Explore the beneficial properties of yoshta and contraindications for use
Yoshta is an unusual berry resulting from the crossing of black currant and two types of gooseberries, spread wide and European (common). The useful properties and contraindications of yoshta are far from known to every gardener, because it is quite rare in personal plots. The combination of two crops in one variety made it possible to obtain an extremely tasty and healthy berry that retains the properties of currants and gooseberries. But it has some contraindications, so excessive consumption of berries can harm the body.
Yoshta - what is this berry
The creator of the yoshta was the German breeder Rudolf Bauer, who in the mid-70s of the last century presented an unusual hybrid novelty. The main goal of the breeding work was to bring out a variety of berries that had absorbed all the best qualities from their “progenitors”.
Crossbreeding work currants and gooseberries were cultivated in many countries, in Russia this was done by the breeder I. V. Michurin. But only Rudolf Bauer managed to get a positive result, who began to use chemicals, radiation and genetic engineering to breed a hybrid variety.
Since the mid-80s, yoshta has gained wide popularity in Europe, beginning to be widely used in cooking. It is used fresh and dried, delicious compotes, fruit drinks, preserves, jam, various jams are prepared from it.
Botanical description of yoshta
Yoshta berry outwardly resembles black currant, but much larger in size. The fruits are similar in shape to gooseberries, they have a pleasant, sweetish taste with a slight sourness.
The main features of Yoshta:
- The bushes are large, fast-growing, up to 180-220 cm high.The diameter of the wide crown reaches 170-190 cm.
- The root system is powerful; it lies in the ground to a depth of 40-45 cm.
- The leaves are large, dark green in color, with a shiny, glossy surface.
- Yoshta bushes have no thorns.
- Inflorescences are snow-white, larger than those of gooseberries and currants. Flowering lasts from late May to mid June.
Yoshta berries are round or slightly oblong, with a purple skin. Outwardly, they resemble currants, but differ in larger sizes - one berry weighs up to 3-5 g. From one bush per season, a gardener can collect up to 7-10 kg of tasty and aromatic berries.
Composition and useful properties of yoshta
A wide list of beneficial properties and contraindications of yoshta is due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition.
Hybrid fruits contain:
- vitamins - A, B1, B2, B4, B6, B9, C, E, H, K, PP;
- macronutrients - calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus;
- trace elements - selenium, copper, manganese, iodine, iron, zinc;
- glucose and sucrose;
- pectins;
- phytoncides;
- organic acids.
Yoshta berries contain large amounts of ascorbic acid, which is important for strengthening the immune system and increasing resistance to viruses and bacteria.Vitamin C has a detoxifying effect, cleansing the body of harmful toxic substances, accelerates the natural processes of recovery and rejuvenation.
Yoshta berries contain an increased concentration of vitamin P - rutin.
This element is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants. It protects tissue cells from oxidative processes, allowing the body to resist aging and increase collagen production. Rutin improves the condition of blood vessels - strengthens the walls, normalizes their permeability.
Micro- and macroelements contained in yoshta berries are no less useful for health. Potassium normalizes heart function and improves brain activity, copper improves blood composition, and iron increases hemoglobin levels and prevents anemia.
Useful properties of yoshta and contraindications
Yoshta berries are prized not only for their pleasant, sweet taste, but also for their health benefits. They have a pronounced immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. The rich biochemical composition and the presence of valuable substances determine a wide range of useful properties and contraindications of yoshta.
Benefits of yoshta berries:
- frequent consumption of berries increases the body's immune barrier and fights colds;
- yoshta has a laxative effect, therefore it helps with constipation;
- rinsing with decoctions, infusions and juices from yoshta berries reduce the signs of dental diseases and strengthen the tooth enamel;
- due to the iron content, the fruits strengthen the walls of blood capillaries and normalize hematopoiesis;
- normalize the intestinal microflora;
- activate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- help lower blood pressure.
The composition of the fruit contains active components that accelerate metabolism and promote the "burning" of fat cells. That is why aromatic berries are often included in the menu of many weight loss diets.
The fruits have a minimum glycemic index, so they can be used for diabetes.
Possible harm to yoshta
When using yoshta, it is very important to observe moderation, otherwise, instead of benefits, the fruits will harm health.
Berries have several contraindications:
- a stomach ulcer, as well as a duodenal ulcer;
- gastritis;
- colitis;
- tendency to thrombus formation;
- arterial hypotension;
- children under 3 years old;
- an allergic reaction to black currants or gooseberries;
- individual intolerance to yoshta berries;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding - with extreme caution.
When consumed in large quantities, yoshta berries cause long-term stool upset. In addition, the fruit contains a large amount of biologically active substances that can provoke the development of allergies.
People with frequent allergic reactions (especially food) can eat yoshta fruits in minimal quantities.
The use of yoshta in cooking
Many different winter preparations are made from sweet and aromatic yoshta. It is used for making jams, confiture, marmalades and preserves. The fruits are eaten fresh or dried, mixed with sugar or honey.
Yoshta makes excellent fillings for pancakes, pies, rolls and other baked goods. Various drinks made from rare berries are no less popular - compotes, fruit drinks, fresh juices, jelly and smoothies.
Yoshta is a hybrid culture that is only gaining popularity among Russian gardeners, but has long been known in Europe. Its fruits retain all the beneficial properties of their "progenitors", black currant and gooseberry... When consumed in moderation, yoshta will provide tremendous health benefits. But it also has several contraindications, which must be taken into account in order not to harm the body.