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Bracken fern: useful properties. Which fern is edible? Edible fern: useful properties, photo. Where does the edible fern grow? How to cook edible fern? salt fern benefits

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Fern is rightfully considered one of the oldest plants on planet Earth. Scientists believe that it was the compressed wood of the fern that became the main forming material. hard coal. Today there are a huge number of fern species (about 20,000), however, only a few are edible, and, therefore, useful, among which the most common bracken ordinary. We will talk about the benefits of this plant, the rules for its collection and harvesting, as well as its use in medicine and cooking.

bracken plant

Common bracken is a perennial herbaceous fern belonging to the Hypolepidaceae family.

In Latin, the name of the bracken fern sounds like Pteridium aguillinum: for example, the first word means "wing", while the second comes from the word aquilla - eagle. The name of the plant was due to the similarity of the shape of the leaves with the wing of an eagle.

However, there is another version of the origin of the name. The fact is that on the cut of the petiole of the bracken, the vascular bundles form a figure that resembles a double-headed eagle in its outline.

This edible species of fern, reaching a height of 30 - 100 cm, has a strong, thick, creeping black rhizome, the diameter of which can reach 1.5 - 10 mm. From the black rhizome, single leaves (fronds) depart from each other at a certain distance. Bracken leaves got their name for their similarity with palm leaves (the word "vaya" is translated from Greek like "palm branch").

It should be noted that the bracken forms the so-called clones, occupying territories whose area can be equal to 100 - 200 sq.m. Such clones are formed as a result of growth and vegetative propagation of plant rhizomes.

Interesting fact! Orlyak has two types of rhizomes:
1. Horizontal - is formed from the main apical bud, does not form leaves (it is from horizontal rhizomes that new elongated growths are formed annually).
2. Shortened oblique - formed from lateral buds and has leaves located at the top (a certain part of the lateral buds eventually "falls asleep" or dies off altogether).

There is an opinion that bracken clones are able to "live" in the territory they occupy for hundreds, and even thousands of years.

The green leaves of the bracken have even, long and rather rigid petioles (or rachis, which means "ridge" in Greek), while leaf blade markedly inclined towards the petiole itself (sometimes located almost horizontally). On the underside of the leaf there are sporangia, in which spores form and mature, spilling out and dispersed by the wind from July to September. It is from the sporangia that a continuous narrow strip is formed, passing along the edge of the leaf lobes. The oblong and lanceolate fronds of the bracken are blunt at the end, while at the base they are lobed or pinnately incised.

Bracken is a large-leaved plant, in which the length and width of the fronds directly at the base can vary between 50 - 150 cm.

You can distinguish the common bracken from other types of fern by the following features:

• single leaves;
• curled edges of the leaves;
• longitudinal covered rows of sporangia.

In addition, bracken does not form bushes.

Where does the eagle grow?

The bracken grows in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, while preferring forest areas (the main thing is that these areas are "kindled" by the sun). The common bracken grows on the edges, clearings and forest fires. But in the highlands, this plant cannot be found above the forest belt. Bracken does not grow in arctic regions, steppes and deserts.

On the territory of Russia, this plant grows in the European part of the country, in Siberia, as well as in the Urals and the Far East.

The bracken takes root best on light and rather poor soils, it can be found on limestones. I must say that thanks to deep-lying rhizomes and the ability to vegetative reproduction this plant perfectly develops clearings and burnt areas, not to mention abandoned fields, plantations and pastures.

In some cases, bracken forms continuous thickets, and therefore often dominates the grass cover.

Collecting and harvesting bracken

For medicinal purposes, as well as for eating, young shoots and rhizomes of the plant are used.

Rhizomes are harvested in autumn or early spring (between May and June), when the aerial part of the plant begins to grow (the flowering of bird cherry, frying, lilacs and lilies of the valley signals the beginning of the collection of bracken). First, it is desirable to collect bracken on sun-drenched slopes (it is in open areas that the first bracken appear), then along birch forests and hollows, and then in shaded ravines and aspen forests. At the same time, it is important to exclude the collection of shoots in one thicket, which, of course, will give new leaves, but will greatly weaken. It is enough to collect a third of rachis from one plant, which practically does not weaken the plant.

The rhizomes are cleared of the ground, while all small adventitious roots are removed, which are not thrown away, but dried separately. And here are the grounds leaf petioles must be left together with the rhizome. The underground part of the plant is dried in the shade.

Bracken leaves are harvested exclusively young, and together with shoots that have just emerged from the ground, which are not yet unfolded fronds (the height of the cut shoot should not exceed 20 - 30 cm). It is important that the diameter of the harvested leaves exceed 5 mm.

Only juicy, fragile and easily breaking shoots of the plant are subject to collection. As soon as the shoots stop breaking when bent, but only bend, the collection of raw materials stops, as it becomes bitter and unsuitable for food. In addition, the content of useful substances in such hardened shoots will be minimal.

The collected shoots must be processed immediately, because after 3-4 hours after collection they will become coarse and lose their nutritional and medicinal value. In extreme cases, bracken shoots can be stored for a day in the refrigerator (with prolonged storage, fresh fern loses all its taste).

