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citruses. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Citruses, Citrinae. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Citrus (Citrus)

Family: Rutaceae (Rutaceae)

Origin: Southeast Asia and China

Area: Citruses grow in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Chemical composition: Citruses contain flavonoids, carotenoids, citric, ascorbic, malic and acetic acids, essential oils.

Economic value: Citruses are used in the food, pharmaceutical, perfume and cosmetic industries. The citrus crop is of great economic importance, as the fruits are a valuable source of vitamins and other nutrients.

Legends, myths, symbolism: It is said that in ancient times the lemon was a symbol of fidelity and love. There is a legend about a beautiful Indian princess who was kidnapped by an evil magician. The princess was able to escape from captivity and hide on the mountain where the guardian spirits lived. There she met a beautiful young man who turned out to be her true love. But when the evil magician found the princess again, the young man was forced to hide. He told the princess to always remember him and their love, even if they couldn't be together. He gave her a lemon and told her to always keep it with her to remind her of him. Since then, the lemon has become a symbol of fidelity and love.

According to legend, the orange was the favorite fruit of the Eastern emperors because its peel had aromatic properties and could serve as a natural perfume. One of the legends says that during the reign of the ancient Chinese emperor, an orange was presented to him as a symbol of life and immortality.

Grapefruit also has its own legend. It is said that the grapefruit was discovered in the Caribbean on the island of Barbados, when the Spanish captain Nicholas Monarres accidentally transplanted an orange tree and a pomelo tree. The plant that grew from these two trees produced fruits that became known as grapefruits. In some cultures, grapefruit is considered a symbol of purity and purification, as well as a treasure of health and beauty due to the high content of vitamin C in its fruit.

In mythology, citrus fruits are often associated with goddesses of beauty and fertility. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, the Persian goddess Atargatis, patroness of love and motherhood, was often depicted holding pomegranates or citrus trees. Also in Hindu mythology, the goddess Laxmi, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, is often depicted with lemons and oranges.

Citruses, Citrinae. Description, illustrations of the plant

citruses. The history of growing a plant, economic importance, cultivation, use in cooking

Lemon

What are citrus plants? Citrus fruits belong to the rue family, the orange subfamily, the genus citrus. They are bred for the sake of fragrant, vitamin-rich fruits, and so long ago that there are almost no wild species in nature, only cultivated ones. The birthplace of citrus fruits is Southeast Asia, from where they spread to all tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Citrus fruits now occupy the largest area in North and Central America.

The genus includes about twenty species that easily interbreed with each other, so that the number of hybrids is difficult to count. From time to time we see fruits with unfamiliar names in the store, but it is immediately clear in appearance: citrus. You can't confuse citruses with anything.

What is a hesperidium? The fruit of a plant in the citrus family is called a hesperidium. It was named after the Hesperides, in whose garden golden apples grew. According to experts, these were oranges. Hesperidium is a special kind of berry-like fruit. Its pulp, divided into segments, consists of spindles filled with juice, which are called juice sacs and are formed from the inner wall of the ovary. At first they look like small papillae, then they turn into multicellular hairs, then the inner cells of the hair are destroyed, and a sac filled with a solution of acids, sugars and vitamins remains.

The second characteristic feature of the hesperidium is its peel. It consists of two layers: a bright outer, called flavedo, from the Latin flavus - yellow, and white albedo (albus - white). The outer layer contains many glands that secrete essential oil, and is covered with a thin layer of natural wax, so that the fruits are stored for a long time. The inner layer serves as a source of moisture for the developing hesperidium, but dries out as it matures. The drier and looser the white layer becomes, the easier the peel is separated from the pulp.

Why is there a small orange inside a large orange? This is another unique property of Hesperidia. They sometimes form a "two-story" ovary, and as a result, two twin fetuses develop. The second, small, is visible through a small hole (navel) in the peel of a large fruit. There are even varieties of navel oranges.

What are citruses? The largest member of the genus is the citron (Citrus medica). Its length reaches 40 cm, and its diameter is 28 cm. The peel of the citron is thick, and it is sour, so it is not eaten fresh. However, it was he who was the first of the citrus fruits to come to Europe, apparently just because of the fragrant peel. The second place is occupied by pampelmus, aka sheddock and pomelo with an accent on the second syllable (C. grandis). Its peel is thick, from greenish to bright yellow, the flesh is sweet and sour, sometimes slightly bitter, but not as strong as that of grapefruit (C. paradisi). Some experts do not exclude that the grapefruit is a mutation of pampelmus or its hybrid with an orange.

