The Health Benefits of Quandongs
This Australian super fruit with the funny name has a high Vitamin C content (double that of oranges), several complex oils, phenolic acids and other powerful bioflavonoid anti-oxidants such as rutin.
WELLNESS
Quandong is a native Aussie “bushfood,” revered for its medicinal properties and myriad health benefits including but not limited to;
Anti-cancer abilities Vitamin C, as anti-oxidant, combats oxidative stress caused by cell-damaging free radicals, repairs tissue and protects the body from cancers of the cervix, esophagus, oral cavity, pancreas, rectum and stomach. Rutin is often used to combat certain side effects of cancer treatments such as painful swelling and ulcers.
Arthritis / Rheumatism Anti-oxidant vitamin C de-activates the free radicals that cause inflammation in osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Rutin has also shown considerable promise in the treatment of arthritis, especially when it comes to relieving inflammation. Australian custom has it that the roots of the quandong tree were often ground down and used to treat rheumatism.
Detoxification Teas made with quandong are often used to flush the body of potentially harmful toxins.
Heart health / Stroke Vitamin C can lower blood pressure and fight atherosclerosis. Rutin strengthens weakened arteries and blood vessels and thus reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Rutin may help prevent IBD and reduce tissue damage caused by colitis. Rutin can also relieve hemorrhoids.
Scurvy Due to its rich vitamin C content, quandongs were often stored in abundance in sea-faring boats as they were a remarkably effective treatment for scurvy.
Skin disorders The leaves of the quandong tree have long been pulverized into homemade skin ointments useful in treating boils and various skin sores.
BEAUTY
Anti-oxidant properties Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants like rutin reduce the deleterious effects of free radicals and prevent the signs of premature aging.
Hair health Quandong kernels are sometimes crushed and utilized as an effective homeopathic hair conditioner.
Skin health Rutin is actually an anti-inflammatory agent, which reduces skin collagen breakdown, maintains skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and keeps acne-causing oil production at bay. Rutin can also diminish dark under-eye circles, puffiness and other skin discolorations.
Varicose veins Rutin strengthens the blood vessels and can be used to diminish the inherent swelling of varicose veins.
COOKING & CONSUMPTION
Quandongs are a rich red color when ripe with a white interior flesh. They can be eaten raw, dried or as an extract or juice. They possess a tart sweetness similar to an apricot or a peach. In fact, some of their affectionate nicknames are “native peach,” “wild peach,” and “desert peach.” The fruits, kernels and nuts are most often collected from what is actually a small tree.
Quandongs lend themselves well to sweet and spicy chutneys team with rhubarb for a treat, Sunday morning jams and tantalizing glazes for your favorite lean protein such as pork tenderloin
If you are looking to hit a homespun homerun right out of the grocery bag, then Quandong Pie, add some Australian wattleseed, macadamia nut & dark chocolate for a treat, always an all-ages crowd-pleaser.
Interesting fact about Quandongs
“They were an essential food source for the Australian Aborigines”
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
