Persimmon is a unique fruit from Northeast Asia, mainly grown in Korea, Japan and China. In particular, Korean sweet persimmon was introduced to Japan about 100 years ago and was recognized for its quality and taste. It is a fruit that is loved by people all over the world.
As autumn grows deeper, the appetizingly ripen persimmon gives us beautiful view and make us feel pleasant. The persimmon of the persimmon tree, which has been left as a magpie food in the winter when food was scarce, is also a symbol of the warm consideration of our ancestors.
#Excellence of Korean sweet persimmon
The sweet persimmon is highly nutritious fruit that there is a saying in Korea, ‘Standing under a sweet persimmon tree makes you healthy. In particular, sweet persimmon is well known as a health food loved by Queen Elizabeth of England.
As such, sweet persimmon is recognized as a health food beyond simple fruits by both Western and Asian people.
#What are the benefits of Korean sweet persimmon?
-Boost immunity
Sweet persimmon is rich in vitamin C, which improves immunity.
-Adult disease prevention
Dietary fiber prevent adult disease such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease by absorbing harmful neutral fat or cholesterol and releasing it out of the body. Vitamin C and potassium which are rich in sweet persimmon also prevent blood pressure from rising.
-Anticancer effect
Cryptoxanthin, rich is sweet persimmon, is effective in preventing cancer as it has an anticancer activity that is five times higher than carotene, which is known as an anticancer ingredient, and as it releases nicotine accumulated from smoking.
-Hangover Relief
The fructose and vitamin C in sweet persimmon decomposes acetaldehyde, an alcohol-decompsition product that causes hangovers, and release it out of the body. This will help you get rid of a hangover quickly.
#How can we eat the sweet persimmon?
Genius of transformation! The way to enjoy sweet persimmon in a various ways.
Persimmon is distinguished by sweet persimmon and astringent Persimmon, depending on the astringent taste at the time of harvest. Sweet persimmon is mostly consumed as a raw fruit, and persimmon with astringent taste is eaten as dried persimmon or ripe persimmon due to its strong astringency.
TIP. How to choose good sweet persimmon
In the case of sweet persimmon, the more prominent the stem protrudes in yellow, the better the taste as the seeds are evenly embedded.. Good persimmons have firm texture, looks glossy with deep color and stems are attached freshly.
During the summer months of June and August in Korea, rejuvenating and revitalizing foods become very popular. This is to fully overcome the heat that weakens the body’s energy. Currently in season, Bokbunja (Korean Raspberry) is second to none when it comes to a natural tonic. In Korea, people enjoy Bokbunja in various forms such as alcohol, beverages, and vinegar.
#Legendary Power ‘Bokbunja’
A kind of wild raspberry belonging to the family Rosaceae, Bokbunja has an excellent sweet and sour taste. It is especially famous for being an energy-boosting fruit. The efficacy of Bokbunja can also be confirmed in old Korean medical books, which state that Bokbunja makes the body hard and strong. The books also say that it is good to eat Bokbunja by drying it well. The efficacy of Bokbunja was also confirmed through modern medicine. A recent analysis on the effect of Bokbunja on the body found that its anthocyanins greatly affect the body by boosting blood circulation by preventing blood clots, inhibiting cancer and aging, and sterilization. Bokbunja is not called a natural tonic for nothing.
#It’s Delicious to Eat in Any Way
Korean Bokbunja is a special product of the Gochang of Jeollabuk-do, and Bokbunja from the Seonunsan Mountain is especially famous. In Korea, 10 Bokbunja flowers gather and are bloomed in an umbrella shape on each branch from around June, and Bokbunja for medical purpose are used by drying the fruits around July. Bokbunja used as a tea is made by infusing the root instead of the fruit. Bokbunja is also soaked and aged in alcohol to enjoy a sweet and bitter taste. This can be made at home, but the products sold in the market are popular too. Among them, Bohaebokbunjajoo is very famous and is exported to 10 countries including the U.S., Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. Vinegar made from Bokbunja is also famous, which can be enjoyed healthy by mixing it with water, carbonated water, or milk.
Maesil, the Absolute Powerhouse Remedy to Recover from Fatigue
As much as looking at its green color is beneficial, maesil (Koran green plum) is actually considered as the absolute powerhouse remedy to recover from fatigue. In Korea, maesil is used to make maesil-cheong (extract syrup), which is taken in the form of tea to relieve fatigue. The true value of Korean maesil-cheong and tea has been confirmed by consumers in the US and China.
#”Maesil” with Various Efficacies
Maesil is a fruit that has long been used as a medicine. It has that many benefits. Maesil is rich in minerals, vitamins and citric acid. Citric acid among them promotes metabolism, relieves fatigue, and stimulates appetite. Because maesil is rich in citric acid, it is excellent for overcoming fatigue, and in Korea, maesil extract is a popular home remedy for an upset stomach. Also, maesil has excellent detoxifying properties, which help treat stomach problems and food poisoning. It is also good for indigestion and skin care, and is used as a fruit with a strong sterilizing effect. Because of these effects, in Korean homes, maesil extract is used in place of starch syrup or sugar to add flavor.
#Korean Maesil Products, Drawing Attention of the World
Maesil is generally consumed in various forms of processed products, rather than in its natural form. In Korea, maesil is usually used to make maesil-cheong for consumption. This is because maesil-cheong can be consumed for various purposes while retaining the nutrients of maesil. Maesil-cheong can be easily found in the market.
The processed products made with maesil have become prevalent overseas. In fact, Gurye, Jeollanam-do, exported maesil-cheong to China, as well as maesil-tea from Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do, has been exported to the United States. In addition, Korean maesil-cheong can be purchased on Amazon as well. In fact, the Korean maesil-cheong on Amazon are highly popular as to have received 4.5~5 star ratings.
As the efficacies and functionality of the maesil meet the needs of health-conscious consumers, the exports of Korean maesil-based products are expected to expand.
Chestnuts, one of classic winter snacks in Korea, are so-called well-being food that tastes good and contains an ample amount of various nutrients. It is diverse in type, and grown in a wide range of areas including Europe, North America, North Africa, and Asia including Korea. Chestnuts generally grown in Korea are of a native variety and of an improved variety that is derived from Japanese one. The native chestnuts of Korea in particular are hard in flesh and highly sweet in taste, although being relatively smaller in size compared to ones native to the western world. Chestnuts are rich in carbohydrate and protein, and evenly contain other nutrients such as calcium, fat, vitamins, and minerals. What’s more, the nuts are believed to have a great antioxidant effect, and versatilely used to make food for patients and infants as it is highly digestible.
Shiitake mushrooms, which are called the best elixir of life, have high nutritional value as they have been selected as one of the top 10 anticancer foods by the US Food and Drug Administration. Since it is rich in vitamin B, it clears the blood to help formation and contains calcium, copper, iron, and phosphorus which helps prevent adult diseases. Also, shiitake mushroom’s low calories make it great for weight loss and effective in preventing constipation due to rich content of fiber. Shiitake mushroom’s true value especially shines when dried, as it becomes a great natural seasoning after it is dried in a cool place for about a week and is finely powdered. During the drying process, sodium guanylate, a type of amino acid, is produced, giving it a savory taste. Dried shiitake mushrooms have 8 to 9 times higher nutrient content than fresh shiitake mushrooms.
Jujube fruit, or dates, is known to eliminate waste matter from blood vessels, lower a cholesterol level, and help stimulate the appetite and digestion. Further, it is believed to be effective in preventing respiratory diseases, resolving insomnia, and recovering vitality and health, and has thus been used as an essential medicinal ingredient in oriental medicine.