Begonia is a common flower in traditional Chinese gardens, which can be both ornamental and edible. It not only has a beautiful appearance, but also has rich nutritional and medicinal value. The fruit of begonia is very sweet and delicious during the ripening season, so it has become one of the favorite fruits of people. When do begonias ripen and get picked? How can you pick sweet and delicious begonias? This article will introduce you in detail.
What is a Begonia plant
Begonia is a deciduous tree belonging to the Malus genus of the Rosaceae family. It is widely distributed and has a relatively tolerant growth environment, usually growing in places such as mountains, hills, plains, and urban parks.
Types and external characteristics of Begonia
Begonia is mainly divided into three types: large-leaf begonia, small-leaf begonia, and American begonia. Their flower colors are different, including various colors such as red, pink, white, and yellow. The flowers of begonia are large and beautiful with a rich fragrance, making it a very suitable ornamental flower.
Ripening Season of Begonia
The ripening season for begonia is generally around October to November. At this time, the fruit of the begonia turns bright red, which is very vibrant and beautiful.
Nutritional Value of Begonia Fruit
Begonia fruit is rich in various nutrients such as vitamins, organic acids, and minerals. Its vitamin C content is even higher than that of oranges, earning it the title "king of fruits".
Time for Picking Begonia
The best time to pick begonia is when it is ripe, at which time its fruit has become bright and red. Generally, it is most suitable to pick around October to November.
How to Pick Begonia
Before picking begonia, you need to prepare tools in advance, such as baskets, scissors, etc. When the begonia fruit is ripe, we can use the method of picking it off, cutting the stem of the fruit with scissors. Of course, the best method is to choose to open the fruit and take the fruit out, so that the fruit can remain intact and undamaged.
How to Judge if Begonia is Ripe
The surface of a ripe begonia fruit will appear bright red, relatively full, smooth, and shiny. The surface of an unripe begonia fruit is green, some with a hint of yellow, and the fruit is relatively small and does not look very full on the outside.
How to Store Begonia
After picking the begonia, we need to clean, disinfect, and dry it in time, then put it in a fresh-keeping bag and store it in the refrigerator. This can keep the begonia fresh and extend its shelf life.
How to Eat Begonia
Begonia can be eaten raw or made into jam, juice, etc. When eating raw, be sure to remove the seeds from the fruit to avoid affecting the taste. When making jam or juice, the whole fruit can be crushed together, then an appropriate amount of sugar or honey is added, and after mixing well, it can be eaten.
Medicinal Value of Begonia
The fruit of begonia is not only edible but also has certain medicinal value. It can clear heat and detoxify, promote the production of body fluids to quench thirst, and can also treat some symptoms such as gastrointestinal diseases and colds.
Emphasizing Both Flower Appreciation and Tasting
In addition to picking begonia, we can also go to appreciate the flowers when begonias are in bloom. The flowers of begonia are very beautiful and have a fresh fragrance, which can add to the pleasure of people's lives.
Cultural Connotation of Begonia
In Chinese culture, begonia has a deep connotation. It represents pure, elegant, and beautiful emotions. Many ancient poems and ci-poems contain praise and odes to begonia.
Cultivation Techniques of Begonia
The cultivation techniques for begonia are relatively simple, only needing to pay attention to basic issues such as watering and fertilizing. When watering, be careful not to overwater to avoid waterlogging. When fertilizing, choose a suitable fertilizer for begonia and apply it as required.
Landscape Application of Begonia
Because of its high ornamental value, begonia is widely used in landscaping. Many parks, courtyards, squares, etc. will choose to plant begonia to add ecological beauty.
Begonia is a beautiful and nutritious flower with rich cultural connotations and medicinal value. Its fruit is very sweet and delicious during the ripening season and can be eaten raw or made into foods such as jam and juice. When picking begonia, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing the right time and method, and to store it correctly. At the same time, planting begonia in the garden is also very beneficial. Let's taste the fragrance of flowers and enjoy a beautiful life together.