Salted bracken fern

The shoots are tied into small bundles, after which they are stacked in layers in a barrel (each layer is sprinkled with salt). The amount of salt used should be equal to one fourth of the weight of the bracken. A load is placed on the last layer, the mass of which should be equal (or be greater, but not less) than the weight of the fern. After two to three weeks, the brine is drained, after which the load is removed to swap the lower layers with the upper ones. When changing layers, the raw material is again sprinkled with salt.

Important! Since no brine is formed during the secondary salting, it should be prepared separately, which will require an amount of salt that will be at least 20 percent of the brine. So, the layers are filled with brine, after which a load is applied on top, which is removed after a week.

Before consumption, salted bracken is soaked in water for at least seven hours, then the aerial part of the plant is boiled for about five minutes and used to make salads, dressings and marinades.

Important! Together with the brine, all the bitterness that is characteristic of the young shoots of the fern will go away. Bracken grass harvested in this way is stored for two to three years at any temperature.

Here is another recipe for harvesting bracken for future use. The collected shoots of the plant immediately after assembly are boiled in salted water for 10 minutes, after which the water is drained, and the boiled raw material is laid out in a thin layer and dried, turning over regularly, until the young shoots become brittle (it takes no more than four days). Dried raw materials are stored in fabric bags. For subsequent preparation, dry bracken is recommended to be soaked in water for a day, changing the water periodically.

Important! Raw bracken is poisonous and can cause severe poisoning, which can be fatal.

The composition of the bracken

Catechins
Action:

• elimination of toxins;
• removal of inflammation;
• slowing down the aging of the body.

Flavonoids
Action:

• normalization of work nervous system;
• strengthening of vascular walls and capillaries;
• regulation of blood pressure;
• neutralization of free radicals;
• normalization of the heart rate.

Phytosterols
Action:

• increased collagen synthesis, which promotes skin regeneration;
• maintaining normal hormonal levels directly in the female body.

fatty oil
Action:

• skin regeneration;
• removal of inflammation;
• acceleration of wound healing;
• promoting the absorption of essential oils;
• protection of the body from the action of carcinogens.

bitterness
Action:

• stimulation of appetite;
• normalization of digestive processes;
• increased excretion of bile;
• restoration of strength and energy;
• boosting immunity.

Carotene
Action:

• promotion defensive forces organism;
• elimination of toxins;
• neutralization of the harmful effects of free radicals;
• prevention of the development of cancer;
• regulation of the process of protein synthesis;
• normalization of metabolism;
• ensuring the normal formation of bone tissue.

Riboflavin
Action:

• normalization of redox processes;
• normalization of metabolism;
• security normal operation nervous system;
• improvement in the condition of the eyes;
• elimination of toxins;
• sleep normalization.

Tocopherol
Action:

• stimulating the production of the hormone estrogen;
• promoting wound healing;
• protection of the skin from ultraviolet radiation;
• slowing down the aging process;
• regulation of water-lipid balance;
• elimination of inflammation on the skin;
• removal of puffiness.

A nicotinic acid
Action:

• increased synthesis of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisone, thyroxine and insulin;
• ensuring all types of metabolism;
• elimination of pain syndrome;
• improved joint mobility;
• activation of the function of the cerebral cortex;
• vasodilation;
• increased blood flow velocity;
• strengthening the secretory and motor functions of the stomach;
• stimulation of the functional activity of the pancreas and liver;
• strengthening immunity;
• lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood;
• lowering blood pressure.

Glycosides
Action:

• normalization of the functioning of the heart;
• calming the central nervous system;
• promoting vasodilation;
• increased urination;
• neutralization of microbes;
• liquefaction and excretion of sputum.

lignin
Lignin not only absorbs, but also promotes the elimination of salmonella and yellow staphylococci, toxins, all kinds of allergens and heavy metal salts through the gastrointestinal tract.

Tannin
Action:

• removal of toxins and toxins;
• increased mental activity;
• improved digestion;
• elimination of the focus of inflammation;
• normalization of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract;
• neutralization of bacteria and microbes;
• a significant slowdown in oxidative processes;
• acceleration of the wound healing process;
• strengthening of blood vessels.

Starch
Action:

• relieves inflammation;
• saturates the body with energy, as it is transformed into glucose;
• helps to stop the growth of tumors;
• slows down the absorption of sugar, thereby helping to lower its level;
• in moderate doses improves bowel function.

alkaloids
Action:

• normalization of blood circulation;
• removal of pain syndrome;
• acceleration of blood clotting;
• lowering blood pressure.

Saponins
Action:

• excitation of the cough center;
• regulation of water, salt and mineral exchanges;
• increased action of hormones;
• elimination of foci of inflammation;
• liquefaction of sputum.

In addition, the bracken contains such useful substances as iodine and potassium, calcium and magnesium, manganese, as well as copper, sodium, nickel, sulfur and phosphorus, which affect the body as follows:

• produce hemoglobin;
• secrete thyroid hormones;
• neutralize the action of bacteria;
• regulate metabolic processes;
• synthesize insulin;
• regulate the work of the central nervous system;
• remove toxins and toxins;
• prevent the formation of kidney stones;
• normalize the work of the reproductive system;
• activate anabolic processes;
• strengthen bones;
• saturate the cells with oxygen;
• regulate blood sugar levels.

Useful properties of bracken fern

• Sedative.
• Antispasmodic.
• Antipyretic.
• Painkiller.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antimicrobial.
• Hemostatic.
• Antihelminthic.
• Diuretic.
• Choleretic.
• Hypotensive.
• Wound healing.

