Prickly pear – the unusual fruit. The first mention of it is found in Aztec and belongs to the 13th century. Eating the flesh, the Indians roasted the seeds, milled them and used for soups. Currently, it is grown in southern Mexico, some countries in Central and South America, in Vietnam and in Israel (in the Negev).
For the outstanding appearance of the fruit called “dragon fruit” (dragon fruit), or “prickly pear”(prickly pear). It is a bushy treelike cactus on the ends of the stems which ripen juicy fruits. The flowers appear on the strictly on the first and fifteenth day of the month.
Depending on type, varies the size of the fruit, color of flesh (white, pink, purple), rind color (from yellow to orange, from red to purple) and texture the surface of the fruit (with a small outgrowths with a thin colored scales). The pulp of the fruit is always full of small black semechkami, which are usually clean.
Taste prickly pear is slightly inferior to its appearance – not aromatic, unsaturated, almost sweet.
Attractive fruit piticii widely used in cooking and above all in the manufacture of various alcoholic beverages. The juice and pulp added to the composition of candy, ice cream, sorbets, yoghurts and different dairy products, from pulp cook jams, sauces and jellies. Prickly pear juice mixed with lemon and lime for the preparation of “summer drinks”.
For the preparation of pitaya for consumption, the fruit is usually cut vertically into two halves. Then you can either cut these halves into slices (like slicing a melon), or scoop the flesh with a spoon. Although the seeds of pitaya are rich in valuable lipids, usually they are indigestible unless chewed. The skin is inedible, in addition, it may contain pesticides.
A low calorie product, 100 g of which there are only 45 calories. It is characterized by increased content of carbohydrates, but in moderation will not harm the figure.
Beneficial properties of prickly pear
Pitahaya malacologia, contains proteins, water, phosphorus, calcium, iron, vitamin C, PP, B1 (thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin).
Even more attractive to fruit was added with the latest results of medical research. In their opinion, the use of prickly pear helps to get rid of stomach pains. In addition, the fruit is useful for diabetes or other endocrine disease.
The fruit is useful in diabetes, a positive effect on the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Can relieve the pain in my stomach.
Dangerous properties of prickly pear
When eating large amounts of prickly pear with red skin (e. g. , Costa Rica) may occur pseudohistory, a harmless reddening of the urine and faeces.
Dragon fruit is considered an exotic product, so drinking it in large quantities may cause diarrhea, heartburn or allergies. To avoid this, doctors recommend to eat initially, a small piece of this fruit, to test their reaction.
Also pitahaya it is not advisable to give small children, as it can cause the appearance of Allergy and other unpleasant situations.
Pitahaya is an unusual fruit. The first mention of it is found in the Aztecs and dates back to the 13th century. Eating the pulp, the Indians roasted the seeds, grinded them and used them for soup. Currently, it is grown in southern Mexico, in some countries of Central and South America, in Vietnam, as well as in Israel (in the Negev desert).
For outstanding appearance, the fruit is called “dragon fruit” (prickly pear). This bushy tree-like cactus, at the ends of the stems of which ripe juicy fruits. Flowers appear on it strictly on the first and the fifteenth day of the month.
Depending on the type, the size of the fruit varies, the color of the pulp (white, pink, purple), the color of the peel (from yellow to orange, from red to purple) and the texture of the fruit surface (with small outgrowths, with thin color scales). The flesh of the fruit is always filled with small black seeds, which are usually cleaned.
The taste of feeding is somewhat inferior to its appearance – not fragrant, unsaturated, slightly sweet.
Attractive-looking fruits of Pitikhaya are actively used in cooking and before all in the production of various alcoholic beverages. Juice and pulp are added to the composition of sweets, ice cream, sorbets, yoghurts and various dairy products, from the pulp cook jam, jelly and sauces. Nourish Juice is mixed with lemon and lime for the preparation of “summer drinks. ”
To prepare pitaia for consumption, the fruit is usually cut vertically into two halves. After this, you can either cut these halves into slices (just as you cut a melon), or scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Although the seeds of Pitaya are rich in valuable lipids, they are usually not digested unless they are chewed. Peel is inedible, in addition, it can contain pesticides.
Caloric content of Pitahaya (dragon fruit)
Low-calorie dietary product, in 100 g of which there are only 45 kcal. It has an increased carbohydrate content, but in moderate amounts it will not harm the figure.
Nutrition information in 100 grams:
Proteins, Fats gr, gr Carbohydrates, Zola gr, gr Water gr Calories, kcal
0. 5 0. 5 13 0. 5 85 45
Useful properties of food
Pitahaya is small-bodied, contains proteins, water, phosphorus, calcium, iron, vitamin C, PP, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin).
Even more attractive to fruit added the latest results of medical research. In their opinion, the use of nourishment helps to get rid of stomach pain. In addition, the fruit is useful for people suffering from diabetes or other endocrine diseases.
The fruit is useful to suffering diabetes, favorably affects the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Is able to relieve pain in the stomach.
Dangerous properties of food
When consuming a large amount of pikaahaya with red skin (for example, Costa Rican), pseudogematuria can occur, a harmless reddening of the urine and feces.
Pitahaya is considered an exotic product, so consuming it in large quantities can lead to diarrhea, heartburn or allergies. To prevent this from happening, doctors initially recommend to eat a small piece of this fruit to check the reaction of the body.
Also, it is not advisable to give food to young children, since it can provoke the appearance of diathesis and other unpleasant situations.
