Quince and quince are popular in Poland, but few people have heard of them quince, or sapodilla. The exotic plant occurs naturally in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean because it requires a warm and humid climate to grow. Its fruits are a real treasure trove of vitamins and minerals that will help maintain overall good health. Check how it can be used in the kitchen and what it actually contains.
Sapodilla, or quince, is also called chico or sapodilla. It is an evergreen, tropical tree with a slow growth rate. The oval or spherical fruits of sapodilla ripen about 5-6 years after planting. They are harvested when they become soft and ripe. They are then stored in a dry and cool place. The fruits are available from late winter to autumn, but their peak season falls in mid-summer.
Sapodilla fruits are 5 to 10 cm long. The outside is surrounded by a brown-yellow or greyish, slightly sticky skin. Inside there is edible, slightly creamy yellow or brownish flesh. You can also see black seeds.
What does sapodilla taste like? It is most often referred to as sweet and juicy. The taste of many people resembles toffee, molasses or caramel combined with pear.
Quince is rich in nutrients, which include: vitamins (A, C, K and those from group B), minerals (including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and zinc), antioxidants i dietary fiber. Thanks to them, it has a health-promoting effect on almost the entire body.
What properties does sapodilla have? A large dose of vitamin C improves the functioning of the immune system (helping fight infections), and in combination with vitamins A, B and antioxidants – it is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin (flexible, elastic and vital). Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress in this way reducing the risk of serious diseases (such as cancer, diabetes or atherosclerosis). They also inhibit premature cell agingdelaying the appearance of wrinkles.
The properties of sapodilla can also include: improving digestive processes. All thanks to a large portion of fiber, which accelerates metabolismensures proper intestinal peristalsis (preventing constipation) and ensures a feeling of satiety for longer. In addition helps maintain proper blood sugar levels.
Potassium and magnesium, which are abundant in quince, support the cardiovascular system (e.g. by lowering blood pressure). Sapodilla has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties and helps maintain good health. However, you must remember that the fruit has quite a lot of calories (contains approx. 83 kcal in 100 grams). For this reason, you cannot eat it in excess so as not to gain weight.
Sapodilla can be eaten as an independent snack (dessert) or as an ingredient of a fruit salad. All you need to do is peel the skin and remove the seeds. However, quince can be used in the kitchen in many more ways. Due to its taste, it is often used as a food sweetener.
The fruit can be added to a smoothie or cocktail based on fruit and vegetables. It goes well with bananas, pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, lettuce and spinach. The sweet aroma fits perfectly for baking – cakes, desserts in cups, but also creams and cake decorations.
Few people know that sapodilla is great addition to meat and seafood dishes. In Asian cuisine, it often accompanies poultry, beef or shrimp when they are to have a sweet finish. There is also nothing stopping you from using it for preserves (e.g. jam, juice).
Where to buy fruit in Poland? You can easily find dried sapodilla in supermarkets, health food stores and online stores all year round. Raw – during the peak summer season – you can get it in exotic fruit stores or order it online.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, nazwawkrakowie.pl
