If you’ve never eaten a Mexican hawthorn apple, you’re missing out on an incredible snack that has a lot of health benefits. This fruit has been around for a long time and it’s still used in traditional ways. There are a number of ingredients in it and many of them are good for you. Plus, the recipe below is simple to make and you can have the fruit right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
Mexican Hawthorn is a tree native to Mexico. It is commonly found in Central and South America. This plant was first introduced to the United States in the early twentieth century. Several years later, Southern California farmers and the USDA worked together to commercialize the genus.
One of the best known uses of the genus is the production of its fruit, known as a Tejocote. The tejocote is a little harder than the Chinese hawthorn, and has a flavor that is comparable to the guava. Among its perks, the tejocote has the highest nutritional value of all its cousins. For this reason, it is used in traditional medicine to treat amoebas and worms that cause bloody diarrhea. In Europe, the flowers are also used in congestive heart failure.
The tejocote was also the inspiration for a few wacky commercials. One company’s ad touts the benefits of its tejocote-like capsules. According to their claims, these capsules can purportedly help soften up fat in the muscular tissues. Another ad boasts that Mexican Hawthorn has been known to reduce weight. Despite these claims, tejocotes have yet to make it to the shelves of supermarkets across the United States.
Until recently, Mexican Hawthorn was largely ignored by American growers. However, a few pioneers took the time to figure out how to properly cultivate it. Today, they are being planted on a commercial scale in San Diego. Some websites even tout the benefits of using Mexican Hawthorn as a root supplement. Using it in tea has been reported to be a healthful way to combat the effects of aging.
If you’re looking for a good tasting tea, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better drink than this genus’s version. As for the tejocote, you can purchase it as a straight pack or in puree form. Alternatively, you can even order it in IQF (individually quick frozen) form. Depending on your needs, the tejocotes of the future may be a long way off. You can also get your tejocope fix by visiting farmer’s markets and specialty distributors.
Traditional uses
Mexican hawthorn apple is one of the most popular fruits in Mexico. It has a crabapple-like appearance and can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved. In traditional medicine, it is used for heart disease and digestive problems. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. The fruits are a good source of bioflavonoids and oligomeric procianidines.
Its leaves are dark green on the top. They have irregularly toothed lobes. Hawthorne apples have a sweet taste and are rich in pectin. They are high in antioxidants and are beneficial to cardiovascular health. Moreover, the fruit is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium.
The thorny stems are used in hedges. This plant is also used to make dip and net handles. Besides, it has edible leaves.
Its flowers are white to pink. They grow in terminal corymbs. Hawthorn has been associated with fairy folklore. As a result, it is often considered bad luck to uproot the fruit.
The roots of this tree are not used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, the fruits have been used for respiratory and urinary problems for centuries. The tree’s wood is dense and useful for tool handles.
It is also a good diuretic and helps to lower blood pressure. It has been known to improve the lining of the coronary arteries. A decoction of its leaves is used to treat tachycardia and tachycardia-related cardiac diseases.
The hawthorn fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It has been used as a treatment for heart failure, angina pectoris, and giddiness. It is also used as a food supplement for the intestines. Moreover, it has been used as an anti-cancer agent.
There are 16 species of hawthorns native to Mexico. These trees can be found in temperate climates. Their leaves and fruits are used for cooking, jam, and infusion. Fruits are usually eaten raw or cooked. They are also used in traditional Mexican hot fruit punch.
Hawthorn’s roots are used as a diuretic and are helpful in treating diarrhea. It is also a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health benefits
If you are suffering from heart failure or high blood pressure, you may want to consider using hawthorn berry to help. It is a naturally-occurring fruit that has been used as an herbal remedy for many years. Hawthorn berries may be helpful in lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, improving digestion, and more.
The berry itself has a red-colored fruit, which contains a tart, sweet flavor. It is rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds can also improve the heart’s circulation. They also have the ability to reduce inflammation and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
A number of studies show that the berry’s antioxidant properties are effective at lowering blood pressure. It can also reduce inflammation in the body, which is important for preventing diseases like cancer. Some studies have also shown that it can increase the production of digestive enzymes, which is good for those who suffer from constipation.
Studies in animals have also shown that hawthorn berry can lower total cholesterol levels. This may be because it helps relax the blood vessels farther from the heart. In addition, hawthorn berries can lower triglycerides in the blood, which is another type of fat that can lead to heart disease.
Hawthorn berry has also been found to be effective in treating angina, which is chest pain associated with heart failure. Angina is caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart, which causes a sensation of squeezing or pain in the chest.
Various medicinal herbs are now being used as alternative treatments to standard medical therapies. Medicinal herbs are more inexpensive than standard modern therapies, and they can offer patients a safer way to treat their illnesses.
Hawthorn is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to lowering blood pressure, hawthorn can also strengthen the heart physically, emotionally, and mentally.
As a result, it is often used in conjunction with traditional medications for heart failure. While preliminary research shows that it may help, more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in actual human trials.
Traditions
The traditions of Mexican hawthorn apple recipe are not limited to eating fresh, but can also be enjoyed as a tea. This fruit is known for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. It has a similar flavor to apples and guava.
The history of hawthorn apple recipe dates back to ancient times. In ancient cultures, apples were tied to branches of evergreens as a sign of good luck. They were also used in Samhain rituals. During this time, people left apples on their tables, as a reminder of the spirits.
In the early 20th century, the Mexican Hawthorne was introduced to the United States. In the southern states, farmers began brainstorming ways to commercialize the fruit. As a result, the number of smuggled fruits was reduced.
The traditional Mexican ponche is made with fruits and sugar cane. In Oaxaca, it is sold during Christmastime. Other ingredients include tamarindo pods, hibiscus flowers, pear, and quince.
Hawthorn berries are used in many types of recipes. They can be made into a water-based infusion, a vinegar-based oxymel, or an alcohol-based tincture. If you want to enjoy a delicious drink, try making hawthorn berry extract.
You can also use hawthorn berry extract as a syrup for pancakes or ice cream. This super concentrated syrup can be used by the spoonful or mixed into beverages.
Tejocote has a slight astringency, like crabapples. However, it is not typically eaten fresh. Despite this, it has been used for generations. Some people consider it a cross between a crabapple and an apple.
To make the traditional Mexican ponche, the fruit must first be boiled. After a long, slow cooking process, the juices and pulp of the fruit are added to a large pot of water. Once it is simmered, it can be strained.
There are several types of Mexican ponche. Some families have their own recipes. Usually, a big pot is used to accommodate family members and friends. An aroma of celebration floats through the air.
Another popular option is a hot fruit punch. It is flavored with tejocotes, cinnamon, and piloncillo. You can drink it alone or with piquete.