Scorzonera
Scorzonera description
Scorzonera Spanish belongs to the species of herbaceous plants from the genus Kozelets (Scorzonera). This plant is also known as the Spanish Goat, Black Carrot and Black or Sweet Root. Due to its beneficial properties, scorzonera is cultivated in many countries as a root vegetable.
Southwest Asia and Southern Europe are considered the homeland of the scorchonera. The plant grows on the steppe and rocky slopes of Europe, and is also found in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
As a vegetable culture, scorzonera began to be cultivated in the late 16th - early 17th centuries in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and France. Before that, it was used as a medicine - an antidote for viper bites. Because of this, the people sometimes call the scorchonera a "snake-snake". During the time of Alexander the Great, Spanish goat was served to the royal table as a delicacy.
The height of the stem of the scorpionfish usually varies from 25 to 70 cm. The scorzonera blooms in May in a few baskets. Fruits - marginal achene, ripen in early summer.
Scorzonera is a biennial plant, which in the first year of life forms a cylindrical rough root vegetable of black or dark brown color and basal leaves. Root crops, as a rule, are harvested at the end of September, when their weight reaches 100-150 g. Since scorzonera belongs to cold-resistant plants, sometimes the roots are left to winter in the soil.
The flesh of Spanish goat roots is white and juicy and has a high taste. Scorzonera is called winter asparagus, since in winter it is more accessible, and when cooked, it practically does not yield to it in taste.
The composition and useful properties of scorzonera
The beneficial properties of scorzonera are due to the biologically active substances included in its composition. So, plant roots contain:
- Sugars (about 20%);
- Pectin substances (up to 2%);
- Vitamins C, B1, B2, E and PP;
- Salts of copper, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, calcium.
However, the main medicinal properties of scorzonera include a high content (about 10%) of inulin, as well as asparagine and levulin in them, which makes this root vegetable a medicine for diabetic patients.
Asparagine, contained in root vegetables, has a positive effect on the work of the heart, and also helps to strengthen the activity of the kidneys.
The calorie content of the scorpion is 17 kcal per 100 g of root crops.
The use of scorzonera
In folk medicine, scorzonera is widely used:
- In the treatment of heart disease;
- As a pain reliever;
- With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Root vegetables of Spanish goat are very useful for vitamin deficiency, obesity, atherosclerosis, anemia, and they also inhibit the development of rheumatism, gout and polyarthritis. Scorzonera is well absorbed by the body, and therefore is often recommended by nutritionists for dietary nutrition. Also, this root vegetable will be useful in the diet of the elderly, with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and liver diseases.
In cooking, scorzonera is used to make soups, vinaigrettes, salads and main courses.
Raw root vegetables are not very tasty and resemble cabbage stump. Before eating them raw, it is recommended to soak them in salted water and then grate them on a fine grater. Scorzonera goes well with other root vegetables. So, it can be used raw for making salads with carrots, seasoned with lemon juice, vegetable oil or mayonnaise.
Scorzonera is cooked like asparagus or cauliflower in salted water and then added to soups. It can also be eaten fried and stewed. Sauces for vegetable and meat dishes made from scorzonera are considered delicious.
Scorzonera root vegetables are ideal for freezing and canning, since in both forms they fully retain their nutritional properties. The young leaves of the plant can be used in salads, pickling and canning cucumbers for a crunchy effect.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications for the use of Scorzonera root vegetables, except for individual intolerance.
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