"Snake fruit" (herring) in cooking: taste, useful properties and methods of application
Content
What a herring tree and fruits look like
As you know, this fruit has several names. In Thailand, for example, it is called rakum, in Indonesia it is called salak, and in Britain it is called snake fruit. In Russian-speaking countries, the fruit is called "snake" not because it is allegedly eaten by reptiles. Everything is much simpler: the skin of herring is very similar to the skin of a snake.
Baltic herring belongs to the Palm family and can grow up to 3 m in height. The trunk, which is typical for palms, has a knobby structure. The leaves are feathery, large - about 3–6 m. The plant has many thorns, which is a natural protection of the culture from wild animals.
The fruit is pear-shaped and tapers towards the base. The size of the fruit is small - only 5 cm in diameter. Weight varies from 40 to 120 g. The outer shell of the herring has a skin that resembles scales. The inner part of the fruit is characterized by a soft milky firm pulp. The fruit is divided into several slices, each of which has seeds inside.
Video "Where herring grows and how it is useful"
In this video, the expert will tell you where the herring fruit grows, what is prepared from it, and how it is useful.
Distribution area
The most common culture is in the countries of South Asia. In Indonesia, for example, ripe fruits are available throughout the year, in Thailand only in summer. It is believed that the highest quality herring trees are grown on the island of Bali. In other countries, people grow plants at home.
Useful properties and taste of "snake fruit"
As a rule, the taste of herring differs depending on the variety. But the general characteristics are still similar.
According to those who have tasted the fruit, it has a rich fruity flavor. If we compare the "snake fruit" with the fruits known to us, then it is rather similar to pineapple, cherry, gooseberry, banana with a nutty flavor. To some, the taste of herring resembles medications.
The beneficial properties are due to the high content of the following substances:
- vitamin C;
- calcium;
- beta carotene;
- iron;
- potassium;
- phosphorus.
Eating an exotic fruit for food brings significant benefits to immunity, vision, memory.
Herring in cooking
Considering the beneficial properties and pleasant taste of racum, it is actively used in cooking. However, when faced with the "snake fruit" for the first time, it is important to consider some aspects of his choice.
How to choose ripe fruits
Choosing a ripe and sweet fruit does not require any knowledge. The fruit is easy enough to smell: if the aroma is pleasant and rich, then it is ripe. You should also pay attention to the color of the peel. The skin of a mature herring is darker.
When choosing a fruit, you need to squeeze it slightly. If it is soft, it is most likely rotten and tasteless. A good quality fruit should be firm.
It is also important to know a little trick: large fruits are always sweeter. Small ones are most often sour-bitter.
How to peel and eat "snake fruit"
Despite the fact that the fruits of the herring are quite hard, they are easily peeled from the skin. There are several ways to quickly peel snake fruit. In the first case, it should be cleaned from the tail. It needs to be broken off and then the shell will be removed quite quickly. The second method is much easier - you just need to lightly squeeze the fruit with your fingers. As a rule, it immediately splits, forming 3-4 lobules.
Baltic herring is used both raw and pickled. It can be a great dessert for a festive table. In addition, it is quite often used as one of the ingredients in summer salad. The pickled fruit goes well with fish and meat dishes. It is fundamentally important that the herring is unripe.
Snake Fruit Dishes
A variety of cold salads are prepared from the "snake fruit". The exotic fruit is also popular in the preparation of sauces for meat and fish. Ripe herring is used to make jams and preserves. Fresh racum drinks are popular. Compotes, smoothies and cocktails can be easily tasted on the streets of Thailand, where they are sold literally on every corner. Drinks perfectly quench thirst, refresh on a hot summer day, give a feeling of vigor and burst of energy.
Possible harm and contraindications for use
By and large, herring is a harmless fruit. There are no recorded data on its allergic effects on humans. However, you should not use the fruit as a medicine. Our body is used to those fruits and vegetables that are considered traditional. Therefore, it is recommended to start eating herring with a tasting.
You should not eat several fruits at once. This can cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction.
Raw unripe herring can cause significant harm to the body. Its use provokes constipation or, in critical cases, intestinal obstruction. It is also important to remember that before consuming the "snake fruit" it must be thoroughly washed. Moreover, this applies to all exotic fruits - imported from southern countries, fruits can come into contact with each other, undergoing rotting processes and risking being infected with a dangerous infection.
There are no contraindications to the use of racum, but acquaintance with this tropical fruit should take into account the following rules:
- Quantity. The first use of the fruit should be limited to a small wedge. This will make it possible to understand how the body reacted to a new product for it.
- Allergic reaction. If a strange rash, scabies, itching or any other unusual manifestations appear on the body, it is worth stopping the use of herring.
- The quality of the rakum. It is necessary to understand that exotic fruits must be fresh. Long transportation from southern countries, "neighborhood" with other tropical fruits can cause them to become infected with pathogenic bacteria. As a result of the use of a low-quality product, the risk of getting serious poisoning increases significantly.
- Hygiene. Hygiene procedures should not be neglected before using herring. The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands, and then the rakum itself.
Herring, or "snake fruit" is considered one of the most unusual exotic fruits. Its use in food can provide significant benefits to vision, memory and the general condition of the body. But it is fundamentally important to choose a high-quality fruit, adherence to all hygiene standards and moderate consumption.