The fresh fruit season is not that long. Fortunately, the fruits of almost all fruit crops are able to retain their valuable properties after drying or drying. Juicy, ripe citrus fruits in most regions of our country appear on the shelves only for several months of the year. But such fruits can be prepared for future use. The article will talk about dried tangerines: their properties, beneficial and harmful qualities, as well as methods for preparing this delicacy.

Product Features

In the southern regions of Russia, drying and drying fruits is a very common method of preservation. On tables and in cellars there you can often find dried bananas, dried or dried persimmons, and citrus fruits.

After the drying process, fruits not only retain their beneficial qualities, but also acquire new flavor notes and shades.

Tangerine fruits can also be dried. In the first preparation method, the fruit is cut into thin circles, which are dried in the sun. Thus, dried tangerines are obtained.

The second option for preparing this fruit is dried fruit. In this case, the whole tangerines are hung out in the open air for several days. This product is called kumquat.

Calorie content and composition

Depending on the type and variety of fresh tangerine, the calorie content of 100 grams of dried fruit can vary from 50 to 70-80 kcal. When the fruit is dried and there is a more significant loss of moisture from the fibers, the calorie content of 100 grams of dried product can reach 200-250 kcal.

Like fresh fruits, dried fruits contain a lot of valuable elements. Dried and sun-dried tangerines contain a lot of microelements that are important for the human body. This:

• magnesium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• beta-carotene;
• vitamins of groups A, B, C, E, PP, K;
• pectins;
• folic acid.

Beneficial features

Dried tangerines can be consumed as a separate product, replacing high-calorie desserts with them. Dry sweet slices can also serve as a decoration for baked goods or other dishes.

The benefits of eating dried tangerines cover many systems and organs of the human body.

• Organic fibers stimulate intestinal motility and improve the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Dried fruits increase appetite and promote the release of digestive enzymes.
• Dried and dried tangerines improve metabolism and metabolic processes in the body. Due to this, immunity and protective functions are strengthened.
• It has been proven that tangerines, including dried ones, have a very beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels. In particular, they help strengthen vascular walls. Tangerine fruits serve as a good prophylactic against congestion in the circulatory system. Their use reduces the likelihood of the formation of sclerotic formations in the lumens of blood vessels.
• Microelements contained in citrus fruits improve capillary nutrition of tissues.
• Tangerine fruits, fresh and dried, have a weak diuretic effect. Their use helps regulate water-salt balance.
• Including dried tangerines in your diet activates the elimination of toxins and waste. This is a good help for the liver and hematopoietic organs.
• The high content of ascorbic acid and a large amount of vitamins make this fruit an effective remedy for combating vitamin deficiency, scurvy, and loss of strength.
• In Chinese medicine, dried and dried tangerine fruits are used as a natural antimicrobial agent. The peel of this fruit contains large quantities of furocoumarin. This substance is very effective in combating fungal infections, viruses and pathogens.

Contraindications for use

Despite the wide range of beneficial properties, Dried tangerines are not recommended for some people.

• The product may be harmful to those with serious kidney disease. You should refrain from including dried tangerines in your diet during periods of exacerbation of chronic kidney diseases.
• People suffering from diabetes should consume dried or dried tangerine fruits in very limited quantities. The fact is that when dried, the concentration of sugars in fruits increases.
• This product should not be abused by overweight people.
• An absolute contraindication is an allergy to citrus fruits, individual intolerance to the components or trace elements of the product.
• During pregnancy and lactation, women should refrain from eating dried or fresh citrus fruits in large quantities. This can be fraught with allergic manifestations in the mother or child.

How to cook?

In regions with very hot summers, kumquat and dried tangerines are made in a fairly simple way. The fruits are placed in the sun and the rays are allowed to do their work. In central Russia and the Northern regions, citrus fruits appear on tables mainly in the autumn-winter period. But you can also cook dried fruits using the oven.

• First you should prepare several ripe tangerines. It could be just one fruit, just for testing. The fruits need to be washed and dried.
• Next, the tangerines should be cut into thin slices. It will be great if you can make them no more than 5 mm thick. It is advisable to remove the seeds from the pulp.
• Round slices are placed on a baking sheet in one layer.
• Drying tangerines should be done at low temperatures. 50-70 degrees is enough. The whole process will take 30-40 minutes. During this time, the pieces will need to be turned over 2-3 times. You also need to make sure that the slices do not burn or darken.
• Once ready, the dried tangerine slices should be allowed to cool. Any airtight container is suitable for storing the product. You can also place the dried wedges in a paper bag and store them in a dry place.

