Caucasian cauliflower - an unusual fruit

Under one common name, two fruit plants are known: the medlar of the Caucasus and Japanese. At the same time, their differences are so obvious that botanists carried them to different species and genera of the Rosaceae family. First of all, we are interested in the medlar of the Caucasus. In accordance with its name, this fruit crop first appeared in the Caucasus. There is evidence that it was cultivated in those places for three thousand years. In some sources, this plant is called a Mexican loquat (ordinary). This name was given to her by Carl Linnaeus, but it came without changes and up to now. On an industrial scale, this culture is grown in Asia Minor, Western Europe, Transcaucasia, southern Ukraine, Moldova and Russia.

The Caucasian loquat is a deciduous tree. It often reaches 5 m in height and the same diameter of the crown in width. It is because the loquat is a very large tree, few want to have it in its garden. It blooms in May. Flowering plants have a very decorative appearance. Fruits medlars reach full maturity only at the end of autumn or early winter. Due to the fact that this plant has a very long vegetation period, growing it in the climatic conditions of Russia is quite difficult.

Medlar of the Caucasus brings small fruits. Their diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm, and the length is about 7 cm. They can be apple-shaped, round or other. Almost naked fruits are yellowish-brown, brown, red-brown. The flesh is brown in color. It tastes sweet, sour, refreshing. Inside the fetus there are 5 seeds (ossicles).

The energy value of these fruits is low. So, in 100 g of medlar contains only 40-45 kcal. They contain substances such as protein (up to 0.7%), fats (up to 0.6%), fiber (up to 0.9%), sugar (up to 8.6%), organic acids (up to 0.18 %). The fruits contain vitamins B1 (0.02 mg / 100 g), B2 (0.04 mg / 100 g), C (10 mg / 100 g), B2 (0.04 mg / 100 g), beta carotene 775 mg / kg). The cauliflower of the Caucasus is rich in mineral substances: phosphorus (up to 36 mg / 100 g), calcium (up to 30 mg / 100 g), iron (up to 0.8 mg / 100 g), potassium (up to 350 mg / 100 g). In fruits, a lot of organic acids (lemon, apple, wine). Fruits can be consumed only after they acquire a soft (doughy) consistency.

The Caucasian loquat is often used not only as a food product, but also as a medicinal product. Its fruits have antidisenteric, antidiarrheal properties. They improve metabolism, normalize the functioning of endocrine glands. Organic acids have a positive effect on the circulatory and nervous system, liver, lungs.

The loquat plant has a very decorative appearance, so if there are free land in the garden, you can try to grow this tree. As a rule, 3-4 summer saplings grown in the nursery are planted in the open ground.

How to grow a loquat? Landing is carried out in the late autumn. Only well-fertilized soil is suitable for this plant. The seedlings are tied to a sturdy peg. The first 2 years of the conductors of skeletal branches are cut halfway. In the next 2 years, they cut off only a quarter. Side shoots should be shortened to 15-20 cm. Care of adult plants is a minor pruning, although you can do without it.

The Caucasian loquat is usually not susceptible to some diseases and pest attacks. The fruits are harvested in October-November. They are spread in one layer in a cool place for 3-4 weeks for ripening. When they become soft, they can be eaten fresh or used for cooking conservation.