Pine cones jam: useful properties and contraindications

Over the millennial history of its existence, mankind has come up with a huge number of different recipes for cooking. Their number is so great that it would hardly fit even in the biggest cookbook. But not all of the recipes were created for the purpose of satisfying hunger. Many dishes based on them can not only satiate, but also bring great benefit to human health. Some look quite strange: just soaked apples and pickled watermelons alone are worth it! Such original dishes include jam made from pine cones. This recipe is unique not only because the raw material for making the sweet product in no way resembles a fruit or berry, but also because the delicacy is able to heal the human body and maintain health. This is a very useful and delicious dessert, the popularity of which increases every year.

In order to determine the useful properties of jam, it is necessary to clarify the usefulness of the cones themselves, which are the main component.

Cones are the shoots of an evergreen tree known in the northern latitudes - pine, which mature in the second year of the plant's life. The benefit lies precisely in the young cones, which are the richest in useful substances. Their composition includes:

• essential oils;
• vitamins C, K, P;
• carotene.

Shoots are used to make not only jam or honey, but also various medicinal tinctures and decoctions.

Jam is the most popular among those who love sweets and at the same time care about their well-being.

Composition and calories

Pine honey is a wonderful treat, the taste of which has its own unique zest. In addition, the jam has unique properties and copes with many human diseases due to the useful substances that it is generously endowed with pine. In the composition of the dessert can be found:

1. Vitamin A. Its amount is equal to 3.3% of the daily requirement. This substance is a natural antioxidant that reduces the negative effects of free radicals, strengthens the body's immune system, as well as prevents the development of eye diseases that impair a person's vision.
2. Vitamin C. Its content is small - only 2.3%. This is due to the peculiarity of the element, which is able to break down at high temperatures.
3. B vitamins. Contained in an amount equal to 3% of the norm of consumption per day. They can restore the CNS, affect the activity of the brain, support the health of the cardiovascular system, as well as strengthen the hair, nails and improve the appearance of the skin.
4. Vitamin E is represented by 2%. It also affects the cardiovascular system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and prevents the aging process of the body.

The jam also contains:

• calcium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• copper;
• zinc;
• iron;
• iodine;
• chromium;
• aluminum;
• essential oils;
• organic acids;
• tannins.

Phytoncides are biological substances capable of eliminating and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

The caloric value of the product can range from 180 to 280 kcal per 100 grams of product. Protein and fat are not represented, but carbohydrates - 70 g. Such a composition makes jam a very questionable product for weight loss, but the useful substances still speak of its invaluable impact on human health.

Useful properties of pine cones jam

General benefits

The rich composition of micro- and macronutrients is able to saturate the human body with the necessary and most important nutrients. Jam is able to support the basic functions of the human body. The benefits of the dessert are as follows:

1. Treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. This property is based on the abilities of the astringent oils that make up the jam. They have antibacterial and expectorant effects, so they alleviate coughs and help expel phlegm from the lungs. In addition, jam can cope with diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis. In this case, all the responsibility "falls" on phytoncides, vitamins B and C, which reduce inflammation, purify the blood from pathogenic bacteria and toxins and restore the body as a whole.
2. Treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx and reduction of sore throat. This ability appeared due to the same essential oils, which minimize painful symptoms and reduce swelling, thus contributing to a speedy recovery.
3. Activation of the immune system. In this case, the effectiveness of the sweet "medicine" is much higher compared to the immunostimulatory drugs of chemical production.
4. Normalization of intestinal function, which depends on the useful microflora and "cleanliness" of the organ. Jam with the help of dietary fiber gently cleanses the intestines and supports the healthy microflora of the latter. Thus, all metabolic processes in the body are normalized.
5. Maintaining the health of the pancreas. This is also included in the list of useful properties of the amazing dessert, which has a choleretic effect. In connection with this, all digestion is normalized as well.
6. Withdrawal of excess fluid, which creates an additional load on the human body. With this treat is also a good way to cope. It has a diuretic effect, thereby reducing the burden and reducing edema.
7. Prevention and treatment of anemia. Iron, which is part of the product, raises hemoglobin, so the jam prevents the emergence and development of anemia.
8. Prevention of oral diseases, namely cavities and periodontal disease. As a rule, these diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria and weakened tooth enamel. Pine cone jam helps to strengthen tooth enamel, strengthen gums and improve overall oral health.
9. Prevention of cancer. This is quite possible, since the jam contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, thereby preventing the emergence and development of malignant tumors.
10. Strengthening and normalization of the cardiovascular system. This "function" jam owes to tannin, which strengthens blood vessels and prevents the development of such dangerous diseases as strokes and heart attacks.
11. Pain-relieving effect. The jam can reduce and eliminate headaches or toothaches, as well as relieve discomfort in muscles and joints.
12. Increase the tonus of the body. It is worth only to inhale the aroma of jam, or rather cones, of which it is boiled, as the general tone of the body will increase. The fact that the smell of pine shoots perfectly tones, gives vivacity and increases physical endurance.
13. Increase the body's resistance to cold infections. The product helps the body to cope with viruses faster.
14. Activation of the appetite. Jam from pine cones, unlike the usual jam, which "interrupts" the appetite, is able to stimulate it. The whole secret is in the useful trace elements that affect the intestines, improving their peristalsis, as well as having a positive effect on the work of the stomach.
15. Beneficial effect on the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to a rich list of nutrients, jam has an extremely beneficial effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not only a prevention, but also a cure for ulcers.

