In mid-November, between autumn and winter, let’s get close to citrons and pomegranates. At this time of year, we looked at the nutritional components and effects of yuzu and pomegranate, which have the best taste and aroma, and looked at how to enjoy them in various ways.
Citron, cold prevention and high blood pressure prevention effect
Yuzu, which represents November, has a sweet fragrance. The reason why it is good to eat yuzu at this time of year is because it is rich in vitamin C. Citron contains three times more vitamin C than lemon, so it is effective in preventing colds, improving immunity, relieving hangovers, and beautifying the skin. The limonene and pectin components in yuzu help prevent high blood pressure by strengthening capillaries and promoting blood circulation. Hesperidin component also plays a role in protecting capillaries, which is known to be beneficial in preventing cerebrovascular disease. In addition, citron peels are high in dietary fiber, which is helpful for intestinal health, such as preventing constipation.
Yuzu is usually sliced thinly and marinated in sugar to make yujacheong, which is then eaten as tea or ade. If you mix yuja cheong and rice flour evenly and steam it, you get yuja cheong-tteok. If you use the juice as a salad sauce, you can complete a healthy sauce with a refreshing taste and fragrance. Cookies or cake ingredients are also comparable.
When purchasing citrons, choose ones that have a dark color and scent and have a hard skin. The purchased yuzu is washed thoroughly in running water and eaten. Vitamin C in yuzu is easily destroyed by light and heat, so be careful when storing and consuming. If you buy a lot, it’s a good idea to wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator.
Pomegranate prevents prostate cancer and relieves menopausal symptoms
Pomegranate is also a good seasonal food to eat at this time. Pomegranate is especially popular with those who prefer a sour taste.
The main components of pomegranate are sugars such as glucose and fructose, and it contains organic acids that give it a sour taste. The most notable of the benefits of pomegranate are the prevention of prostate cancer in men and the relief of menopausal symptoms in women. Men who regularly consume pomegranates have a lower risk of prostate cancer recurrence and are known to be effective in improving erectile dysfunction.
Pomegranate is rich in natural phytoestrogens, which is a great help in relieving women’s menopausal symptoms. In addition, the anthocyanin component of pomegranate is beneficial for preventing colds and increasing immunity.
Pomegranates are usually cut and eaten whole. It is useful to marinate pomegranate kernels in sugar. You can enjoy it with hot tea or cool ade, or use it as a salad sauce. In folk remedies, it is believed that eating a pomegranate marinated in sugar helps when the stomach is bloated due to indigestion.
When purchasing a pomegranate, choose one that is hard on the outside and has a bright red color. It is better if it is heavy and less damaged when lifted by hand. It is known that the clearer the red color of the kernel, the higher the sugar content. Purchased pomegranates can be stored for 2-3 weeks at room temperature and 2-3 months in the refrigerator.