Kumquat is a citrus fruit that resembles an orange. Kumquats are slightly larger in size than grapes. This fruit has a peculiarity - its peel is sweet, and the flesh is tart and sour.

Kumquat skin, pulp and even seeds are edible, although they have a bitter aftertaste.

Kumquat is used in cooking. It is used to make sauces, jams, jellies, marmalade, candied fruits, juices and marinades. Kumquat is added to pies, cakes, ice cream and salads, and used as a side dish and seasoning for meat and seafood dishes. The fruits are canned, pickled, baked and eaten raw.

Composition and calorie content of kumquat

The composition of kumquat is rich in useful and nutritious substances. It contains many essential oils, including limonene, pinene and monoterpene.

Kumquat contains fiber, omega-3, flavonoids, phytosterols and.

Composition 100 gr. kumquat as a percentage of the daily value is presented below.

Vitamins:

• C – 73%;
• A – 6%;
• AT 12%;
• B2 – 2%;
• B3 – 2%.

Minerals:

Kumquat calorie content is 71 kcal per 100 g.

Kumquat is used as a medicine, as it prevents heart disease, normalizes intestinal function and strengthens the immune system.

For the bones

As we age, bones become more fragile and weaker. Kumquat will help avoid thinning of bone tissue. Calcium and magnesium in its composition strengthen bones, make them strong and healthy, and also prevent the development of osteoporosis and arthritis.

For the heart and blood vessels

High cholesterol levels in the body lead to hypertension. Cholesterol obstructs blood flow, forming plaques in the arteries and clotting blood in the veins, which can cause stroke and cardiac arrest. Kumquat contains phytosterols, which have a structure similar to cholesterol. They block its absorption by the body and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

The fiber in kumquat optimizes the balance of glucose and insulin in the body, eliminating the causes of diabetes.

To prevent anemia, it is important that the body produces stable red blood cells. This is facilitated by the iron contained in kumquat.

For eyes

Kumquats are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which affect the quality of vision. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant and reduces oxidation in eye cells, preventing macular degeneration and the development of cataracts.

For the bronchi

Consumption of kumquat, rich in vitamin C, alleviates colds, flu and respiratory diseases accompanied by cough and sore throat.

For teeth and gums

To maintain oral health, brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough. You should regularly consume foods rich in vitamins and calcium. Such a product is kumquat. It strengthens teeth and protects gum health.

For the gastrointestinal tract

The fiber in kumquat normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With the help of the fruit you can cope with constipation, diarrhea, gas formation, bloating and eliminate stomach cramps.

For kidneys and bladder

Kumquat contains a lot of citric acid. It supports kidney health, normalizes their function and prevents the formation of kidney stones. These properties make kumquat beneficial for the urinary system.

For skin

Exposure to the sun on the skin leads to the formation of wrinkles, age spots, roughening and the development of skin diseases. Antioxidants in kumquat protect the skin from harmful effects and prevent early aging.

Vitamin C, calcium and potassium in kumquat strengthen hair. Eating the fruit will make your hair strong and healthy and will also reduce hair loss.

The modern market offers a wide selection of tasty and healthy delicacies. Dried kumquat is in great demand. If the technology for its preparation was carried out correctly, then the product retains all its beneficial properties. The fruits appeared on the shelves of domestic stores relatively recently, but due to their excellent taste and benefits, they began to rapidly gain popularity.

general characteristics

Kamquat, which grows in China, belongs to the citrus family. These are small fruits, similar in size to walnuts and very similar in appearance to oranges. Ripe fruits have an orange or rich yellow color and a slightly elongated shape. The fruit is known by names such as:

• fabulous tangerine;
• Japanese orange;
• kinkan;
• Fortunella.

In the CIS countries, the term “kumquat” is most often used. The fruit is known for a number of unique beneficial qualities and rich composition, which distinguishes it from other citrus fruits. The product is eaten both in natural and in dried and dried form. In many countries, kumquat is used not only for preparing a tasty and healthy dessert. Due to its healing properties, it has found its use in medicine and cosmetology. When dried and dried, the fruits are more reminiscent of dried apricots. The taste qualities of fresh fruits are considered specific due to the presence of bitterness.

