Traditionally, peonies are regarded as beautiful ornamental flowers, but many people may not know that peony seeds are also a delicious and nutritious food. This article will introduce you to the nutritional value and edibility of peony seeds in depth, and provide a variety of unique ways to eat them.
Understanding the origin and characteristics of peony seeds
By analyzing the growth process and structure of the peony plant, we can understand that peony seeds are obtained from the fruit of the peony flower. Compared to the seeds of other plants, peony seeds have a bright red or purple shell, usually mature in autumn, and contain a large amount of nutrients such as plant protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Exploring the nutritional components of peony seeds
According to scientific research, 100 grams of dried peony seeds contain 18.5 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 13.2 grams of fat. In addition, peony seeds are also rich in various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin B1, magnesium, calcium, iron, and more.
Understanding the health benefits of peony seeds
Because peony seeds are rich in various nutrients, they have multiple health benefits. For example, peony seeds are rich in antioxidants, which can help eliminate the damage of free radicals to body cells. At the same time, peony seeds also have the effects of regulating blood sugar, enhancing immunity, and promoting gastrointestinal health.
What foods can be made with peony seeds?
In addition to being eaten directly, peony seeds can also be used to make a variety of delicious foods, such as peony seed cookies, peony fruit tea, peony fruit candy, and so on. These foods are both delicious and nutritious, making them an ideal choice for modern people pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
Try making peony seed cookies
The main ingredients for making peony seed cookies include peony seed powder, sugar, cake flour, eggs, butter, etc. The production process is simple and the texture is unique, making it a delicious snack for afternoon tea.
Taste the unique flavor of peony fruit tea
Mixing dried peony seeds with dried fruits such as osmanthus and hawthorn and then boiling can make delicious peony fruit tea. This tea is fragrant and pleasant, with a mellow taste, and is a good choice for keeping warm in winter.
Make a rich-textured peony fruit candy
Heat and melt the peony seeds with candy, then add the syrup made from fruits such as osmanthus, goji berries, and mulberries. The resulting peony fruit candy is both sweet and fragrant, and can be used to flavor tea or as a filling for bread.
Be careful not to eat too many peony seeds to avoid poisoning
Although peony seeds are rich in nutrients, it is still important to eat them in moderation. Because peony seeds contain a toxic substance called saponin, excessive intake may cause poisoning. It is best not to eat more than 20 peony seeds at a time, and do not consume them in excess for a long period.
Master the correct storage method for peony seeds
When storing peony seeds, it is necessary to pay attention to moisture-proof, insect-proof, and sun-proof. It is best to place them in a dry and ventilated place, and they can be stored in sealed jars or plastic bags. This can maintain their freshness and edible value.
Understanding the cultural history of peony seeds
As a precious traditional Chinese medicine and traditional food, peony seeds have a long cultural history in China. As early as the Tang Dynasty, people regarded peony seeds as treasures. In the Song Dynasty, they were even listed as tribute items and later classified as nourishing delicacies.
Find a good peony seed supplier
If you want to try eating peony seeds or making peony seed foods, then you need to choose a reliable peony seed supplier. It is recommended to choose brands or merchants with good reputation and high credibility, which can greatly guarantee the safety and quality of peony seeds.
Learn more about how to make peony seed foods
In addition to the peony seed cookies, peony fruit tea, and peony fruit candy mentioned above, there are many other peony seed foods worth exploring. For example, peony fruit jam, peony fruit jelly, etc., you can learn related production methods through the internet or books.
Try pairing peony seeds with other ingredients
The ways of eating peony seeds are very flexible, and they can be paired with other ingredients to make more delicious dishes. For example, you can cook peony seeds with pumpkin and carrots into soup, or make zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) with peony seeds and glutinous rice.
The nutritional and edible value of peony seeds
From a nutritional point of view, peony seeds are rich in various nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and moderate consumption is beneficial to health. At the same time, peony seeds are also a precious traditional Chinese medicine and food ingredient, occupying an important position in traditional culture.
Conclusion
Peony seeds are a food that combines both deliciousness and nutrition. Mastering the correct consumption methods can bring multiple health benefits to the body. At the same time, learning the cultural history and preparation methods of peony seeds is also an interesting life experience. I hope this article can provide everyone with some useful information and inspiration.