The sweet, Chinese, or true orange C. sinensis is perhaps the most common citrus. The adjective "orange" is derived from the French word "orange", but oranges can also be red. They are also called "kings". The kinglet is slightly smaller than an ordinary orange, its juice contains the red pigment anthocyanin, an antioxidant, by the way, which is not typical for citrus fruits. Peeling a red orange is more difficult than an orange. There is also a sour or bitter orange, also known as orange and bigardia (C. aurantium). Really bittersweet, but good for marmalade. A variety of orange or its hybrid with citron is the thick-skinned bergamot C. bergamia. Bred mainly as an essential oil crop, bergamot oil is considered the finest of all citrus oils.

C. reticulata mandarin has a huge number of cultural variants, the most famous of them is clementine. It is easy to clean and break into slices and is practically pitted. Some varieties of mandarin are even isolated into separate species. These are, for example, tangerine C. tangerina - sweet, with a thin skin, and satsuma C. unshiu. Satsuma also has a very thin skin with large glands that secrete essential oil, and tender flesh that requires careful handling.

Tangelo

Lemon C. limon is famous for its acidity and high content of vitamin C. Mariners took lemons with them on long voyages as a remedy for scurvy.

Less well known is the sweet lemon, or sweet lime C. limetta. Its fruits are really sweet and juicy. True lime C. aurantiifolia is very sour, the fruits are small, the flesh is greenish. Another sour meat is yunos, or yuzu C. junos. It is a complex hybrid between several citrus species. In Japan, it is used like a lemon.

What is a kumquat? Kumquat also belongs to the citrus subfamily, but to a different genus - Fortunella. The kumquat looks like a small orange, tastes like a sour tangerine. It can be eaten with the skin, it is thin and sweet. However, it crosses with real citruses, there is a hybrid of kumquat and lime - limequat. Its flesh is sweet with bitterness.

What are the benefits of citrus? The pulp of citrus fruits makes up to 70% of the mass of the fruit. It contains 1-6% acids, mainly citric, 2-8% sugars, vitamins C, P, B1 and B2, carotene. The taste and color of the fruit depend on the ratio of these substances and the presence of some additives. In mandarin, for example, there are very few acids, no more than 1%, and grapefruit pulp contains the bitter glycoside naringin. Bitterness comes from the films in which the fruit slices are enclosed, so they try to get rid of them. In addition, citrus fruits contain dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Citruses are first of all delicious sources of vitamins and microelements for us. Vitamin PP and potassium have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system as a whole and on strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Carotene is useful for the eyes, calcium and phosphorus salts - for bones, nails, hair and teeth, vitamin B - for the central and peripheral nervous system.

Grapefruit glycoside naringin and its derivative naringenin have an anti-sclerotic effect and contribute to the normalization of weight. Grapefruit juice is useful for hypertensive patients, patients with metabolic syndrome and high blood sugar levels. Even more effective is nobiletin, a flavonoid isolated from the peel of tangerines. In general, the peel of all citruses contains a large amount of flavonoids, which to some extent have antioxidant, antifungal and antisclerotic effects, and also affect the activity of many metabolic processes. The flavonoid hesperidin, for example, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Just do not think that if you eat a few kilograms of grapefruit along with white films, all diseases will disappear. Any product shows its beneficial qualities if consumed regularly. Grapefruit, for example, you need to eat half a day, and another teaspoon of albedo.

Are citrus fruits good for everyone? Citrus proteins and polysaccharides are strong allergens and should be given to children with caution. People with high acidity, stomach ulcers and indigestion should not overeat citrus fruits, and diabetics should be aware of the high sugar content in tangerines and oranges.

What foods go well with citrus? Sweet citrus fruits: oranges, tangerines, pomelo and even grapefruits are wonderful on their own. They are eaten fresh, added to fruit salads and confectionery. Drinks (juices and soft drinks), jam, marmalade and marshmallow are made from citruses. Jam is made from the peel - this is the most fragrant part of the fruit - and candied fruits are prepared, tinctures are made from it, and an essential oil is obtained, which is used to flavor drinks and confectionery. Bitter and sour citruses are sent straight to the confectionery shop.

