Content
- 1 The benefits and harms of pumpkin honey
- 2 How to make pumpkin honey
- 3 How to make pumpkin honey with sugar
- 4 Cooking rules with honey
- 5 Express preparation of pumpkin honey
- 6 How to make pumpkin honey with nuts
- 7 Lemon recipe
- 8 Making pumpkin honey with herbs
- 9 How to take pumpkin honey
- 10 Limitations and contraindications for admission
- 11 Rules for storing pumpkin honey
- 12 Conclusion
The favorite delicacy of the long-livers of the Caucasus was pumpkin honey - a source of beauty and health. This is a unique product that is difficult to find on store shelves. There is not enough nectar in pumpkin flowers, in order to collect at least a liter of honey, bees need to work hard and for a long time. However, a natural product can be prepared at home.
The benefits and harms of pumpkin honey
The unique product includes:
- vitamins of group B, C, PP, E;
- minerals: calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iodine, iron;
- essential oils;
- phytosterols;
- organic acids;
- cellulose;
- fructose;
- pectins;
- flavonoids;
- carotenoids.
The calorie content of pumpkin honey depends on the region of collection and the method of preparation. The difference between the indicators can be 10%. On average, 100 g of the product contains 303 kcal. Pumpkin honey contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and water (18 g of water per 100 g of product). The amount of flavonoids and carotenoids in pumpkin honey is much higher than in other varieties.
Pumpkin nectar cleanses the body of toxins and toxins, improves digestion. The product is famous for its diuretic effect, therefore it is recommended for edema. Another useful property of pumpkin nectar is to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. It helps fight atherosclerosis and improves the condition of cardiovascular diseases. It is also recommended to use it for kidney and bladder pathologies.
Natural pumpkin nectar has antibacterial properties. It strengthens the immune system, which increases the body's resistance to various diseases. Due to the abundance of useful properties, the product is actively used in traditional medicine.
However, the product contains fast carbohydrates, which do not give a long-lasting feeling of fullness and contribute to gaining extra pounds if consumed excessively. Nutritionists do not recommend using pumpkin honey for breakfast, because after a few hours the feeling of hunger will return.
How to make pumpkin honey
Cooking the product at home slightly changes its composition, but the beneficial properties remain. To get healthy honey, you need to have the necessary components on hand: pumpkin, sugar, ordinary nectar. The process does not require special skills and a lot of time, but the choice of a pumpkin should be taken seriously. After all, the quality of the prepared product depends on this.
You need to choose a vegetable of a bright color. The ponytail must be dry. Ripe pumpkin contains a full range of useful elements. To prepare honey, it must be washed and peeled from seeds.
White sugar is the most readily available, but also the least useful. For the preparation of nectar it is better to use refined brown sugar, but its cost is higher.
How to make pumpkin honey with sugar
To prepare pumpkin nectar with sugar, you need to take a ripe medium-sized vegetable, wash, cut off the top and free from the entrails. Then pour sugar into the pumpkin to the brim.Gradually, the refined sugar will thaw, and the vegetable will begin to secrete juice, so you need to put a container under it, cover it with a previously cut top and place it in a dark, cool place.
The readiness of the nectar is evidenced by the softened crust of the vegetable. This usually takes 10 days. Then the present syrup is poured into a glass jar. Over time, mold may develop on the top. Nothing wrong with that. It must be carefully removed and the contents poured into a container.
Cooking rules with honey
Instead of sugar, you can use honey of other varieties (acacia, buckwheat, linden). Cooking rules are similar to the above method:
- It is necessary to select a ripe pumpkin, wash, cut off the top and clean from the inner contents.
- Pour honey to the brim.
- Place the container under the bottom and leave for 7-10 days in a cool, dark place.
- Stir the contents once a day.
- Pour the finished pumpkin honey into a glass jar.
The honey recipe contains more vitamins and minerals than the product made with sugar.
Express preparation of pumpkin honey
This method allows you to quickly and easily prepare a healthy product at home. For the recipe, you will need 1 kg of pumpkin pulp and 0.5 cups of sugar.
Ripe and washed pumpkin must be peeled and cut into small cubes. Place in a deep plate and cover with sugar. Leave the mixture for 30-40 minutes so that the refined sugar will absorb the beneficial substances. Then the contents must be transferred to a metal container and simmer for 30 minutes in a steam bath. Remember to stir. In the process, nectar will be released, which must be drained. At the end of the time, the pumpkin must be transferred to a colander and wait until it gives up all the syrup. Store pumpkin honey in a glass jar.