All these properties and qualities of the useful product are aimed at maintaining the health of the human body, which needs, above all, the natural protection. Jam is able to help everyone without exception - both women and men, and young children.

For women

Women are fragile creatures, so they need additional protection. This protection can be given to the fair sex by a magical jam. It is able to calm the nervous system in a period of depression and breakdowns, as well as to cheer up and eliminate the loss of strength. In addition, during menstruation, jam can relieve unpleasant pain symptoms, as it has analgesic properties. Also female beauty with regular use of the product will be preserved even longer. Micronutrients of jam, more precisely pine shoots, help maintain the skin in a healthy state and prevent the aging process. Hair and nails will become much stronger and stronger from taking the dessert.

Also the genitourinary and reproductive system of women will get a serious support. In addition, the use of jam promotes the prevention of cancer of the uterus and mammary glands. This is why women just need to consume precious jam, which can support their health and beauty.

For men

It is also important for men to maintain their health. Pine honey will perfectly cope with the disorders of the male body, such as stress, fatigue. It will give energy and increase physical endurance, as well as restore the body after a hard day's work. For those members of the stronger sex who are afraid of colds, it will be useful to consume a spoonful of jam in the morning to increase the body's resistance to infections. Also, the delicacy will restore and support the reproductive functions of the male body and protect against the development of prostate cancer. In addition, the dessert is an excellent prevention against strokes and heart attacks.

Based on such useful properties of jam, experts confirm its benefits for men and recommend consuming it daily.

In pregnancy

Unfortunately, pregnant women are not recommended to use pine jam due to the high content of active elements that can cause harm to the future child. But in some situations, doctors still allow the reception of sweetness. So, during the period of respiratory and viral diseases, future mothers need additional protection from infections. The jam will protect a woman's body from viral bacteria and increase immunity. In addition, it can get rid of headaches, often occurring during the waiting period, and help reduce the temperature, if suddenly there were signs of illness. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe a dose that should be strictly observed, without exceeding it. Usually it is 1 teaspoon of pine dessert a day.

In any case, you should not make a decision on your own about the use of this medicine. It is imperative to seek the advice of a specialist.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, as well as during pregnancy, a woman should refuse to use delicious jam. The fact is that it is quite capable of causing an allergy in the baby. But if there is a need to take the healing elixir for therapeutic purposes or as a preventive measure, you should not consume more than 1 teaspoon per day. It is also necessary to consult with a specialist about the possibility of taking jam and establishing the risks.

For children.

Most parents try to protect their child from viral infections and increase children's immunity to colds. But adults look for remedies of natural origin, so as not to harm the growing body from medications made with chemical constituents. Pine cone jam is an excellent immunostimulant of natural origin. It will improve immunity, efficiency and overall tone of the body, strengthen the bone skeleton, help coughing fits and bronchitis. But at the same time, doctors do not recommend using the dessert before the age of 5. According to experts, the best age for acquaintance with jam - 7 years. From this period it will be enough for children to take 2 teaspoons twice a day.

But if there is a need to treat a younger child with jam, then under the age of seven years should be given no more than 1 teaspoon a day. At the same time, the jam should be introduced gradually to minimize the risk of harmful negative effects on the child's body. Such protection will help the proper and healthy maturation of a little person.

When losing weight

It would seem that a great composition of nutrients that can saturate the body during a diet with all the useful substances, calm the nervous system, increase performance and physical endurance, is suitable for those who are struggling with excess weight and lack of vitamins and minerals. But it is not. The reasons for gaining excess weight are usually the large amount of fast carbohydrates consumed. Pine honey consists only of such elements, so it is not recommended to consume this delicious, useful, but too carbohydrate-rich product on a diet.