Treatment with bracken

Common bracken is used in the treatment of:

• cough
• joint pain;
• scrofula;
• worms;
• diarrhea
• abscesses;
• eczema;
• arthritis;
• polyarthritis;
• rheumatism;
• radiculitis;
• leukemia;
• dry pleurisy;

bracken leaves

Young leaves, as well as shoots of bracken, containing amino acids and tannins, are indicated for diseases of the intestines and spleen. In addition, this part of the plant is used to prepare infusions and decoctions to eliminate coughs, pain syndrome and remove worms.

bracken rhizome

Roots and rhizomes as internal remedy take in the treatment of aches in the joints, diarrhea, rickets.

Externally, an infusion from the rhizomes of the plant is used for skin diseases, chronic wounds, abscesses, scrofula and eczema. Also, infusion in the form of baths can be used in the treatment of ulcers and rheumatism.

The use of bracken in medicine

About the fern how about medicinal plant Pliny and Dioscorides also mentioned in their writings, while detailed description This plant and its uses were described by Avicenna in the 11th century.

Interesting fact! In the Middle Ages, the Swiss doctor and pharmacist Nuffer compiled a prescription for an antihelminthic medicine, the basis of which was precisely the fern. This recipe was kept in the strictest confidence, which was revealed for big reward after the death of Nuffer (the recipe was bought from the widow of the pharmacist by decree of the French king Louis XVI himself). Already at the end of the 18th century, the fern was included in the pharmacopoeia of European countries as a means of helping not only to get rid of worms, but to alleviate the course of arthritis and polyarthritis.

Such popularity of fern is due to the beneficial effect of preparations from this plant on the body.

Orlyak action:
1. Stimulation of metabolism.
2. Elimination of pain syndrome.
3. Removal of stress.
4. Elimination of feverish conditions.
5. Stimulation of the growth process.
6. Contribute to the correct formation of the skeleton.
7. Increased performance.
8. Improving the state of the endocrine system.
9. Facilitate the removal of radionuclides.
10. Elimination of iodine deficiency.

Orlyak in cooking

A bit of history

The fern (namely the common bracken) has long been used as a food product.

So, in Russia, this plant was used during the famine as a substitute for bread, while in Japan, the fern was considered a real delicacy, because the taste of this plant, provided proper cooking tastes like mushrooms premium. In Japan, warabi-mochi sweets, which are filled pies, are prepared from fern starch.

Bracken is valued for its taste in countries such as China, Korea and New Zealand. For example, the inhabitants of the Canary Islands (in fairness, we note that the fern grows in abundance on the islands) the rhizomes of the plant are mixed with flour, from which tasty, nutritious and healthy bread called "heleho". In Korea, bracken is used to make chon fritters, which can be stuffed with meat, seafood, and vegetables.

Important! The shoots and leaves of bracken have an anti-putrefactive effect: for example, vegetables or fruits transferred by them remain fresh for a long time and do not deteriorate.

Interesting Facts! It has been established that bracken fronds can repel insects (cockroaches, bedbugs, flies and spiders), therefore, in Western Europe peasants used the leaves of the plant to stuff mattresses and pillows. In addition, it was believed that such stuffing protects against sciatica. And the French women used bracken root to cleanse the skin. Finally, to this day, a special glue is produced from the rhizomes of the fern, which does not dissolve in cold water(backpacks are impregnated with such glue in order to make them waterproof).

How to cook bracken fern?

Young and undeveloped leaves and shoots of bracken (they are also called "snails") are eaten instead of asparagus or olives, and are also pickled, fried and boiled, since this plant has a strong mushroom flavor.When stewed, the bracken acquires a greenish-brown hue.

In general, bracken can be used as a side dish or an additive to vegetables, cereals, meat, fish and flour products. This plant goes well with potatoes, various cereals, peas.

Dried bracken is used in a finely ground state as an ingredient for gravies or fatty sauces.

But it should be remembered that before using bracken, it is necessary to thermally treat and soak the plant, which will help get rid of bitterness, excess salt and toxic components.

Thus, the main task cooking is to remove bitterness by salting, marinating, drying, soaking or boiling, while leaving a crispy hardness.

In the process of cooking bracken, it is important to achieve the desired consistency of the shoots, therefore it is better to undercook the raw material than to overcook it, since the overcooked fronds will lose their taste and crunchiness. It is recommended to cook the fronds for no longer than 10 minutes, after which the water is drained, the boiled bracken is washed under running water and keeps in the refrigerator for several days.

Interesting fact! The Japanese believe that the fern must be boiled exclusively in copper utensils, which will help preserve the bright green color of the plant.

Salads from bracken

From bracken you can cook delicious and very healthy salads, the recipes of which are given below.

Salad with egg
Ingredients:

• young bracken fronds - 100 g;
• hard-boiled eggs - 2 pcs.;
• green

It is believed that the fern is one of the oldest plants on Earth. It appeared back in Rus'. There was a belief that any secrets and locks would be revealed to a person who found. According to legend, the plant arose from the goddess Venus, who dropped her hair. According to another version, the girl fell off a cliff, and a spring arose there, and her beautiful hair turned into a fern leaf, which resembles a bird's wing.