Varieties

Dried kumquat is available on the market in the following colors:

• yellow;
• orange;
• red;
• green.

The first two options for the product are natural. To obtain other colors, use food coloring. Most often, the dried product is made from whole ripe fruits without removing the seeds. During the cooking process, under the influence of temperatures, fruits lose moisture, retaining vitamins and microelements. The fruits are boiled in sugar syrup, which drowns out the bitter taste of natural kumquat. The result is a product with elastic pulp and special taste. The delicacy is characterized by a pronounced shine due to the sugar syrup. On sale you can find dried kumquat in powdered sugar.

How to choose?

When choosing a treat, you should visually evaluate its color. Excessive saturation and brightness indicates who added dye to the fruit to make it more attractive. You should also pay special attention to the presence of whitish spots or any other traces on the surface of the fruit, which indicates additional processing of the product with chemical compounds. This procedure is usually carried out when mold appears. If you don’t want to risk your health, it’s better to refuse such a delicacy.

You can tell a quality product by its smell. If the dessert is made naturally, it will have a pleasant citrus aroma, perhaps with a hint of mint. The presence of third-party odors indicates the presence of chemical impurities and other components of inorganic origin. All this reduces the benefits of the product.

Compound

In the process of preparing the dried delicacy, citrus loses moisture and takes on a crumpled appearance, but if everything is done correctly, all the healing properties, microelements and vitamins are preserved. Japanese orange contains the following components:

• vitamins of various groups: E, B, A and C;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• essential oil;
• calcium;
• fatty acid;
• monosaccharides.

The main feature of the citrus fruit is that during the growth process it does not absorb hazardous substances from the soil, due to which the kumquat has maximum benefits for the human body. This is an environmentally friendly product.

Calorie content and BZHU

Calorie content per 100 grams of product – 71 kcal. Due to this characteristic, the fruit is considered dietary, even taking into account the fact that after processing the amount of carbon in it increases 3 times. The BZHU indicators are as follows:

• carbohydrates – 9 g;
• fats – 0.9 g;
• proteins – 2 g.

Useful qualities

Due to its rich composition at the chemical level, regular consumption of citrus fruit has an impact on the body the following actions:

• strengthening the immune system;
• fight against fungal infections and diseases regardless of origin;
• removing excess cholesterol from the body;
• antibacterial effect;
• nourishing the body with vitamins and essential elements;
• improvement of metabolic processes;
• improving digestion, due to which weight is gradually normalized;
• noticeable improvements in hair, skin and nails;
• energy and strength appear in the body;
• normalization of the nervous system;
• the state of the visual organs is improving;
• improvement of local intestinal microflora;
• 300 grams of the product will instantly relieve hangover syndrome;
• The aging process in the body will slow down with frequent consumption of fairy tangerine.

Harm

Even the healthiest fruits and vegetables have a number of specific contraindications for consumption, which must be familiarized with before consumption. Otherwise, kumquat will do more harm to the body than good. The first thing that needs to be determined is the presence of individual intolerance to the product, in other words, allergies. If you have any doubts about this point, you should seek help from medical professionals. It is also necessary to use dried delicacies with extreme caution or avoid them altogether if you have such health problems as:

• diabetes mellitus - in this case it is necessary to completely abandon the product if it was prepared using sugar syrup;
• ulcer;
• chronic gastritis;
• kidney diseases;
• pregnancy in the third trimester or breastfeeding, which can cause the child to develop allergies.

• nervous system disorders;
• physical exhaustion (lack of strength);
• weakened immunity (both chronic form and weakening after illness);
• intestinal problems, including constipation;
• respiratory tract diseases, sore throat;
• fungal proliferation;
• chronic alcoholism.

Important! You should not overdo it with the amount of product. Excessive consumption of the fruit can cause an allergic reaction.

Use of fruit in medicine

Traditional medicine does not recognize Japanese orange as a medicinal plant, but in Asian countries it is actively used to combat various diseases and ailments. In China, kumquat is used as an ingredient in medicines. Pre-prepared fruits are also used to combat unpleasant symptoms and diseases. They are dried and stored in the freezer or refrigerator. Low temperature helps preserve the freshness of fruits and their healing qualities for a long time. In this form, the fruit can be stored for six months.

