Popular in some parts of Brazil, in others, not so much, the maxixe is a vegetable of African origin that offers different health benefits and may give a special touch to some recipes. Both its fruit and its leaves can be used.
Mariellen Emidio Figueroa, Kurotel Nutritionist? Gramado Medical Center for Longevity and Spa, explains that vegetables are widely cultivated and consumed in the North and Northeast of Brazil.
? The ripe fruit is cooked with typical northeastern ingredients giving rise to the "maxixada" dish. Already raw green fruit is used in the preparation of salads or canning as pickles ?, comments the nutritionist.
The leaves of the maxixe are rich in fiber and chlorophyll, according to Mariellen, and can be sauteed similar to cabbage, but leave a slight burning sensation in the mouth. "The fruit of the maxixe has a mild flavor, reminiscent of cucumber," he says.
Good reasons to include maxixe in your menu
If you have never tried and / or simply do not have the habit of consuming maxixe, you can be inspired by the benefits offered by maxixe, listed below!
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1. Strengthening the immune system
Mariellen explains that the gherkin is rich in zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. These nutrients are beneficial for the proper functioning of metabolism and strengthening of the immune system. But when the maxixe is cooked it loses some of these nutrients, so it is ideal to be eaten raw, he says.
2. Antioxidant Power
The expert points out that recent research has shown the presence of antioxidant substances, such as phenolic compounds (gallic acid), which have anti-inflammatory action, fighting free radicals and protecting the body against premature aging and degenerative diseases (such as cancer). ).
3. Prevention of osteoporosis
Due to the presence of calcium, the maxixe helps in the good maintenance of bones, teeth and cartilage, thus helping to even prevent osteoporosis.
4. Prevention of anemia
Iron source, consumption of gherkin can help both prevention and treatment of anemia.
5. Skin Benefits
Due to the presence of vitamin C, the food helps in maintaining the health and beauty of the skin.
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Thus, it is concluded that maxixe is a beneficial food for health as a whole. If you still don't consume it, it's worth a try at least!
How to choose and prepare your maxixe
Mariellen explains that at the time of purchase, the ideal is to choose firm fruits, uniform in color and with whole thorns. "It can be stored at room temperature, but soon the fruits wither and turn yellow, can be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days," he says.
The nutritionist points out that the best way to consume maxixe is to eat the raw fruit, which can be used to prepare juices (just peel off) or cut into slices and prepared with other salads (such as tomatoes and carrots).
The recommended amount, according to Mariellen, is 2 to 3 fruits a day.
Get inspired by 5 maxixe recipes to perhaps include it in your diet.
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1. Gherkin Pickles
Great choice for those who like appetizers, to make this pickle, besides the maxixe, you will use rice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, rosemary and pepper. Check out all the recipe details here.
2. Gherkin, jilo and red onion vinaigrette
A way to innovate when serving vinaigrette! You will use red onion, thinly sliced jiló, thinly sliced gherkin, and lemon, olive oil and green-scent for seasoning. See the step by step.
3. Braised gherkin with okra
Preparation is easy, takes about 20 minutes, and the yield is 4 servings. In addition to okra and gherkin, you will use onion, garlic, olive oil, annatto, salt, lemon, coriander and water. Check out the full recipe in this video.
4. Gherkin with dried meat
The first tip is to wash the maxixes one by one in the running water with the help of a brush, remove the ends, cut in half and slice. The preparation is easy, but guarantees a different dish and full of flavor. Check out the full recipe here.
5. Turkey neck with gherkin
A totally different dish. You will use turkey neck, gherkin, watercress, garlic, onion, red wine, oil or olive oil to sauté, parsley, chives and salt. Check out all the recipe details here.
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Maxixe is a great ingredient for those who like to cook different dishes in the kitchen.
Finally, Mariellen points out that there are no contraindications to maxixe consumption.
Now that you know some recipes, the most appropriate forms of consumption and the benefits of maxixe, it's worth a try!
MAXIXE EM SUA CASA, COMO USAR PARA SUA SAÚDE, Plantar em Casa (April 2024)
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