Citrus fruits: 1 - orange; 2 - lemon

Like any fruit containing acid, citruses go well with meat and fish. They decorate meat dishes, pies and pies, sauces are prepared from them. Fish and seafood are advised to drink citrus juice with ginger. And here is a popular Italian salad: red oranges and fennel root are cut into pieces and olive oil is added.

About the zest. Zest is a spice, the dried pigmented layer of citrus peel. To prepare the zest, it is first necessary to thoroughly wash the fruit in order to clean the peel of wax and various substances with which it may have been processed. Then you need to carefully cut off the top layer with a sharp knife, trying not to capture the bottom white. Then the peel is dried for two to three days, laying on paper, at room temperature, turning regularly. When the zest becomes brittle, it is ready. You can store it in pieces, but it is added to dishes only in ground form.

The peel of orange, orange and tangerine is used to prepare sweet dishes, such as jelly, compotes, mousses, puddings and ice cream, and is added to pastries. Orange zest also adds flavor to meat sauces and pairs well with poultry and fish. The range of applications of grapefruit and lemon zest is even wider. It is added to vegetable, fish and meat salads, as well as to all cold sauces for them.

Lemon peel goes well with beets, improves the taste of cold beetroots and hot borscht. It is not necessary to boil it, the zest is added to the freshly cooked soup and allowed to brew for three to four minutes. Lemon zest does not contain acid, which remains in the pulp, and gives the dish only the aroma of lemon. It is good to infuse vodka on grapefruit and lemon zest.

Zest is a mild spice, so it is added in large quantities. A piece of meat, for example, is thickly sprinkled with powder.

Author: Ruchkina N.

Citruses, Citrinae. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Colds and flu: mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey and hot water. Drink this drink warm to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
• Maintaining immunity: add freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice to your daily diet. Vitamin C contained in these fruits helps to maintain immunity and protect the body from various infections.
• Stomach problems: mix freshly squeezed lemon juice and baking soda. This drink can help relieve heartburn and other stomach problems.

Cosmetology:

• Skin Lightening: Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice on your face to brighten your skin and reduce pigmentation. It is important to remember that lemon juice can irritate the skin, so you should mix it with other ingredients such as honey or olive oil.
• Skin cleansing: Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice on your face to remove excess oil and get rid of acne. It is important to remember that lemon juice can irritate the skin, so you should mix it with other ingredients such as honey or olive oil.
• Skin Moisturizing: mix freshly squeezed orange juice, honey and olive oil. This mask cocktail will help moisturize the skin and make it softer and smoother.
• Nail strengthening: rub fresh lemon or orange peel on your nails. This will help strengthen your nails and give them shine.
• Scalp massage: Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice to your shampoo or hair conditioner. This will help refresh and improve the condition of the scalp.
• Skin cleansing: mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with honey and olive oil. This mask cocktail will help cleanse the skin of excess sebum and dead cells, giving it a healthier and fresher look.
• Hair strengthening: Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to your hair and go out in the sun for 30-40 minutes. Lemon juice will help strengthen your hair and give it shine.
• Eliminate foot odor: rub fresh lemon or orange peel on your feet. This will help eliminate foot odor and leave them feeling fresher and cleaner.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Citruses, Citrinae. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Citruses (Citrinae) are a group of plants in the Rutaceae family that produce sour and sweet fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, limes and tangerines.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing citrus plants:

Cultivation:

• Choose a planting site that has plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
• Prepare the soil by adding organic compost and sand if the soil is too clay or heavy.
• Plant seedlings of citrus plants at a depth of about 3-5 cm and with an interval of 2-3 meters between them.
• Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize your plants once a month using a citrus tree fertilizer.

Workpiece:

• Harvest citrus fruits when they have reached their maturity and are bright and juicy.
• Separate the fruit from the tree with sharp knives or scissors.
• Leave the fruit in a ventilated place to dry.
• Store the fruit in a cool and dry place.

Storage:

• Store citrus fruits in a cool and dry place at 5 to 10°C.
• Provide adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid too high or low humidity to avoid fruit rot.
• Check fruits periodically for mold or rot and remove damaged plant parts.

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