Can海棠 fruit really be eaten? Unveiling the hidden edible value of ornamental plants.

What is Begonia

Every spring day, the blooming crabapple in the park always attracts tourists to stop. This kind of plant, which combines ornamental and topical nature, not only carries the poetic feelings of literati, but also hides surprising practical value. Today, let us walk into the wonderful world of crabapple and unveil its mysterious veil. Decoding the pedigree of the Begonia family, the Juedai Shuangshu Begonia family, is actually a collective name for plants in the genus Apple and Papaya, and belongs to the family Rosaceae in plant taxonomy. Its family members include: the elegant branches of Xifu Begonia can be up to 15 centimeters long, the pink flowers of the quince Begonia hang like beads, and the tied-stem Begonia is famous for its deep red flowers that bloom close to the branches. These varieties are widely planted in the north and south of our country. They are not only classic elements of landscaping, but also an important component of urban greening. The visual feast of the four seasons changes from the sea of pink and white flowers in early spring to the red fruits in late autumn, crabapple shows amazing viewing continuity. The centennial Begonia Forest in the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Begonia Spring Dock in the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou are examples of landscape carefully designed by landscape architects of past dynasties. Its flowering period can last 20-30 days, and the improved four seasons begonia can bloom all year round after modern gardening. Begonia on the tip of the tongue hidden in the flower shadow delicious when the Begonia flowers fade Chinese clothing, branches will bear a diameter of 2-4 cm spherical fruit. These red elves, known as "begonia fruits," have smooth and translucent skin and attractive yellow-white flesh. After being frosted, the sweetness of the fruit has doubled. The taste has both the crisp taste of apples and the sweet and sour taste of hawthorn. The final note still has a faint fragrance of flowers. New discoveries in the nutrition treasure house Modern testing shows that every 100 grams of fresh fruit contains 18 mg of vitamin C, which is 1.5 times that of citrus fruits. Its unique crabapple polyphenols have antioxidant effects, and the riboflavin content is more than three times that of ordinary fruits. The latest research from Hebei Agricultural University also found that specific varieties of crabapple pectin have a significant effect on regulating intestinal flora. New ideas for creative eating In ethnic minority areas in Yunnan, fresh crabapple fruits are often mixed with chili noodles; in old Beijing, crabapple fruits are slowly boiled with rock sugar to make crystal clear preserved fruit. New eating methods that have become popular in recent years include: crabapple salad with kale, low-temperature baked crabapple fruit, and special drinks made with fermented fruit pulp. However, it should be noted that the daily intake should not exceed 200 grams. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold recommend cooked food.

When we re-examine this familiar ornamental plant, we will find that it is not only a natural spirit that decorates the city, but also a treasure trove of nutrients that gifts to mankind. From the royal garden to the common people's dining table, Haitang uses its life journey spanning thousands of years to write a perfect concerto between ornamental value and edible value. The next time you meet crabapple, you might as well smell the fragrance of flowers and look forward to the surprising blush on the branches in autumn.