Harm and contraindications

Jam is as unique as the shoots themselves. It can work wonders and heal the human body. But like any product, fruit or vegetable, it also has its contraindications. Pine dessert can bring harm, so its use is not recommended in the following cases:

• pregnancy and lactation period;
• The age category of citizens over 60 years old;
• children under the age of 3 years;
• The presence of hepatitis in the period of exacerbation;
• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• renal insufficiency.

But still in rare cases, it is possible to use the delicacy, but only after the permission of the attending doctor, who knows the peculiarities of the patient's body and can establish all the possible risks from such consumption.

When and how to collect cones for jam

Cones jam is really useful, but in order for the product to reveal all its true capabilities, it is necessary to collect the raw material correctly. Experts who study and are engaged in making the dessert, advise to use uncomplicated tips for collecting pine cones, so that the jam will turn out tasty and useful.

1. To collect the raw material, you should go to a pine forest and deepen at least a kilometer from the roadway. Pine trees should be away from highways and various businesses, because all harmful substances can be absorbed by young shoots and migrate to the jar with a delicacy, causing the body solid harm, not good.
2. The time of harvesting the shoots depends on the climate zone. So, in the southern regions for the cones can go as early as May, but in the central belt should postpone collecting raw material until the twentieth of June.
3. Do not collect all pine shoots in a row, but only the ones that are green and sticky and resinous enough. These bumps are quite soft. You can easily pierce them with a fingernail or a needle. These are the kinds of shoots you need for pine honey.
4. Next, you should inspect the tree on which the cones are growing. It should be undamaged, with no signs of rot or mold. Only a healthy plant can produce fruit that is suitable for further processing and eating, and not dangerous to health.
5. Once you have found a healthy plant, you can start harvesting it. Each bud should be inspected for any signs of damage. It should be even, with no dents or black spots. The color of the shoots is usually a soft green and ideally should be about four centimeters in size.

It is such shoots that are most useful and will be able to generously share their healing power with humans.

How to make jam from pine cones: recipes

Before you start the process of making jam, you should prepare the cones themselves. To do this, you need to cut off the remaining twigs with scissors. It is also necessary to wash them. Although about washing the shoots, experts are divided into two camps: some are "for" thorough washing of the product, while others advise not to do this. Experts from the second camp explain this by the fact that the resin, with which the young shoots are covered, is very valuable and carries all the benefits, but when washed, most of the useful substances disappear. Therefore, to wash or not - it is a personal matter of each chef, who decided to make jam.

There are many recipes for cooking a healthy treat. All of them are original and have their own twist.

"Sunny" (without cooking)

Ingredients:

• Young pine cones.
• Sugar sand.

The number of ingredients depends on the volume of the vessel in which it will be cooked and stored.

Method of preparation:

1. Before starting the process, wash the young shoots thoroughly under running water and cut them into small pieces, each of which is dipped in granulated sugar.
2. After that, put the pieces in a jar in a small layer and sprinkle it with sugar. Such a procedure to repeat until the jar is completely filled.
3. Then cover the vessel with gauze or a thin cloth and put it in a place accessible to direct sunlight. Throughout the infusion process, shake the contents of the jar daily.
4. When the sugar has dissolved, the jam is considered ready to use. Store such a product in a closed container in the dark and cool.

"Honey" (without boiling)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of pine cones.
• 1 kg of honey.

Method of preparation:

1. Wash the cones and cut them into two halves. Then put everything in a jar and pour liquid honey.
2. After that, close the jar with a lid and wrap it in dark cellophane film or a dark bag (this is done to avoid contact with direct sunlight) and put it on a window sill in a sunny place.
3. For two weeks, turn the vessel and shake it slightly, so that the contents are evenly distributed. Store the jam in a dark and cool place.

"Cedar Pine Benefits."

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of pine cones.
• 350-450 g of pine nuts.
• 1 kg of granulated sugar (if desired, you can replace the same amount of honey).
• 500 ml of water.

Method of preparation:

1. Rinsed and prepared cones put in a saucepan and fill with granulated sugar or pour honey and add water.
2. Then put the pan on the fire and cook until it boils, then continue the process for an hour and a half, stirring and removing the foam that appears.
3. At the same time, take the pine nuts and roast them without adding oil. The color of the nuts should be golden.
4. After that, at the very end of the jam making procedure, add nuts to it, wait until it boils, and place it in jars. The jam should be stored in a cool place.

"Vitamin."

