Indian garnet momordica: how to use? Useful properties of Momordica

Coming to the market or to the supermarket, looking at the fruit and vegetable diversity, each of us probably thinks about what generous gifts are stored in the nature's pantry. Not all of them grow in our country. Some are unknown to us until a certain time, but, as medical research shows, almost every fruit or vegetable brings invaluable benefits to our body. For example, do you know what amazing properties an Indian grenade possesses - a mommordika ?! However, this fruit has a lot of names. Someone calls it a yellow cucumber, some Chinese melon.

Meet: Momordica

The fruit, which has so many different names, actually belongs to the Pumpkin family and is a distant relative of the usual zucchini. About its value can say even at least the fact that in ancient times in China it could be eaten only by members of the imperial family. And in India it was considered a plant of the Gods. Ancient Asians (namely, Asia is considered the birthplace of this fruit), on merit, appreciated its useful properties. Do not prevent to get acquainted with them and us. So what kind of fruit is this - a mommordika?

The secrets of the name

An interesting plant, which is now actively grown in India, on the Caribbean islands, in China, is a twisted annual. Some of its species can be found in the Crimea. Of course, many of us want to know what mommordika is, how to use it. And are not you interested in the mysterious name? In fact, it goes back to the Latin verb, translated as "biting." But this is not due to the way the fetus is used, but to its appearance. The fact is that the leaves of the plant resemble animal bites.

Appearance of Momordica

Indian garnet is more like an elongated pumpkin or oblong cucumber. First, the fruits are green, but as they mature, they acquire a yellow, and then a rich orange color. They are all covered with warts. A ripe plant is used to split in the lower part, exposing small growths in which the seeds are found. And also you can recognize the Momordica by its pleasant aroma during flowering. Its yellow flowers exude an odor similar to a blooming jasmine.

Chemical composition of the fetus

This tropical plant, stepped into our latitudes, is not in vain considered such a useful and unique fruit. After all, the mommordika keeps a storehouse of the substances we need. And not only its fruits are valued, but all other parts of the plant: root, stem, leaves. What is so rich in momordica? Useful properties of the plant are explained by its composition.

• The red shell of the fruit, in which the seed is enclosed, contains oil rich in carotene. Everyone knows that this substance in our body turns into vitamin A, the benefits of which hardly anyone will argue.
• Plant seeds are also rich in lycopene. It is the most powerful antioxidant of all that exists today. And in our body, it can only come with food.
• Laboratory studies have shown the presence of triterpene saponins in the root of momordica. And these substances are simply irreplaceable in the treatment of rheumatism.
• And, of course, we can not help but recall the phytoncides that kill numerous viruses and bacteria.
• And take the quarantine, which reduces the level of sugar in the blood? It turns out that the fruit is a natural medicine, the use of which is very useful for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

Momordica: how to use?

To boast of pleasant taste qualities this fruit, unfortunately, can not. It is quite bitter, so it is often used in pharmacology, than in cooking. However, it can also be consumed. Quite often this plant is used in Asian cuisine.

How to eat momordica? It all depends on what you decided to use.

Pulp is recommended to use in an immature form, then it tastes like cucumber. But when the fruit ripens, it becomes soft, but bitter. To make the taste more neutral, the flesh is often boiled in salt water. And then the Momordica can be added to bean dishes as a spice.

Otherwise things are with the seeds of the plant. They are sweet, but quite tough. However, if they are subjected to heat treatment, the seeds will become softer. Most often they are fried. In Asian cuisine, it is an indispensable ingredient for all kinds of salads and stews.

However, it is not only the seeds and fruits that give people a Momordica. How to use its leaves? Young, fresh shoots will be an excellent addition to the vinaigrettes. They can also serve as a basis for therapeutic soups and tasty borscht. This fruit is highly nutritious. But, in addition, mommordika is a low-calorie product. In its 100 grams contains no more than 20 kilocalories. After all, it practically (by 85%) consists of water.

The value of Momordica in the treatment of various diseases

It is clear that a plant that has such a rich composition of useful substances, can greatly benefit.

• Thanks to carotene, which contains a momordica, the use of this fruit helps to increase immunity and restore sharp eyesight.
• Substances that were found in the juice of this plant can stop the growth of cancer cells. This product is especially effective in pancreatic cancer.
• The root of momordica is actively used in bronchitis as an expectorant.
• Plant seeds can significantly lower cholesterol levels. In addition, they serve as an excellent preventive agent for heart disease.
• Extract of the leaves of momordica can destroy not only common staphylococci, but even HIV.

The list of diseases in which this fetus helps is quite extensive. That's why Momordica is so valued. Useful properties of this plant you can check for yourself. But first it is better to consult a doctor.

Contraindications for use

Even if you know firsthand how useful the Momordica is, how to use this plant, do not forget that in some cases it is better to refuse using it. For example, during pregnancy or lactation. Still, it is an exotic vegetable, and it is not known how it can affect your child. In addition, its use is not recommended for those who have an individual intolerance to this fetus.

Momordica in folk medicine

The tropical visitor has long been widely used not only in pharmacology. She found her fans in the circle of those who prefer the recipes of traditional medicine.

• Do you have stomach or intestinal problems? In this case, the seeds of momordica will help you. Use them raw. Half an hour before eating, chop 3 seeds, eating them with a spoonful of honey. It is advisable to do this 3 times (before the main meals). To be treated it is necessary within 9 days.
• But for the treatment of influenza or cold, tincture from momordica is used. Make it simple. Three-liter jar tightly fill with fruits, which must first be cleaned of seeds. Add a half-liter of vodka to the container, close the lid and put it in a dark place for a couple of weeks. Drink medicinal potion better on an empty stomach, about half an hour before a meal (1 teaspoon). You need to do this within 3 days.
• Valuable and decoction of the seeds of this plant. About 20 pieces chop and pour boiling water. 10 minutes hold the mixture over low heat. Let it brew and drain. You need to use a quarter cup at least 3-4 times a day. This remedy helps with fever and hemorrhoids. It can also be used as a diuretic.

Cultivation of Momordica

Despite the fact that this overseas vegetable, some amateur gardeners manage to grow it in our latitudes. True, only 2 types are suitable for this: "Indian garnet" and "balsamic pear".

If you decide that this miracle fruit should settle in your dacha, try to get the seeds of dark color. They are considered ripe, and, therefore, you can not worry about germination. You can sow momordica either in March or in April. The open ground is usually transplanted in May, but only if the thermometer column is already confidently showing +25 degrees. After all, the mommordika comes from the tropics, hence it is a heat-loving plant. Momordica comes around on the 10-15th day. But fully the fruits mature only by the end of August.

Do not forget that this plant is quite choosy, so you can get a good harvest only if it is grown on fertile soil. Therefore, it is not bad to use organic fertilizers. It is especially effective to introduce them under the digging of the soil.

Give good results and mineral fertilizing. Feel free to please the plant with superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride.

And remember that Momordica is a liana. So she needs support. For this purpose you can use the trellis. The plant will be well lit and will yield a rich harvest. When a momordica lacks food or light, the ovary falls. But even if the fruits can be saved, they will be small.

Often this plant is grown and as a room culture (on a balcony or a window sill). Do not forget to take care of it, and it will please you with a rich harvest.

Amazing and useful fruit - a mommordika. People who are already confronted with it, will confirm its medicinal qualities.