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From delicacy to super medicine: How much do you know about the amazing benefits of toon leaves?
Toona sinensis is known as the "King of Fresh Ingredients" in China. It is not only an ingredient in delicious dishes, but also a super medicine with multiple health benefits. This plant, native to East Asia, is widely used in Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian cuisine and is loved by diners everywhere. Toon leaves are known for their unique floral and onion aroma and have become the soul of many dishes. As people pay more and more attention to healthy diet, the value of toon is also increasingly recognized.
Basic characteristics of toon
Toona sinensis is a deciduous tree that grows to about 25 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 70 centimeters. The bark of young trees is smooth brown and becomes rough and flaky as the tree ages. The leaves of Toon are usually pinnate, each 50 to 70 cm long, and composed of 10 to 40 leaflets. Young toon leaves are reddish-brown or purple in color and emit a rich aroma, making them ideal for use in a variety of dishes.
Cultivation methods of toon
Chinese toon can be cultivated through sexual propagation and asexual propagation, of which seeding is a common method. The sowing period is usually between late March and April in East Asia. To increase the germination rate, it is recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for a period of time. In addition to sowing seeds, the survival rate of cutting propagation is also relatively high. This method mainly uses the stems or roots of mature plants to propagate new plants. Since the 1980s, tissue culture technology of Toona sinensis has been gradually developed in China, and many rare varieties of Toona sinensis have been successfully cultivated.
The edible and nutritional value of toon
The young buds and leaves of Toona sinensis are often used as vegetable ingredients in Chinese cuisine. Their unique floral and onion aroma make them the best accompaniment to many delicious dishes.
Young toon leaves are rich in vitamin E as well as iron, calcium and chlorophyll. They are often used to make delicious toon sauce and are used in several home-cooked dishes such as toon tofu, toon fried rice and toon mushroom soup.
These nutrients make toon not only delicious but also very healthy in the diet, especially suitable for modern people's pursuit of a balanced diet.
Other uses of toon
In addition to being used as a gourmet raw material, toon wood also has high economic value. It can be used to make furniture, musical instruments, and carvings. Because of its hardness and beautiful red wood grain, it has become a common choice to replace real Mayan wood.
In terms of landscaping, the Chinese toon tree has become an ornamental tree species suitable for growing in the Nordic region due to its cold resistance. More and more cities are listing it as a greening tree species.
Chinese toon in traditional medicine
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, toon leaves are effective in treating digestive problems and relieving coughs, and can even help stop bleeding. Studies have shown that the polysaccharides contained in toon leaves can protect liver cells, especially on a high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet.
Quercetin in toon leaves is considered a natural antioxidant and has anti-cancer potential, making an important contribution to the health of modern people.
Chemical composition of Toona sinensis
Chinese toon leaves contain relatively high levels of nitrite. After boiling, the amount of residual nitrite is reduced to a safe level, making it suitable for consumption. However, because nitrite increases with time, toon leaves are not suitable for long-term storage.
The quercetin it contains can cause cell cycle arrest, thereby triggering cancer cell apoptosis, making it a healthy element that cannot be ignored in daily meals.
Cultural significance
In Chinese literature, the toon is often used as a symbol, with the mature tree seen as a father, embodying parental affection in the family. When expressing blessings to friends, they often write, "I wish you toon and day lily grow together." The toon symbolizes the father and the day lily symbolizes the mother, highlighting the beauty and harmony of the family.
Chinese toon leaves are gradually being re-recognized by people, not only as a food choice, but also as a healthy partner in life. So, have you already begun to explore the multiple possibilities of this precious ingredient?