How to make pumpkin honey with nuts
The nuts are added to the nectar after cooking. You can use any of the above methods. Hazelnuts, cashews, hazelnuts or walnuts are added to the finished mixture. It all depends on your taste preferences.
Lemon recipe
This recipe comes in handy during the cold season. For cooking, you need the following ingredients:
- 150 g of honey (buckwheat, acacia or lime);
- 300 g pumpkin;
- 20-30 g ginger;
- 2 lemons.
Rinse the lemons well, place in a deep container and pour boiling water over for 1-2 minutes. This procedure will soften the skin and remove excess bitterness from the fruit.
Preparation:
- Lemons must be cut into large slices, the seeds must be removed.
- Peel the ginger and pumpkin and cut into medium cubes.
- Pass all ingredients through a meat grinder.
- Add honey to the finished mass, mix well and pour into a glass jar.
The ready mix is recommended to be consumed within 1 week. This composition is taken 3 times a day, one tablespoon 20-30 minutes before eating. Also pumpkin honey with lemon can be drunk with tea for colds or used as a filling for pancakes.
Making pumpkin honey with herbs
Pumpkin nectar in combination with herbal infusions is used for liver disorders. Dry herbs can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is necessary to take 1 tbsp. l. yarrow, nettle, knotweed. Stir and pour a glass of boiling water. Insist for a day. Pumpkin honey is added before consumption. A teaspoon of the product is stirred in a glass with a decoction.
To fight a cold, use chamomile, thyme and linden (1 tsp each). The herbs need to be combined, pour 1 liter of boiling water and put on medium heat. After 5 minutes, remove and leave for 2-3 hours. Pumpkin honey is added to a cup before drinking (1-2 tsp).
How to take pumpkin honey
There are no strict restrictions on the intake of nectar. It is used with tea, used as a filling for pancakes, or simply as a favorite delicacy. However, the product should not be overused.Due to the fast carbohydrates that it contains, you can quickly gain weight.
Pumpkin nectar is an indispensable supplement in cold season. It also calms the nerves and relieves stress. Regular consumption of this product will significantly improve your physical condition.
How to drink pumpkin honey during pregnancy
The nectar contains a large amount of carotenoids. They are necessary for a woman during pregnancy, since they contribute to the synthesis of vitamin A. Flavonoids, which are also found in nectar, preserve the beauty and elasticity of the skin of expectant mothers. These plant antioxidants prevent the development of pathological processes in the body, protect the cells of the child.
Medical research has shown that drinking pumpkin nectar reduces the risk of illness in an unborn child. Pregnant women who regularly consumed the product gave birth to healthy and strong children. Pumpkin contains vitamins of various groups that contribute to the growth and full development of the fetus. Beneficial elements support the balance of minerals in the mother's body.
Pregnant women can take pumpkin honey in the amount that the body requires. However, it should not be abused.
The product is well absorbed even by a weakened body. It is included in the diet of young children. Also, pumpkin honey is recommended for mothers who have given birth and for adults who have suffered severe physical or mental trauma.
Limitations and contraindications for admission
Before using pumpkin nectar, you need to know its medicinal properties and contraindications. It is necessary to refuse admission in such conditions:
- allergy to bee products and components of the composition;
- diabetes mellitus (the product contains a lot of glucose, which is prohibited in this condition);
- kidney pathology against the background of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are characterized by low acidity.
Overweight people will have to give up excessive consumption of nectar. In case of chronic diseases of internal organs, you need to consult a doctor.
Rules for storing pumpkin honey
It is not recommended to store nectar for more than 1 month. Otherwise, the product will lose most of its beneficial properties.
Natural honey is kept in a cool, dry place. The lid must be sealed as the product absorbs moisture from the environment. It is best to keep the nectar refrigerated.
Conclusion
Pumpkin honey is a useful product that strengthens the immune system and fights various diseases. Moderate consumption of nectar will saturate the body with useful substances, improve the physical and mental state, cleanse the blood of "bad" cholesterol. However, pumpkin nectar is not allowed for everyone. If there are contraindications, you should consult your doctor.