Let's digress from legends and consider how a plant grows in nature, as well as what you need to know before starting it. The benefits and harms of it have been studied since ancient times and, as people say, this plant is really mysterious. Nevertheless, it is often kept at home, used in cooking and used to treat diseases.

bracken fern

The plant we are considering looks like a shrub. In nature, the bracken usually grows in whole colonies. This is a tenacious plant that can live even in rocky and sandy soil. If a fern once begins to grow in a country house, then it is very difficult to remove it, for which summer residents, of course, do not favor it. It is so tenacious that even after a fire that mowed everything around, it will be the first to give its sprouts.

Description

One of the herbaceous plants of the Osmund family is It traditionally grows in the Far East, in China and Korea. In addition, it is also found in Russia, Finland, Asia, Mexico, Ukraine. The plant consists of many stems with pinnate leaves.

At first, the fern begins its life underground. Leaves are formed here - fronds, which look like a snail. Then, unfolding, they begin to resemble a hook. Reproduction of the plant occurs not at the expense of flowers, but at the expense of spores. It got its name because of the similarity of leaves with the wing of a large bird. That is why the fern "Orlyak" bears the name. Its benefits and harms are revealed in many folk legends that are retold from generation to generation to this day.

When the fern blooms

People have always been wary of him. In ancient times, they did not understand how the fern reproduces, since they did not see flowering. This time was expected as a holiday. There is a belief that, the one who finds flowering fern, will become fabulously rich, since the Earth itself will show man its mysterious riches. Since ancient times, people have believed that there is both harm and benefit of the fern. What is it expressed in? This will be discussed further.

Beneficial features

Today, science can justify the benefits of fern in terms of composition. The plant is very valuable. It is rich in starch, alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils and tannins. The shoots contain carotene, riboflavin, tocopherol and others. useful vitamins and micronutrients.

It also has a lot of proteins, the same as in cereals. They are easily absorbed by the body and have a beneficial effect on it. The positive effect of fern is seen in the work of the nervous system and in increasing the general tone. There is evidence that fern helps to remove radionuclides from the human body.

Harvesting from rhizomes for treatment is done in September. It is used for problems with the sciatic nerve, calf muscle(convulsions). Those who have tried fern treatment note the benefits of a course that usually lasts three weeks. But remember: do not self-medicate. Before using any drug or remedy, you should consult a specialist.

Fern is famous not only for its beneficial effect. Its benefits and harms are most revealed in folk beliefs. This is what the article is about today. Let's look at how this plant is used in cooking.

cooking

Even in ancient times, the fern was used for culinary purposes. Its species such as ostrich and bracken are used for food, namely their shoots. The leaves are also edible. They are good to add to salads or other dishes in the form of seasoning. Fern shoots taste like mushrooms. They are very popular in Japan and Korea. This is a diet food. 100 grams of the product contains 34 kilocalories.

The plant is canned or cooked. Raw shoots, or, as they are also called, rachis, are not consumed, as they have a bitter taste. In cooking, the harm and benefits of fern have also been investigated. As mentioned above, the plant is saturated with a variety of trace elements that can be valuable for the body, and quite the opposite.

The plant is cooked as follows: the leaves are placed in water, salt is added. Then boil for several minutes, drain the water and pour fresh. Boil a second time until done. Ready rachis should not break, but bend easily. When this state of the shoots is reached, the water is drained through a colander and then the fern is used according to the recipe.

A favorite dish for many housewives is salting. The workpiece will not deteriorate for a long time and at the same time retain all the useful properties. Its preparation is very simple: glass jar fern is placed in layers, not forgetting to cover it with salt each time. Then the jar is covered and left for two weeks in a cool dark place. After that, the brine is drained and the shoots are transferred to another container, only in the reverse order, where upper layer should end up at the bottom. The jar is filled with brine, on the basis that the salt should be 22%. Then roll up the lids and store in a dark and cool place. The harvest can be eaten for several years.

The harm and benefits of the fern have been studied for a very long time, and it is the salting that the hostesses respond most positively, as they say that in this way the greatest amount of useful substances is preserved.

You can also buy a harvested plant. Before using such a product, it is first soaked for several hours so that the salt and bitterness are gone. Then the water is drained and filled with fresh water. After two hours, the fern can be boiled for a quarter of an hour without adding spices to it. The plant is added, for example, to fried meat at the end of cooking, cut into pieces and left on the fire for a few more minutes.

Known recipe for cooking "in Korean". To do this, first stew carrot and onion straws separately, then add ferns with spices to them and stew for another quarter of an hour.

Treatment

The harm and benefits of fern are widely known in folk medicine. It is used as an effective pain reliever, for example, for joint pain. With rheumatism, baths with a decoction of grass will help. Fern is used externally for abscesses, eczema and scrofula. Also, decoctions from the plant are treated for diseases of the intestines, spleen, jaundice.

At home, you can prepare a decoction of rhizomes. To do this, boil ten grams in two hundred milliliters of water, and drink a teaspoonful of honey. You can also add flour to the broth. Sometimes the treatment should be done with an enema or a laxative after the fern is consumed. The health benefits and harms, as people say, manifest themselves immediately after application. The main thing is to use the remedy correctly, namely, only after consulting a doctor.

Contraindications

At correct use such a plant as a fern, the benefits to humans become obvious. At the same time, as mentioned above, the use of the plant must be strictly controlled, since it is poisonous and harm from it will also not be long in coming.

