Carambola (kamrak) and bilimbi (cucumber). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Carambola (kamrak) and bilimbi (cucumber). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

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Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Carambola (kamrak), Averrhoa carambola. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Carambola (kamrak)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Averrhoa.

Family: Oxalis (Oxalidaceae).

Origin: South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Area: Carambola is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including South Asia, East Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America.

Chemical composition: Carambola contains vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and potassium. The fruit also contains oxalic acid.

Economic value: Carambola fruits are consumed fresh, juices, jams, canned food are prepared from them. Carambola is also used in cooking to decorate dishes and give them a special taste. In addition, natural dyes are obtained from carambola leaves, and medicines for the treatment of various diseases are obtained from the bark and fruits.

Legends and myths: In Chinese culture, carambola is considered a symbol of good luck and wealth. Its star shape is associated with good luck, and its sweet taste is associated with wealth. In some Southeast Asian traditions, carambola is used to treat many ailments such as coughs, headaches, toothaches, and others. In Indian culture, carambola is considered a symbol of the diversity of life. Its form of a star, consisting of many rays, personifies the many faces of life with its various aspects and directions.

Bilimbi (cucumber tree), Averrhoa bilimbi. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Bilimbi (cucumber tree)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Averrhoa

Family: Oxalidaceae (Sorrel)

Origin: Southeast Asia and India

Area: Bilimbi is found in the tropics of Southeast Asia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and other regions of Southeast Asia.

Chemical composition: Bilimbi contains organic acids (oxalic, citric, malic, tartaric, ascorbic), flavonoids (carotenoids, rutin), vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin), minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron).

Economic value: Bilimbi is used in cooking for canning, in the production of sauces, condiments and drinks. It is also widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of diseases, including diabetes, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, and others.

Legends and myths: In some cultures of Southeast Asia, the bilimbi is considered an amulet and carried around as a protection against evil spirits. In Malaysian culture, bilimbi was used to make shadow puppets that were used for theatrical performances. In some religious cultures of Southeast Asia, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the bilimbi symbolizes divine favor and blessings.

Carambola (kamrak), Averrhoa carambola and bilimbi (cucumber tree), Averrhoa bilimbi. Description, illustrations of the plant

Carambola (kamrak), Averrhoa carambola and bilimbi (cucumber tree), Averrhoa bilimbi. Methods of application, origin of the plant, range, botanical description, cultivation

Carambola (kamrak)

Carambola, or kamrak (in India), - Averrhoa carambola L. - belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, a tropical fruit plant in the form of a tree or bush 5-12 m high.

It grows in the Caribbean, in the USA, as well as in the countries of Southeast Asia. Most often found in the wild in the forests of Indonesia.

Carambola grows in forests, gardens and parks in many countries of the tropical zone and in some areas of the subtropical. Prefers a humid tropical climate, can tolerate short-term drops in temperature, and dies with slight frosts. In the equatorial zone, it occurs at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level. seas.

Plants are highly branched. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, odd-pinnate, pointed-ovate, 3,5-5,0 cm long and 2,3 cm wide, falling in the dry season.

The flowers are small, short-petiolate, pink or purplish-red, borne on leafless stems or branches.

The fruit is a berry weighing up to 150-200 g, ranging in size from a chicken egg to a large orange, bright yellow or golden yellow in color, 6-12 cm long, 3-6 cm in diameter, with 5 ribs extended along the fruit. The cross section of the fetus has the shape of a five-pointed star.

Fruits with a pleasant aroma, sour and sweet, edible, are more used for making salads, juices, preserves, sauces, soft drinks and in cooking, as well as for cleaning brass products. Unripe fruits are salted and pickled. The fruits have a thin delicate peel and watery pulp, the seeds are ovoid, flattened, light brown, up to 1 cm in length. The water content is over 85%, acidic fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The sour taste is due to the presence of oxalic acid.

