs about 10 g, and 100 g is already life-threatening. True, most people never eat peach kernels because they do not find them tasty.
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15 Irresistible Facts About Sapodilla

Sapodilla (or lamut, chiku, achra) is the fruit of an evergreen, slow-growing sapodilla tree (lat. Manilkara zapota) from the Sapotova family that is found throughout Thailand. The supposed homeland of the plant is one of the regions of Mexico. It is now found naturally in an area stretching from Mexico and South Florida to the Caribbean and northern South America. Manilkara zapota is widespread on other continents, in tropical regions.

  1. India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, and other Central American countries are engaged in commercial cultivation. The most important fruit suppliers are the Thai provinces of Chonburi, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Sukhothai. The harvest season in Thailand lasts from September to January.
  2. The height of sapodilla trees is usually 12–20 m. Some specimens grow up to 40 m in height. The trunk and bark contain a lot of white milky sap. The leaves are beautiful, with cuttings up to 3 cm long and elliptical plates, 5–15 cm long and up to 7 cm wide. They are located at the ends of branches in groups. Both sides of the leaves are the same dark green color, the veins are clearly visible below. In some species, the underside is velvety.
  3. Bell-shaped flowers on stems about 2 cm long grow from the leaf axils. They have 6 stamens and 3 ovoid velvety red-brown sepals. The corolla is light green.
  4. Fruits are around 5–10 cm in size. They appear in place of a small number of flowers. Depending on the variety, from the beginning of flowering to ripening, the sapodilla takes from four to ten months. In mature specimens, the skin is slightly rough, light brown, while in immature specimens it is smooth, greenish-brown. The pulp is soft, mealy, sweet, from yellow to red-brown in color. Sapodilla flavor is a cross between pear, banana, and caramel. The fruit smells like caramel and vanilla.
  5. One fruit contains 3–12 inedible brown or black seeds with a white margin, 16–24 mm long, arranged in a star shape. They are slightly flattened and very hard.
  6. Sapodilla trees are grown mainly for the tasty and nutritious fruits that supply the body with minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. They are especially rich in phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C.
  7. Manilkara zapota wood is a durable building material, as evidenced by the Mayan settlements abandoned many centuries ago on the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. It is tough, tough, and pest resistant. Sapodilla wood is used to make heavy structures, sleepers, furniture, joinery, and tool handles.
  8. The tannin found in various parts of the plant is used for tanning ship sails and fishing nets.
  9. A decoction of the leaves is used to reduce fever, hemorrhoids, wounds, and ulcers. For neuralgia, greased leaves are applied in the form of a compress.
  10. Flowers are one of the components of the powder with which women rub their bodies after childbirth.
  11. The bark is an astringent, antipyretic, and tonic. The tannin obtained from it is used for diarrhea and high fever.
  12. Sapodillas are eaten for indigestion and diarrhea.
  13. The seeds are considered antipyretic. If you grind them and grind them with water, you will get a diuretic, which also helps to eliminate stones from the gall and bladder.
  14. Powdered roots are used to treat oral thrush in infants.
  15. The seeds have something like a hook at the end. If accidentally swallowed, it can get caught in the esophagus. Therefore, before using sapodilla, it is better to remove the seeds immediately.
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