Also known as the "Conde" fruit, the pine cone has a sweet taste and can be consumed in its natural form. Its pulp can still be used in the preparation of creams, juices and ice cream, giving its striking flavor to the most varied options.
According to biologist Jean Henrique da Silva Rodrigues, PhD in Biological Sciences and Professor of Plant Biology at Paraná State University (UNESPAR), the pine cone is one of the most widely known species in Brazil. Native to the Antilles, the plant was introduced in Brazil in the seventeenth century, being cultivated commercially or even in urban areas, such as squares and backyards.
According to nutritionist Andrea Marim, the pinecone is rich in carbohydrates, and is a great source of vitamins, including vitamin B1, B2, B5, A and C. Containing minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron, also has proteins and carbohydrates, being very indicated for cases of malnutrition and anemia, besides having numerous health benefits.
Custard apple, atemoia, araticum and soursop: do you know the difference?
Although they are species of the same family, these fruits have characteristics that differ from each other. According to Jean, the consumption of these fruits has been increasing due to the aroma, texture and bittersweet taste of these specimens, in addition to their "high nutritional value and beneficial properties". Check out the characteristics and differences between them, according to the biologist:
1. Pine cone: Also known as the Count fruit, the pinecone (Annona squamosa L.) consists of a small round fruit with a rougher shell. The professional also reveals that this fruit is consumed mainly in natura, since the numerous seeds adhered to the pulp can make its processing difficult.
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2. Soursop: Also considered an exotic plant, the soursop tree (Annona muricata L.) originates from Central America and the Caribbean and is widely cultivated in the equatorial strip of the planet, including northern and northeastern Brazil. "Its rounded fruits have a smooth greenish rind, can reach up to eight pounds, being rich in a fleshy and particularly acid pulp, widely used industrially in the preparation of juices, jams and creams," he adds.
3. Araticum: The araticum or marolo (Annona crassiflora) is a widespread species in the Brazilian cerrado, growing naturally and being consumed in natura by the native populations, but it is little commercialized. The biologist describes them as fruits of varying size, with thick, hard shell, but white flesh, rich in sticky seeds, slimy and soft when ripe.
4. Atemoia: the atemea, in turn, originated from the cross between the pine cone and the cherimoya (Annona cherimola), a mildly native Annonaceae from the Andes. This hybrid was introduced in Brazil in 1980, having adapted to climates in the south and southeast of the country. "The green fruit even when ripe, is heart-shaped, with rough and pointed peel and, when compared to pine cone, the atemea is larger, sweeter and has fewer seeds, which are free of pulp," he explains.
Nutritionally, these fruits share several characteristics in common, having fleshy pulp, high in water, rich in protein, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids and mineral salts, being a great source of replacement of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium electrolytes. "It is noteworthy that the atemoea due to the characteristic sweetness, constitutes a major source of carbohydrates, showing about 100kcal per 100g serving", concludes the professional.
7 pinecone health benefits
As the biologist explains, these fruits are considered functional foods because they are a natural source of important bioactive substances, which help in the prevention and combat of various diseases.
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"Because they are rich in phenolic compounds and tocopherol (vitamin E) these fruits have potent antioxidant action, and may help fight free radicals, responsible for early aging and degenerative diseases," says Jean.
Following are some of the benefits provided by regular consumption of pine cone according to nutritionist Andrea Marim:
1. Fight against anemia: Having large amounts of iron and the presence of vitamin C, this combination increases the absorption power of this mineral by the body.
2. Improvement of the digestive system: Because this fruit is high in fiber, it helps fight constipation and constipation, as well as improve digestion and intestinal transit.
3. Source of Vitamin C: Great for fighting free radical action and preventing premature cell aging, this vitamin also helps strengthen the immune system.
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4. Eye Health: By combining vitamin C with vitamin B2, known as riboflavin, there is a potentiating action in fighting free radicals, providing good vision.
5. Healthier skin and hair: Another effect of the combination of vitamins C and A, by regularly consuming this fruit it is possible to maintain more beautiful and healthy skin and hair.
6. Promotes satiety and energy: Because it has high doses of carbohydrates, it gives more energy to daily activities. Already the fibers ensure the feeling of satiety longer.
7. Has medicinal properties: It is possible to use its leaves for the preparation of medicinal teas, which can help relieve cramps, spasms and colitis.
The biologist reveals that tea leaf infusions as well as seed oil are used by traditional populations in the treatment of various diseases and have been widely studied by scientists for their antimutagenic, antitumor, metabolic and metabolic regulating properties. antimicrobial.
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"It is noteworthy, however, that studies are still inconclusive and that like other fruits, atemea, soursop, pine cone and araticum do not have miraculous effects, but if included in a balanced diet, constitute a tasty source of macronutrients and potent antioxidants?" , concludes the professional.
Amazing Pine Cone Recipes
Can be consumed in its natural form, or even use its pulp for the preparation of tasty recipes, it is possible to prepare delicious options with this fruit. Check out some suggestions below:
1. Pine Cone Sorbet
With light texture and very fragrant, to make this sorbet is recommended that the fruit is very ripe, giving sweet taste and striking aroma. In addition, the author of the recipe reveals that if the fruit is ripe, the process of removing the pits becomes much easier.
2. Pine Cone Mousse
To ensure the creaminess of the candy, ingredients such as unflavored gelatin powder, sour cream and condensed milk are required. Again the very ripe fruit is the most recommended for the preparation of the dish, and should be "crumbling in the hands", as quoted by the author of the recipe.
3. Custard Pudding
Beautiful to see and very tasty to those who taste it, this mini custard apple pudding has condensed milk, colorless gelatin, ice and processed fruit pulp in its preparation. A vanilla syrup accompanies the candy and, for an even more beautiful look, sliced star fruit is used for garnish.
4. Pinecone Frapê
Again with more ripe fruit, you can loosen the buds of the shell with your own hand. The author also teaches a trick that facilitates the removal of seeds from the buds: just quickly pulse the buds in the blender with a little milk, then straining the mixture.
5. Ceviche with coconut milk
Instead of preparing a ceviche with fish in pieces, how about picking a tasty fruit and using the fish just to flavor the dish? To ensure even more flavor, ingredients such as lady finger pepper, coconut milk, lemons, cilantro, red onion and chopped ginger are used. Giving a more beautiful look, sweet potato chips to accompany.
6. Custard apple custard cream
To facilitate the cream preparation process, the author of the recipe uses frozen frozen pulp, eliminating the need to remove seeds from the fruit. This is beaten in a blender with cream ice cream, giving the cream a creamy texture. To accompany it, passion fruit syrup prepared with fruit juice, condensed milk and sour cream. For a more beautiful look, add sliced strawberries and mint leaves at the end of the dish.
Contraindications and warnings about consumption
According to nutritionist Andrea, the maximum amount for daily consumption of this fruit would be one serving with 70grs, which is approximately 70kcal. Still according to the professional, the fruit should be consumed ripe, avoiding ingesting its seeds. "It is also high in sugar, so it should be consumed moderately by diabetic patients as it can raise the level of blood glucose," he warns.
With high levels of minerals, fiber, carbohydrates and vitamins, the pine cone becomes a great ally of health, bringing benefits and greater nutritional richness to the daily menu. Add this food to your routine now!
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