Fern is forbidden, for example, to pregnant women. In addition, you can not use the plant for fever, kidney disease, ulcers, liver, tuberculosis and a number of other diseases, especially those of a chronic nature.

In case of an overdose, be sure to rinse the stomach and consult a doctor.

Fern home: benefits

Both harm and benefit are also available from indoor plants. People have known about this for a long time. Plants at home improve energy. Fern is also one of them. Many people believe that he is able to work miracles.

However, opinions on this matter are very ambiguous. Some are sure that where the fern grows, energy improves, while others, on the contrary, argue that it brings only misfortunes. If you look at it simply as indoor plant, it turns out that he is completely unpretentious and can easily live in the shade.

Those who believe in positive qualities say that the fern has a wonderful ability to appease people. Aggressive and quick-tempered natures change their mood to a more friendly and calm way. Therefore, where family members often quarrel, it is recommended to start this plant.

The same applies to the general atmosphere. In a house with a fern, harmony seems to appear. And people also believe that the plant brings good luck in both personal and business life, and also improves the financial situation. Previously, for example, very often a leaf of a plant was placed in a wallet, believing that money would be found there more often with it.

Fern home: harm

Before deciding whether or not to keep a fern in an apartment, the harm and benefits of the plant must be fully studied.

There is a point of view according to which this plant is energy vampire, taking away energy from family members, because of which they become drowsy, tired and unhappy.

Those who believe in spirits should know: it has long been believed that along with a plant brought from the mysterious forests into the house, people brought with them all kinds of evil spirits, which also subsequently take away their energy.

Conclusion

If we analyze all the information received, it turns out that it still has more positive traits a plant such as (the benefits and harms of it were presented to your attention in the article). If you use the plant correctly, then it has an excellent therapeutic effect. If you start a fern in the house - peace and tranquility will reign. How to treat this plant is a purely individual matter.

Orlyak fern is one of the favorite dishes of the inhabitants of the Russian Far East, China, Korea and Japan. And despite the fact that most of the inhabitants of our country do not even know how this plant can be eaten, bracken is used in many parts of the world, as it has excellent taste and a wide range of useful properties.

Description of bracken fern: Bracken is a perennial fern plant. Of the huge number of ferns, only a few can be eaten, bracken is one of them. The bracken grows almost all over the globe and is one of the most common ferns in Russia. Young shoots of bracken with leaves that have not yet blossomed are used for food, mature plant should not be eaten as it contains substances that are toxic to the human body. Bracken shoots are boiled, fried, stewed, salted, marinated, salads, hot dishes and cold appetizers are prepared from it. Bracken goes well with meat, fish, vegetables, cereals and legumes. Bracken fern is not consumed fresh. This type of fern is also used in folk medicine, industry and pharmacology.

The composition of bracken fern: The composition of bracken fern shoots includes minerals - calcium, potassium, magnesium, iodine, manganese, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus and other macro- and microelements. Bracken fern contains fiber, sugar, carotene, vitamins C, E, group B, amino acids, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, glycosides and other substances beneficial to human health.

Caloric content of bracken fern: The calorie content of bracken fern is about 35 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Useful properties of bracken fern:

• Regular use of bracken fern helps to strengthen the immune system.

• Favorably affects the cardiovascular system, improves blood composition.

• Helps normalize blood sugar levels.

• fern renders positive influence on the functioning of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system.

• Conducive to normal work gastrointestinal tract, improves metabolism, removes toxins and slags from the body.

• Bracken fern helps to remove radionuclides from the body.

• Increases the efficiency of the body, improves the activity of the nervous system, helps to cope with stress.

• Substances contained in bracken shoots slow down the aging process and help preserve youth.

Contraindications of bracken fern: During pregnancy and serious diseases of the internal organs, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using bracken fern shoots. As with the use of almost all products, when using bracken, you must remember that everything is good in moderation!

And remember healthy lifestyle life involves not only proper nutrition and the use of healthy foods, but also the rejection of bad habits, healthy sleep, physical activity and other components.

chudesalegko.ru

What is useful bracken fern?

It is immediately worth noting, starting a conversation about the benefits of fern, that according to the studies of some scientists, it has been suggested that the frequent change of ordinary foods directly affects the prolongation of youth and the preservation of good health for long years. So far, this point of view has not become generally accepted, but it is worth listening to it when making decisions on the inclusion of such unusual product like a bracken fern.

In addition, it has a very low calorie content, which undoubtedly makes it valuable product nutrition during weight loss. Its calorie content is 34 kcal. In addition, it contains in its composition almost as many proteins as carbohydrates 4.55 g and 5.54 g, respectively.

• Flavonoids
• alkaloids
• Essential oils and acids
• It also contains such useful acids as nicotinic, aspartic and glutamic, as well as phenylalanine, asparagine and tyrosine.

The use of bracken fern

1. Its regular use contributes to the formation of bones, normalization of the activity of the nervous system, metabolism, removal of radionuclides and heavy metals from the body, improvement of the endocrine system, and increased efficiency.
2. For medicinal purposes, the leaves and rhizomes of the plant are used. A decoction of them in a strictly metered volume is taken orally for aching joints, diseases of the intestines and spleen, chest and headache, diarrhea, tinnitus, dry pleurisy, stomach pain and even jaundice. It is also used as an anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, antipyretic and analgesic.
3. For scrofula, wounds, abscesses or eczema, a decoction of the rhizome is applied externally. You can use an infusion of bracken fern to treat rheumatism, sciatica, hemorrhoids, cramps and ulcers, making warm baths with it.