On the Internet you can find many recipes for preparing various healthy drinks from kumquat, namely:

• tinctures using alcohol;
• decoctions;
• tinctures on water;
• solutions for further inhalation.

Important! Essential oil is actively used to prevent and get rid of fungus. Aromatherapy sessions and the use of this substance help cope with nervous disorders.

Beneficial properties of dried kumquat

I can’t help but share my discovery of kumquat. I somehow always avoided it and walked past, thinking why I needed it - extra calories, etc.. One day my daughter asked me to buy it to try it out. We tried it and forgot. Today it caught my eye, and Since I’ve run out of dried apricots for porridge, I think I’ll try and add a couple. Well, of course, the MZR database only contains raw kumquat, so I started scouring the Internet.
I found an interesting site where there is a complete chemical. compound. It turns out that it is so useful. I learned a lot about it. And by the way, the porridge acquired a new taste and I did not regret adding it!
Beneficial properties of dried kumquat
determined by its rich composition, which contains a variety of
vitamins (especially P and C), minerals (Mg, Ca, K, Na, P) and trace elements
(Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn), as well as essential oils, enzymes and pectin substances.
Thanks to this, it replenishes the lack of vitamins in the body
human, normalizes digestion, improves immunity and effectively
fights infectious diseases. Dried kumquat is also considered a dietary product, even though, compared to fresh fruit, it has an increased carbohydrate content and, accordingly, calorie content. The fact is that it also contains more pectins and polysaccharides, due to which it more effectively normalizes metabolic processes in the body, and weight is reduced.
BUT: there are also contraindications from kumquat, both fresh and dried, should be avoided by allergy sufferers and mothers, expectant and nursing mothers, since some substances in its composition are strong allergens and can harm the child or provoke an attack.
Despite this, dried kumquat is a very useful product that you should take a closer look at.

Everyone knows about the benefits and taste of many exotic fruits, but such an interesting fruit as kumquat, including dried ones, is known to few people. This fruit has many names: Japanese, food of the sages and many others. When dried, kumquat does not exceed the size, but it has a huge number of beneficial properties, an unusual taste and aroma. One of its features is that the dried fruit is consumed whole, including with the peel, since it also contains many useful substances.

The homeland of kumquat is China, but thanks to its taste and many beneficial properties, it very quickly gained popularity, first in Asia, and is now widespread in America and Russia. Fresh kumquats are oblong in shape and have an orange skin that fades when dried. In China, it has been used for many centuries not only as a delicious dessert, but also as a useful plant that helps fight many diseases.

How to choose

If you are trying to choose your own dried kumquat, it is important to pay attention to its color. If the color is very bright, bright red, the dried product has most likely been stained. The fact is that if drying occurs under natural conditions, the color of the product will be dark and inconspicuous. In contrast to its taste, the appearance of dried kumquat is not very presentable; such fruits are dark and wrinkled, but, nevertheless, they are very healthy. This is the case when you cannot judge a fruit by its appearance.

In addition, it is very important that there are no white streaks or dots on it, which indicate that the fruit was treated with chemicals in order to get rid of mold. The right dried kumquat smells like citrus, without any side notes, the aroma is similar to the smell of oranges or, sometimes it gives off a little. Be sure to pay attention to the smell, as this is one of the most important indicators of how the fruit was dried. If you notice a distinct chemical smell, it means that chemicals were used to dry the fruit and it is best not to eat it.

A large number of useful substances are contained in the dried fruit, and you need to remember this when you choose a kumquat. The fact is that they often sell not just dried citrus, but pre-boiled citrus in sugar syrup, and only then dried. This product has a much sweeter taste and is generally not bad, but is more suitable as a dessert than as a good vitamin supplement. So, give preference to the dried variety, since it is the one that has the original taste and is able to saturate your body with useful substances.

Beneficial features

Few people know the real benefits of kumquat. In Asia, it is called the Japanese orange, awarded with such epithets as “fabulous” and highly valued. The kumquat is small in size, about the size of a walnut, but it has an amazing taste and aroma, as well as many beneficial properties.

