Content
- 1 The benefits and harms of pumpkin honey
- 2 How to make pumpkin honey
- 3 How to make pumpkin honey with sugar
- 4 Rules for cooking with honey
- 5 Express preparation of pumpkin honey
- 6 How to make honey from butternut squash
- 7 Recipe with lemon
- 8 Making pumpkin honey with herbs
- 9 How to take pumpkin honey
- 10 Restrictions and contraindications for use
- 11 Rules for storing pumpkin honey
- 12 Conclusion
The favorite delicacy of the centenarians of the Caucasus was pumpkin honey - a source of beauty and health. This is a unique product that is difficult to find on store shelves. There is little nectar in pumpkin flowers; bees need to work hard and for a long time to collect even a liter of honey. However, the natural product can be prepared at home.
The benefits and harms of pumpkin honey
The unique product includes:
- vitamins B, C, PP, E;
- minerals: calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iodine, iron;
- essential oils;
- phytosterols;
- organic acids;
- cellulose;
- fructose;
- pectins;
- flavonoids;
- carotenoids.
The calorie content of pumpkin honey depends on the region of collection and method of preparation. The difference between the indicators can be 10%. On average, 100 g of product contains 303 kcal. Pumpkin honey contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and water (18 g of water per 100 g of product). The amount of flavonoids and carotenoids in pumpkin honey is significantly greater than in other varieties.
Pumpkin nectar cleanses the body of waste and toxins and improves digestion. The product is famous for its diuretic effect, so it is recommended for edema. Another beneficial property of pumpkin nectar is reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. It helps fight atherosclerosis and improves the condition of cardiovascular diseases. It is also recommended for use for pathologies of the kidneys and bladder.
Natural pumpkin nectar has bactericidal properties. It strengthens the immune system, which increases the body's resistance to various diseases. Due to the abundance of beneficial properties, the product is actively used in folk medicine.
However, the product contains fast carbohydrates, which do not provide a long-lasting feeling of fullness and contribute to the gain of extra pounds if consumed in excess. Nutritionists do not recommend eating pumpkin honey for breakfast, as the feeling of hunger will return after a few hours.
How to make pumpkin honey
Preparing the product at home slightly changes its composition, but the beneficial properties are preserved. To get healthy honey, you need to have the necessary ingredients on hand: pumpkin, sugar, regular nectar. The process does not require special skills or a lot of time, but you need to take the choice of pumpkin seriously. After all, the quality of the prepared product depends on this.
You need to choose a vegetable that is bright in color. The tail must be dry. Ripe pumpkin contains a full composition of useful elements. To prepare honey, it must be washed and cleared of seeds.
White sugar is the most affordable, but also less healthy.To prepare nectar, it is better to use brown refined sugar, but its cost is higher.
How to make pumpkin honey with sugar
To prepare pumpkin nectar with sugar, you need to take a medium-sized ripe vegetable, wash it, cut off the top and remove the entrails. Then you need to pour sugar into the pumpkin to the brim. Gradually, the refined sugar will melt, and the vegetable will begin to release juice, so you need to place a container under it, cover it with the previously cut top and place it in a cool, dark place.
The readiness of the nectar is indicated by the softened crust of the vegetable. This usually takes 10 days. Then the infused syrup is poured into a glass jar. Over time, mold may appear on the top. Nothing wrong with that. It must be carefully removed and the contents poured into a container.
Rules for cooking with honey
Instead of sugar, you can use other types of honey (acacia, buckwheat, linden). The cooking rules are similar to the method described above:
- You need to select a ripe pumpkin, wash it, cut off the top and remove the internal contents.
- Fill to the brim with honey.
- Place a container underneath and leave for 7-10 days in a cool, dark place.
- Stir the contents once a day.
- Pour the prepared pumpkin honey into a glass jar.
A recipe made with honey contains more vitamins and microelements than a product prepared with sugar.
Express preparation of pumpkin honey
This method allows you to quickly and easily prepare a healthy product at home. For the recipe you will need 1 kg of pumpkin pulp and 0.5 cups of sugar.