Contraindications for the use of bracken fern

But the bracken fern also has contraindications. Since it contains toxic substances, the plant should be used only after consultation with your doctor and under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor or herbalist. Even if it seems to you that you know everything about the healing fern, do not risk your health and the health of loved ones.

In no case should bracken fern be treated during breastfeeding, and even more so during pregnancy. In case of an overdose of decoction or infusion, headaches, convulsions, vomiting, nausea may occur. In very serious cases - a sharp decrease in pressure, difficulty breathing, weakening of cardiovascular activity and, in the absence of qualified and timely assistance, even death. Therefore, as soon as any of the above symptoms occur or just get worse general state, you must immediately call ambulance and gastric lavage.

Read also:

For a long time, the bracken fern has become part of the daily diet of the inhabitants of Japan, Korea and the Far East. As you know, centenarians are most often found in these countries. The beneficial properties of the plant are numerous and arouse well-deserved interest among adherents. proper nutrition. You just have to learn how to harvest it for the future and cook with it delicious dishes.

ladyspecial.ru

Bracken fern useful properties and contraindications

Fern Orlyak is very fond of eating residents of Russian Far Eastern countries. Korea, Japan and China do not forget about him either. Although our compatriots do not even allow how fern can be eaten, nevertheless it is used in many places. the globe.

What is a bracken fern?

This perennial from the fern family. There are many varieties of this plant, but not all are edible. Orlyak just refers to those plants that can be eaten. Fern Orlyak grows in almost any conditions, so it has taken root in many countries. Only young shoots of this plant are eaten, the old ones are unsuitable for consumption, because they pose a danger to the body.

Shoots can be fried, boiled, marinated, etc. Orlyak is great for eating with meat dishes, fish, vegetable purees and many others. Bracken fern is widely distributed in folk and in modern medicine.

Most often, this type of fern reaches 30-90 m in height, but there are also giants of 150-200 m. The leaves of the plant are dense and hard, have a sharp unusual smell. The plant has powerful and strong roots, which are located both vertically and horizontally. On reverse side leaves contain sori.

Fern can be stored for up to two days before eating, if more time passes it becomes toxic. If you do not have time to use it within the specified period, then it is better to heat treat immediately after collection, let it cool and put it in freezer.

The chemical composition of the plant

This type of fern contains a lot of useful substances for the human body. It contains the following elements: sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine, etc. Fern is also rich in tannins.

Benefits of bracken fern

• If you regularly eat the plant, it strengthens the immune system
• Improves heart function, blood circulation
• Normalizes the amount of sugar in the blood
• Removes harmful substances from the body, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• Removes radionuclides from the human body
• Helps strengthen bones and teeth
• Helps to cope with depression and problems of the nervous system
• Antioxidants contained in the plant stop the aging process and wear and tear of the body.

From the above, we can conclude that bracken fern has many useful substances for the body. But I consider it my duty not only to reveal its useful properties, but also to warn about contraindications.

Contraindications:

• It is forbidden to use this plant during pregnancy and lactation, since the effect of fern on the body during the period of bearing a baby has not been fully studied.
• If you have any problems with internal organs, then before starting, visit a doctor and consult about taking fern shoots
• Do not abuse, remember that everything is good in moderation

The use of fern in cooking

Bracken fern tastes strongly like mushrooms, so you can cook it in the same way. It can be served as a side dish or used in the preparation of various sauces. This plant is rich in protein, so the body does an excellent job of processing it.

Remember important rule:

Do not eat the plant raw. It must be subjected to heat treatment before it enters the human body.

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Bracken fern: useful properties

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Despite its unique and unusual appearance, as well as belonging to ornamental plants, the fern is quite edible. Two types of fern are eaten, used both as an unusual seasoning and as an independent ingredient for salads. One of these species is the bracken fern.

What is useful bracken fern?

It is immediately worth noting, starting a conversation about the benefits of ferns, that according to the studies of some scientists, it has been suggested that frequent changes in ordinary foods directly affect the prolongation of youth and the preservation of excellent health for many years. So far, this point of view has not become generally accepted, but it is worth listening to when making decisions on the inclusion in the diet of such an unusual product as bracken fern.

In addition, it has a very low calorie content, which undoubtedly makes it a valuable food during the period of weight loss. Its calorie content is 34 kcal. In addition, it contains in its composition almost as many proteins as carbohydrates 4.55 g and 5.54 g, respectively.

It contains a large number of useful substances, without which the proper functioning of the human body is impossible:

• Tannins, providing good digestion and removal of harmful waste products.
• Flavonoids
• alkaloids
• Essential oils and acids
• Young fern leaves are rich in substances such as vitamins carotene, tocopherol and riboflavin.
• Its leaves contain phytosterols, substances of the catechin group, and catechins, mucus, bitter glycoside in the rhizome.
• Young plants are rich in enzymes, especially thiaminase and glycosides.
• It also contains such useful acids as nicotinic, aspartic and glutamic, as well as phenylalanine, asparagine and tyrosine.
• Trace elements such as iodine, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, copper, nickel and potassium deserve special mention.
• The proteins that make up this fern are easily digested, resembling the properties of grain proteins in terms of the quality of assimilation by the body. But the benefits of bracken fern, first of all, depend on the presence in its composition of a large number of biologically active elements.