In our country, this citrus fruit is little known, and completely in vain, because the wide range of vitamins and minerals it contains is extremely useful. In particular, with regular use, it improves immunity and helps the body fight diseases. In addition, both fresh and dried citrus fruits suppress the action of fungi and destroy pathogenic bacteria. That is why it is actively used to treat inflammation as an adjuvant. Dried kumquat is very useful during cough, helps fight infections, in particular, the substances contained in the peel.

Composition of dried kumquat (per 100 g)

	9.4 g
	1.88 g
	0.86 g
Minerals
	0.17 mg
	20 mg
	0.135 mg
	186 mg
	62 mg
	95 mg
	19 mg
	10 mg
	0.86 mg
	6.5 g
	0.52 g
	0.103 g
Saccharides	9.36 g
	80 g
Vitamins
	15 mcg
	0.04 mcg
	0.43 mg
	44 mg
	0.09 mg
	0.15 mg
	0.208 mg
	8.6 mg
	0.036 mg
	17 mcg

This citrus fruit is good for normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improving metabolism and increasing the production of gastric juice. In addition, even in dried form, kumquat is quite low in calories, so it can be used as part of various diets. And when dried, this fruit does not lose its many beneficial properties; moreover, it is in dried form that it significantly reduces the risk of developing intestinal cancer.

In dried form, among other things, kumquat can still help people who suffer from vision problems, such as myopia or diseases that appear with age. With regular but moderate consumption, dried kumquat can also reduce the risk of skin rashes, and the substances it contains protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

It is considered an excellent way to fight viruses and harmful bacteria, including due to its saturation with vitamins. In addition, the copper and phosphorus contained in it help the normal functioning of the immune system, and also support the nervous system and intellectual activity.

Use in cooking

This citrus fruit is widely used in cooking and, in particular, chefs willingly add it to salads and sauces, and use it as an ingredient to create original snacks. Kumquat is even baked whole with meat or poultry to give it a sweetish taste: in this regard, it is an excellent substitute for oranges.

If you grind several dried kumquat fruits, add sugar and white rum, you will get a surprisingly tasty and at the same time quite healthy cocktail with an exotic taste. If you want to prepare it, you need 7 kumquat fruits per 100 grams, sugar and ginger to taste. The main thing is to strain the drink well before serving so that crushed kumquat does not get into it and ruin the whole experience.

Dried kumquat is often used in cooking and at home: you can make kumquat compote, jam or candied fruit, and in its pure form it is used as a snack. This citrus fruit is even added to meat dishes, used as an additive to a side dish, but the taste of such dishes is quite original, so experiments should be done carefully.

Medicinal properties

Dried kumquat can replace many complexes of vitamins and minerals that we buy at the pharmacy. By itself, it is able to compensate for the deficiency of certain nutrients and, according to the Chinese, even helps with a hangover.

To get a pronounced therapeutic effect, about 7 fruits a day for two weeks is enough; this will help saturate the body with vitamins, remove harmful substances from the body and generally improve the condition. However, it should not be overused; remember that any plant, even the most useful one, is useful only in moderation.

To prepare a healing tincture from this citrus fruit, you will need:

• 10 dried fruits;
• honey to taste (about 500 ml);
• 500 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol;
• about 50 grams of ginger (less if you don’t like it).

Wash the citrus fruits well, make several cuts on each of them so that the kumquat releases the maximum amount of its beneficial properties. Carefully place the fruits in a jar, crush them a little, add ginger and pour vodka.

Until ready, this infusion should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 months, after which it can be consumed in a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

This will help saturate the body with essential vitamins, strengthen the immune system and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, of course, if you have no contraindications to drinking alcohol.

Using the same tincture, you can cure a cough: take 100 g of tincture, warm it well and drink in small sips, preferably before bed. This will warm the throat or may help the body fight infection.

Contraindications

Although it is often added to many diets, it is actually high in carbohydrates and quite high in calories. That is why people who are prone to excess weight need to be careful with kumquat. It should also be used with caution by those people who have kidney disease, since kumquat begins to remove toxins and poisons from the body, and the main burden in this falls on the kidneys. In addition, it, like any other citrus fruit, is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as it can provoke the development of an allergic reaction in an unborn child.

Dried kumquat is harmful for those who have an individual intolerance to citrus fruits or this particular product. If you are not prone to allergies, in any case, it should be included in your diet little by little, starting with small portions, so as not to cause health problems.