The classification of carambola has not been developed, however, there are 2 forms with sweet and sour fruits. Carambola is especially valued with sour fruits that replace tamarind fruits in cooking. The juice of sour fruits is also used to remove stains from fabrics. Fruits in the 3rd year of life.

Propagated by seeds and vegetative methods (budding, layering, cuttings, etc.). The seeds extracted from the fruit are washed and dried in the shade before sowing. Seedlings grown in a nursery can be grafted. Ungrafted plants are obtained from seeds of the best mother plants. Plants, grafted or ungrafted, are planted in the garden in a permanent place with feeding areas of 6 x 5, 6 x 6 or 7 x 6 m.

Bilimbi (cucumber tree)

Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) is the closest relative of carambola, distributed in the same area. The tree reaches 10 m in height. The fruits are collected in clusters on the trunk and large branches. The fruits are very acidic due to the presence of citric acid, similar in appearance to small gherkins. Use for making jam, soft drinks, confectionery. In vegetable dishes and sauces they replace gherkins, they are used to prepare seasonings for rice.

In folk medicine of the countries of Southeast Asia, decoctions of bilimbi leaves are used as an antipyretic, decoctions of flowers are used as a cough remedy. Due to the high content of vitamin C in bilimbi fruits, they are used as an effective antiscorbutic agent.

Bilimbi reproduces in the same way as carambola. Plants propagated by seeds or vegetative methods are planted in the garden in a permanent place with a feeding area of 7 x 6 m.

Authors: Baranov V.D., Ustimenko G.V.

Carambola (kamrak), Averrhoa carambola. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

For diabetes: for the treatment of diabetes, you can use carambola in the form of a decoction. To do this, cut 2-3 carambolas and pour 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat. Then strain the decoction and drink 1/2 cup in the morning and evening before meals.
For bronchitis and cough: for the treatment of bronchitis and cough, you can use carambola in the form of an infusion. To do this, cut 2-3 carambolas and pour 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink 1/2 cup 2-3 times a day.
For headaches: for the treatment of headaches, you can use carambola in the form of a compress. To do this, cut 1-2 carambolas and put them on your forehead. Keep the compress on for 15-20 minutes.
For arthritis: for the treatment of arthritis, you can use carambola in the form of an infusion. To do this, cut 2-3 carambolas and pour 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink 1/2 cup 2-3 times a day.

Cosmetology:

From a tired look: in order to relieve fatigue and swelling around the eyes, cut carambola into thin circles and place on closed eyes. Keep the compress on for 10-15 minutes.
From wrinkles: to reduce the visibility of wrinkles, prepare a carambola mask. To do this, cut the carambola into pieces and chop in a blender. Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Apply the mask on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
From skin pollution: in order to cleanse the skin of impurities, prepare a carambola scrub. To do this, cut the carambola into pieces and chop in a blender. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Apply the scrub on your face and massage for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
For sunburn: To soothe skin after sunburn, cut carambola into pieces and apply to the affected skin. Keep the compress on for 10-15 minutes.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Carambola (kamrak), Averrhoa carambola. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Carambola, also known as kamrak (Averrhoa carambola), is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia and other warm, humid regions.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing carambola:

Cultivation:

Carambola prefers a warm and humid climate. It is best grown in regions with temperatures between 20 and 30 °C.
It needs fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering.
Carambola prefers full sun, but can survive in partial shade.
The plant should be pruned every few months in order for it to grow better and increase its yield.

Workpiece:

Harvest carambola when it reaches maturity. Ripe carambolas are bright yellow or golden in color and look fresh and shiny.
Before use, carambola must be washed and dried.
Carambola can be eaten both fresh and cooked, for example, as a dessert or salad.
Carambola can be used to make drinks such as juice or compote.

Storage:

Carambola is not stored for a long time, it is best to consume it immediately after harvest.
Fresh carambolas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several days.
Carambola can be frozen or dried for later use.

Please note that eating carambola may cause allergic reactions in some people and may also be dangerous for people with kidney problems.

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