A useful plant for people who spend a lot of time in front of the TV and computer screen. It saves from radiation sickness and leukemia, having the amount of iodine necessary for the body. An important property of bracken fern is its ability to quickly normalize metabolism, accelerating the fight against overweight. It restores the lack of vitamins in beriberi and relieves tension and excitement, contributing to the normalization of the pulse.

The use of bracken fern

1. From the young leaves of the fern, magnificent and unusual salads are obtained. The plant is pickled, fried, salted for future use, then used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes. It tastes a bit like mushrooms. Old and uncooked bracken fern leaves are strictly not recommended.
2. Its regular use promotes bone formation, normalization of the nervous system, metabolism, removal of radionuclides and heavy metals from the body, improvement of the endocrine system, and increased efficiency.
3. For medicinal purposes, the leaves and rhizomes of the plant are used. A decoction of them in a strictly dosed volume is taken orally for aching joints, diseases of the intestines and spleen, chest and headache, diarrhea, tinnitus, dry pleurisy, stomach pain and even jaundice. It is also used as an anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, antipyretic and analgesic.
4. For scrofula, wounds, abscesses or eczema, a decoction of the rhizome is applied externally. You can use an infusion of bracken fern to treat rheumatism, sciatica, hemorrhoids, cramps and ulcers, making warm baths with it.

Under the name of the fern, 10560 species are hidden.

They have been known to mankind since the Paleozoic - this is the only ancient plant, which managed to maintain such a diversity of species until now.

They are distributed throughout the world, and differ markedly from each other.

What species are used by humans

The fern family is extensive, however, not all of them are used by humans.

Consider the most common.

Male (Dryopteris filix-mas) or shield bug

Known in the northern hemisphere, in temperate zones.

Medicinal preparations are prepared from the rhizomes, the shoots are eaten.

The plant itself is actively used in decorative gardening. Some species are used in perfumery production.

The scientific name Dryopteris (lat.) is translated as oak oak forest fern.

Large land plants with a strong rhizome protruding above the ground and covered with scales.

The leaves are double- or triple-pinnate, the upper leaf plate is smooth, and on the lower leaf there are sporangia, with the help of which reproduction occurs.

Leaf rachis covered with the same scales as the rhizome.

Openwork patterned leaves are collected in neat bunches and are very decorative. The height of adult plants averages 0.3-1 m, sometimes more.

Reproduces by spores, does not bloom. It remains a mystery why the myth of a fern blooming on the night of Ivan Kupala is so widespread among the people.

The plant is poisonous, so it is not recommended to use it on its own.

Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)

perennial herbaceous plant with beautiful double- and thrice-pinnate leaves (fronds), sometimes called jesus grass.

In general, there are several versions about the origin of the name of this common fern.

Someone sees in it the similarity of a leaf plate with a bird's wing, others saw an eagle with a state emblem, and for some, the plant resembles an eagle posture.

The rhizomes of the common bracken lie deep, which contributes to vegetative propagation.

The leaves do not grow in bunches, but singly, its thickets form a continuous carpet.

Distributed in the European part of Russia and beyond the Urals - a lot of it in Siberia and the Far East.

Common bracken is used as food in many countries, and in Japan and China it is considered a delicacy.

Tightly twisted, like a spring, young juicy shoots that have not yet had time to unfold are suitable for use, only on condition special processing- do not eat them fresh because they are poisonous.

Processing is carried out immediately after collection - cut young sprouts instantly coarsen, while the concentration of toxic substances increases.

Picking young shoots is like picking flower bouquet- fragile stems are broken off at a height of 15-20 cm and collected in bunches.

The use of the common bracken is not limited to young shoots.

Harvesting time is early spring or autumn.

The roots (read about the medicinal properties of horse sorrel) are dug up with a spatula, cleaned from the ground, cut into pieces and dried at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.

Useful properties are stored throughout the year.

When harvesting, part of the roots (the medicinal properties of burdock are described in the article) of the plant are left untouched so that it continues to grow.

If we are talking about the harvesting of fern for use in food, then the subject of collection are young sprouts - rachis.

Only very small shoots, up to 20 cm long, are suitable for eating.

They must be fragile and brittle.- if the escape cannot be broken off, then you should not even try to do it - in this case it is no longer suitable. The most delicious part of the shoots is the twisted part ("snails").

Interestingly, fresh shoots are not eaten; preliminary preparation is necessary.

To do this, they are boiled in salted water, changing the water several times. You can not cook for a long time, 3 minutes is enough.

The task is to get rid of bitterness and toxins, but not to allow softening.

Shoots should remain elastic and crispy.

After boiling, they are used to prepare salads and side dishes, independent dishes.

There are two ways of salting:

1. Layers of fresh fern sprinkle with salt, press down with a load.
   After 2 weeks, the brine is drained, and the fern is shifted and again covered with salt, only the concentration is reduced.
   Before being used for food, salted shoots are soaked in cold water for two days, while changing the water 6-8 times.
2. Speed ​​up the curing process, will help boiling and draining the water.
   Then the shoots are covered with salt at the rate of 250-300 g per 1 kg of fern.
   Soak before use in the same way as in the first case.

