For many people, peonies are beautiful flowers, but did you know that peonies also have rich nutritional and medicinal value? And most surprisingly, peony seeds can even be used as food! This article will take you on an exploration of how to eat peony seeds and their nutritional value.
What are peony seeds?
Peony seeds are fruits formed after peony potted plants bloom, similar to small pods, round or oval in shape, varying in size, with brown patterns on the surface.
Nutritional Value of Peony Seeds
Peony seeds are rich in protein, various vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin E), minerals such as calcium and iron, and other beneficial components, with effects like clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and replenishing qi and blood.
Medicinal Value of Peony Seeds
In traditional Chinese medicine, peony seeds are regarded as excellent herbs for nourishing yin and supplementing the liver, clearing heat and detoxifying, and can be used to treat symptoms such as liver yin deficiency, red and swollen eyes, and sores and abscesses.
How to Eat Peony Seeds
Peony seeds can be used for cooking or eaten directly. If used for cooking, it is best to soak the peony seeds first until soft, remove the skin, and then add them to dishes. If eaten directly, the peony seeds can be blanched and then mixed with appropriate amount of salt.
Delicious Recipe 1: Peony Seed Coix Seed Porridge
Mix peony seeds, coix seeds, and rice to cook porridge, which has a fragrant taste and the effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness.
Delicious Recipe 2: Peony Seed Scrambled Eggs
Stir-fry beaten eggs with soaked and peeled peony seeds together, which is fragrant and delicious, and rich in nutrition.
Delicious Recipe 3: Peony Seed Chicken Soup
Cook soup with peony seeds, chicken, ginger slices and other ingredients, which has the effect of nourishing yin and replenishing qi, and is very suitable for people who often stay up late or overwork.
How to Choose High-Quality Peony Seeds
When buying peony seeds, choose varieties that are complete, free from insect damage, intact in appearance, and bright in color. It is best to choose fresh peony seeds, and store them in a cool and dry place.
Who Should Not Eat Peony Seeds
Although peony seeds have many nutritional values, not everyone is suitable for eating them. Due to their effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, patients with kidney deficiency, those with weak spleen and stomach, and people with dry stools should avoid eating them.
Precautions
When eating peony seeds, you should consume them in moderation to avoid allergic reactions and other adverse reactions. At the same time, note that you should not eat them raw to avoid affecting nutrient absorption.
How to Store Peony Seeds
If you want to store peony seeds for a long time, it is best to place them in a dry and ventilated place, put them in a sealed bag to avoid moisture and mildew.
Cultural Value of Peony Seeds
Peony seeds have an important position in Chinese culture and are regarded as auspicious items. As early as the Tang Dynasty, there was a tradition of giving peony seeds as gifts to royal nobles.
How to Plant Peonies
If you want to grow peonies yourself, you can first buy good seeds, put them in moist soil, and then place them in a sunny and well-ventilated place. When watering, keep appropriate humidity.
Application of Peonies in Gardens
As a beautiful flower, peonies can be widely used in gardens. Their colors are brilliant and their shapes are exquisite, which are very popular among people.
As a flower that is both beautiful and nutritious, peonies can not only be used for viewing, but also for medicinal and edible purposes. By mastering the correct eating methods and storage techniques, we can add a touch of deliciousness and nutrition to our diet.