Ingredients:

• 200 g pine shoots.
• 300 g of granulated sugar.
• 300 ml water.
• 1 lemon.

Method of preparation:

1. Cut the lemon into slices and the cones into halves and put everything in a saucepan.
2. Add water and put it on to boil.
3. After boiling, add the sugar, adding it gradually, stirring the jam continuously.
4. Continue the cooking process for one hour after boiling. The color of the mass should become pinkish-brown.
5. After this, place the product in sterilized jars and screw on lids.

These simple recipes will help to prepare real pine honey, which will help maintain the health of the whole family.

How to take jam from pine cones

The useful treat made of pine shoots is, first of all, an excellent means of prevention from many diseases, as well as maintaining the functioning of all vital systems of the body. To exclude the negative effects of jam, you should know in what doses and to whom it should be taken:

1. An adult with no contraindications, it will be enough to eat no more than 2 tablespoons of "potion" per day to maintain health and strengthen immunity.
2. Toddlers, aged three years, in individual cases are allowed to take 1 teaspoon once a day. Children from seven years of age, the daily rate should be 1 teaspoon.
3. Experts also advise consuming the pine product on an empty stomach and drinking or combining the magic elixir with water and drinking the healing liquid.

These rules apply to healthy people, but for patients with various diseases and ailments there is its own scheme, which depends on the course of the disease and the diagnosis:

1. To eliminate sputum from the respiratory tract and its liquefaction, you should take the sweet medicine by 1 teaspoon per day for 14 days.
2. Angina with its symptoms - fever and sore throat - can recede much faster if you take 1 tablespoon a day with warm tea. You can not add the entire dose to the drink at once, but divide it into two or three times.
3. People who suffer from helminths are also recommended to take 1 tablespoon a day. Hateful parasites will disappear within 14 days (that's how long the course lasts). But it is worth noting that for the entire period of treatment, it is necessary to exclude all sugar-containing products from the daily menu.
4. For bronchitis, you should take the healthy dessert three times a day. One dose should be equal to 1 teaspoon. This remedy is taken with warm water or tea. It will help to stop the coughing attacks and eliminate sputum.
5. Asthmatics should eat 2 tablespoons of the healing potion per day. But it is not recommended to consume it all at once, but divide the intake into four or five parts and take five minutes before a meal.

Do not forget that most diagnoses are made by a doctor, and only he can prescribe the right medicine that can cure the ailment. Therefore, before you begin to use pine jam for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to consult with a specialist, who will establish the appropriateness of such a non-standard method of treatment, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease.

Is it possible to eat cones of pineal jam

A product that consists only of cones, you want to try because of the originality and unusualness. But even more attractive are the shoots themselves. It is them that one wants to bite first of all, because in the mind, a cone is something hard and absolutely inedible. Fortunately, it is possible and even necessary to eat cones. They saturate the delicacy with all the useful properties that they have absorbed during their short life in the natural environment. Their taste is very original, but those who experience the pleasure of the jam itself, the shoots should also come to taste.

The contraindications to consumption are the same as the product itself. And you should not pounce on the unusual ingredient and eat it several pieces in one sitting. At first, you can try one small piece and see how your body reacts. If it does not cause any negative consequences, then you can eat several small pieces per day. Then the benefits of the amazing jam will be more.

Interesting facts about cones

1. Cones of pine trees in the mature state are able to measure humidity, because they are in a compressed state when the humidity is high. When the humidity decreases, the cones open.
2. African cycads have cones that can weigh up to 50 pounds.
3. In one day a squirrel can consume the seeds of 150 cones. Usually this figure is the daily norm for a wild animal.
4. The word "cone" became the basis for the word "cone". In Greek, a pine cone sounds like a "cone."
5. In ancient Greece, the cone was considered one of the symbols of fertility. For example, the god Dionysus was depicted on ornaments in the company of maids with thyrses, which were hung with cones.

The delicacy, for the preparation of which pine cones are used, is a very useful and unusual product that can heal from many diseases and maintain health and youth. But still do not forget that this sweet is not a panacea for serious illnesses. Do not treat yourself only with dessert, neglecting medication. Jam, of course, will benefit and enhance immunity, but still need to consult a doctor. If there are no contraindications to the use, and an expert sees only the benefit of such a delicacy, then you should definitely try the miraculous treat, not only for the prevention and treatment, but also just for fun. After all, the cones warmed by the spring sun will remind you of this wonderful time of year, the pine forest and the wonderful aroma of spring, bringing rebirth and health to everything on this planet!

Photo of pine cone jam