Ripe and washed pumpkin must be peeled and entrails removed and cut into small cubes. Place in a deep plate and cover with sugar. Leave the mixture for 30-40 minutes so that the refined sugar absorbs the beneficial substances. Then the contents must be transferred to a metal container and simmered in a steam bath for 30 minutes. Don't forget to stir. In the process, nectar will be released, which needs to be drained. At the end of the time, you need to move the pumpkin into a colander and wait until it gives up all the syrup. Store pumpkin honey in a glass jar.
How to make honey from butternut squash
Nuts are added to the nectar after preparation. You can use any of the above methods. Hazelnuts, cashews, hazelnuts or walnuts are added to the finished mixture. It all depends on taste preferences.
Recipe with lemon
This recipe will come in handy during cold season. For preparation you will need the following ingredients:
- 150 g honey (buckwheat, acacia or linden);
- 300 g pumpkin;
- 20-30 g ginger;
- 2 lemons.
Lemons need to be washed well, placed in a deep container and pour boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This procedure will soften the peel and relieve the fruit of excess bitterness.
Preparation:
- Lemons must be cut into large slices and the seeds removed.
- Peel the ginger and pumpkin and cut into medium cubes.
- Pass all ingredients through a meat grinder.
- Add honey to the prepared mass, mix well and pour into a glass jar.
It is recommended to consume the finished mixture within 1 week. This composition is taken 3 times a day, one tablespoon 20-30 minutes before meals. You can also drink pumpkin honey with lemon with tea for a cold or use it as a filling for pancakes.
Making pumpkin honey with herbs
Pumpkin nectar in combination with herbal infusions is used for liver disorders. Dry herbs can be bought at a pharmacy. You need to take 1 tbsp. l. yarrow, nettle, knotweed. Stir and pour a glass of boiling water. Insist for a day. Pumpkin honey is added before use. A teaspoon of the product is stirred in a glass of broth.
To fight a cold, use chamomile, thyme and linden (1 tsp each). The herbs need to be combined, pour 1 liter of boiling water and put on medium heat. After 5 minutes, remove and leave for 2-3 hours. Pumpkin honey is added to a cup before use (1-2 tsp).
How to take pumpkin honey
There are no strict restrictions on nectar intake. It is consumed with tea, used as a filling for pancakes, or simply as a favorite treat. However, you should not abuse the product. Due to the fast carbohydrates it contains, you can quickly gain weight.
Pumpkin nectar is an essential supplement during the cold season. It also calms the nerves and relieves stress. Regular use of this product will significantly improve your physical condition.
How to drink pumpkin honey during pregnancy
Nectar contains a large amount of carotenoids. They are necessary for a woman during pregnancy, as they promote the synthesis of vitamin A. Flavonoids, which are also found in nectar, preserve the beauty and elasticity of the skin of expectant mothers. These plant antioxidants prevent the development of pathological processes in the body and protect the child’s cells.
Medical studies have proven that drinking pumpkin nectar reduces the risk of diseases in the unborn child. Pregnant women who regularly consumed the product gave birth to healthy and strong children.Pumpkin contains vitamins of various groups that promote the growth and full development of the fetus. Useful elements maintain the balance of minerals in the mother's body.
Pregnant women can take pumpkin honey in the amount required by the body. However, you should not abuse it.
The product is well absorbed even by a weakened body. It is included in the diet of young children. Pumpkin honey is also recommended for mothers who have given birth and adults who have suffered severe physical or mental trauma.
Restrictions and contraindications for use
Before consuming pumpkin nectar, you need to know its medicinal properties and contraindications. You should avoid taking it in the following conditions:
- allergy to bee products and components of the composition;
- diabetes mellitus (the product contains a lot of glucose, which is prohibited in this condition);
- kidney pathologies associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- gastrointestinal diseases, which are characterized by low acidity.
Overweight people will have to avoid excessive consumption of nectar. For chronic diseases of internal organs, you should consult a doctor.
Rules for storing pumpkin honey
It is not recommended to store nectar for longer than 1 month. Otherwise, the product will lose most of its beneficial properties.
Natural honey is kept in a dry, cool place. The lid must be airtight, since the product absorbs moisture from the environment. It is best to store nectar in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Pumpkin honey is a healthy product that strengthens the immune system and fights various diseases. Moderate consumption of nectar will saturate the body with useful substances, improve physical and mental condition, and cleanse the blood of “bad” cholesterol. However, pumpkin nectar is not suitable for everyone. If there are contraindications, you should consult your doctor.
