The use value of dragon claw fruit

Hovenia dulcis Thunb., also known as Tianteng, Huanyang Teng, Chaenomeles, Sweet Midnight, Guazao, etc., is a rare variety in China. This species is a large arboreal plant, with a plant height of 3-5 meters and a maximum height of more than 1 meters. It blooms in April-May and its fruit ripens in early November. Its fruit is in a string shape, with 12-2 grains in a string, and the grains are closely connected. Curved like a dragon's claw (hence the common name dragon's claw fruit), the fruit shape is strange and strange, which is very attractive. A bunch of fruit weighs 15-2g, and a big bunch can reach 5g. The fruit surface is reddish brown, the meat is fine and soft, and the juice is less. It contains more than 57% soluble solids, tastes extremely sweet and contains 48% sugar, which is the highest sugar content of all fruits. It is fragrant, delicious and has a long aftertaste. Its fruit is very resistant to storage and transportation, and can be stored for 2 months at room temperature, and it will not rot after natural air drying. Its nutrition is extremely rich, and it contains a variety of bioactive substances and medicinal components. After eating, it can stimulate the stomach, increase appetite, relieve fatigue, and be full of energy. After taking it for a long time, it has the effects of dredging meridians, tonifying kidney and strengthening yang, and prolonging life. It can also sober up and relieve alcoholism, and has good curative effects on paralysis, rheumatism paralysis, tracheitis, nephritis and other diseases. According to the ancient book "southern Yunnan materia medica"; "Tianteng and Huanyang rattan are sweet and nontoxic. They can cure all left paralysis and right paralysis, rheumatism paralysis, relieve alcoholism or soak in wine, relax the meridians, take them for a long time, make children take them, turn insects and nourish the spleen, and their effects are as good as gods." It is not only suitable for fresh food, but also can be processed into a series of health foods with strong health care and medicinal functions, such as fruit wine, fruit juice, jam, candied fruit, canned food and beverage. It is also an important raw material for extracting valuable medicines.