They are fruiting now, but it is best to eat them after frost. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Fruits of wild blackthorn plum In the past, they often appeared in our grandmothers’ kitchens. They knew perfectly well how to prepare them delicious jams, tinctures and juices. Not only do they taste great, but they also have many health-promoting properties. What is worth knowing about sloe plum? Why does frozen sloe taste better? We give you a hint.

The blackthorn, also called the wild plum, the blackthorn, the grater, the blackthorn, the blackthorn, or the blackthorn, is a shrub from the rose family. It is common in temperate climates, mainly in Europe, and also grows in some parts of Asia and even Africa. In Poland, it can be found in nature mainly in lowland areas, it can also be grown in home orchards and gardens. In spring it blooms with white flowerswhich provide bees with nectar from which honey is made. Blackthorn bushes have dense branches with thorns. The fruits are small, usually about 1.5 cm in diameter, and have a navy blue-purple color with a characteristic coating. Interestingly, blackthorn bushes are often used to build hedges and graduation towers, which are becoming increasingly popular in many cities. Blackthorn berries have culinary uses, and its leaves and flowers have medicinal potential.

Usually sloes are harvested at the end of October, but they can ripen even in December. Although they are made into tasty preserves, it is not recommended to eat sloe plums raw. They have a not very pleasant, tart taste with a noticeable bitterness. Grandma’s method, which was supposed to have a positive effect on the taste of fruit, is collecting them only after the first frost. However, to make sure that we get rid of the bitter aftertaste, it is putting them in the freezer. It is usually recommended that they spend no less than 12 hours, preferably all day.

In stock sloe fruit contains dietary fiberhas a beneficial effect on the intestines, improves digestion, and contributes to the stabilization of blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They are also present here flavonoids, phytosterols and organic acids that have antioxidant properties and support the fight against the harmful effects of free radicals, and also they have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. These fruits also exhibit antibacterial effectas he says zielona.interia.pl “Sloe has been used in medicine for a long time. has been used as a medicine used, among others, in ailments of the urinary system and stomach, and also as a laxative or diarrhea remedy.

Wild blackthorn also contains:

• vitamin A – has an antioxidant effect and is also known for its beneficial effect on eye health and skin condition,
• vitamin C – has an antioxidant effect, supports the body’s immunity, is important for the proper absorption of iron and collagen synthesis,
• vitamin E, which is also known as the vitamin of youth, helps take care of the condition of the skin, hair and nails, and is also a natural antioxidant,
• potassium – helps maintain normal blood pressure,
• magnesium – supports the functioning of the brain, heart and muscles,
• zinc – helps protect the body against infections, is important for the condition of skin, hair and nails, and fertility,
• manganese – has antioxidant properties, supports the nervous and skeletal systems,
• calcium and phosphorus, strengthen bones and teeth.

Interestingly, not only fruits have valuable values ​​for the body, but also blackthorn leaves. You can prepare from them decoction that helps with inflammation of the throat and mouth.

At the beginning it is worth mentioning that Collect sloes only in places away from main roads and industrial buildings. Wild plum fruits are best for preparing preserves. You can make something tasty out of them jam, juice, jam, as well as blackthorn, a medicinal tincture.

Recipe for sloe jam

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of sloe fruit,
• 0.5 kg of sugar,
• Water.

Preparation:

1. After freezing, wash the fruit and place it in a pot
2. Pour water just enough to cover the fruit.
3. Cook over low heat until the fruit begins to fall apart.
4. Rub the jam through a sieve to remove the seeds.
5. Place the prepared mass in a pot and add sugar.
6. Cook until it dissolves.
7. Pour the hot jam into clean and sterilized jars, close them and place them upside down. You can additionally use pasteurization.

Blackthorn fruit can be an interesting addition to the autumn menu. The jam prepared from them will be perfect not only as an addition to sandwiches or pancakes, but also to home-made baked goods.

Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, dietetyki.org, zielona.interia.pl