Salted fern is freed from brine and dried. Pickled fern as well as mushrooms.

Harm and contraindications

The real harm comes only from the misuse of the fern for treatment or nutrition.

Reason - poisonous properties plants. It is impossible to carry out treatment with fern and preparations based on it for children, pregnant women, people with weakened immunity.

Drug overdose is dangerous. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.

Watch a tutorial on how to cook healthy dish from fern leaves at home.

Common bracken is a perennial fern plant that grows almost everywhere. Bracken fern does not grow only in those regions where it persists throughout the year low temperature air.

You can find a plant even in the mountains. The fern grows on slopes up to 3 thousand meters high, its feature is not only adaptability to different climatic conditions, but also the possibility of application in medicine, pharmacology, cooking and industry.

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Description

For reproduction, fern-like plants require spores, it is because of this feature that biologists singled them out into a whole department. No species of fern blooms.

Common fern is used in different parts of the world, but in our country, few people know where you can buy it, how to cook it, and what is the use. The plant is used by residents of the Russian Far East, Japan, Korea and China. Its value lies in the presence of excellent taste and a large number of useful properties.

Bracken is one of the edible varieties of ferns. On the territory of Russia, of all types of ferns, this species is most common. In cooking, young shoots are used - they are cut off without waiting for the moment when the leaves bloom. It is forbidden to eat the shoots of an adult plant, because they contain substances that are very dangerous for human health.

Fresh bracken is not eaten, processing is required. You can cook fern in a variety of ways: stew, fry, boil, pickle or pickle. After processing, the green parts of the plant are added to cold snacks and salads, they are included in hot dishes. It is one of the best ingredients for cooking meat, vegetable and fish dishes. The product goes well with legumes and cereals.



Where to find?

Unlike other species, bracken grows mainly in forests. But it can be found in other places as well. The size of the plant depends on where it grew. In Transcaucasia, one can find rather tall specimens, the height of which reaches 2 m.

IN middle lane The Russian forest fern may not even reach a height of 1 m. Its leaves, according to the description, resemble the wings of an eagle. There is an opinion that this is why the name "eagle" arose. In addition, in the section, the root with its pattern is similar to the “armorial eagle”.



Composition and benefits

The product is non-caloric, 100 g of fern contains approximately 35 kcal. The composition is represented by fiber, amino acids, phytosterols, tannins, carotene, glycosides, flavonoids and others. useful substances.Among the components:

• vitamins (B, C, E);
• minerals (phosphorus, iodine, calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, potassium).



Before using the plant, it is necessary to study the beneficial properties and contraindications. Scroll medicinal properties pretty wide:

• Normalization of cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Strengthening the immune system and bone tissue.
• Improving metabolism, eye health and digestive tract.
• Cleansing the body harmful substances, such as slags, radionuclides, toxins and, as a result, the elimination of allergies and inflammations.
• Restoration of water balance.
• Relieve fever and pain.
• Slowing down the aging process, the ability to prolong youth.
• Restoration of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
• Antitumor activity.
• Promoting the growth and development of the child's body, incl. correct formation of the skeleton.
• Increased performance.
• Normalization of the activity of the endocrine system and the state of the thyroid gland.
• Help the body with stress.

It is important to understand the benefits and harms. Despite the fact that there are a lot of useful properties, if used incorrectly, fern can greatly harm your body. Since the plant is poisonous, its use in excessive amounts leads to poisoning, which can be fatal. Even when used correctly, bracken fern is dangerous for pregnant and lactating women. For the rest of the people, it is desirable to be treated under the supervision of an experienced herbalist, and when eaten, make a thorough processing.



Contraindications and side effects

Before you start cooking various dishes in the presence of serious pathologies, you should consult with a specialist.

When using bracken fern, you need to know the measure. When the following side effects its intake in the form of meals and medicines should be stopped:

• severe headaches and dizziness;
• nausea and vomiting;
• decrease in blood pressure;
• palpitations;
• respiratory depression;
• convulsions.

In difficult cases, poisoning can lead to death, so the rules for collection and preparation, the recommended dosage of drugs should never be violated.

How to collect, store and cook?

Young leaves of the plant are great for making salads, they can be salted. Fern can also be pickled and used as a seasoning for fish and meat.

But it is strictly forbidden to use old leaves for internal use. In this form, the plant can only be used for the preparation of external medicines (decoctions, infusions), after drying it. For example, to get rid of discomfort in rheumatism and sciatica, you can make an infusion for a bath from vegetable raw materials.



Collection in Siberia and other regions is carried out in early spring, during this period the fern is the most useful. When collecting in the summer-autumn period, it will not be possible to obtain the expected benefits. After collection, the Far Eastern species of fern is stored in the refrigerator. It is worth noting that its shelf life is short, it is only 2 days. If during this period a person did not have time to use the plant for its intended purpose, it is better to throw it away, because after the specified time this product becomes poisonous and can harm the body.

Before cooking, an edible fern is immersed in a salt solution, which allows you to remove harmful components from it and slightly change the taste. It is worth noting that not only rachis sprouts, but also rhizomes can be used for food. For the first time they began to cook in Japan, whose inhabitants adore bracken and use it in large quantities. Rhizomes are not as valuable as sprouts, but they are still used in solving various problems. In past centuries, they were turned into powder and added to the dough intended for baking cakes.