The fruit of the Magnolia tree, belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, is called Magnolia Fruit. It is also known as Biliguofruit or Liangfenguofruit. It should be harvested before it ripens and cracks. Although Magnolia Fruit can be used in medicine, it cannot be consumed directly. Its medicinal and health benefits are enhanced when used to make soup.
Magnolia Fruit Image
【Characteristics and Cultivation of Magnolia Fruit】
Magnolia Fruit grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests below an altitude of 1,300 meters. It is distributed in Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other regions.
Magnolia Fruit prefers warm and humid climates and fertile acidic soil. Young trees can tolerate shade, while adult trees prefer sunlight. They do not grow well in low-altitude hot and dry areas. The seeds are used for propagation, and one-year-old seedlings can reach a height of 40-50cm, with well-developed roots and easy survival in afforestation. The rapid growth period is between 15 and 30 years old.
The fruit of Magnolia Fruit is formed by the aggregation of multiple follicle fruits, resembling pine cones. They are about 4cm long and 3-4cm in diameter, with a swollen base. The outer surface is dark purple-brown, and the inner surface is brown.
After the follicle fruit cracks, two dark purple-red seeds can be seen. When peeled, there is one grayish-white and oily cotyledon with a fragrant aroma and a mild taste.
Magnolia Fruit Image
【Medicinal Value of Magnolia Fruit】
Magnolia Fruit is very common in our daily life, but its main value lies in its medicinal use rather than direct consumption.
It is a highly effective medicinal herb that can be directly boiled with fresh fruit, adding an appropriate amount of rock sugar to taste. It can be consumed in the morning, afternoon, and evening to clear heat, cool down, dispel cold, aid digestion, and effectively prevent constipation.
Magnolia Fruit can also be processed and used for daily tea, but the tea must be made with boiling water. It can improve physical fitness and treat cough, although its effects may be slightly slower.
For patients with severe cough, it is recommended to boil Magnolia Fruit directly, with each dose being about 5 qian. In addition to the mentioned methods, Magnolia Fruit can also be used as an ingredient in soups for stronger health benefits.
Magnolia Fruit Image
【Methods of Consuming Magnolia Fruit】
1. Ginseng and Lotus Fruit Soup
Soak 10 grams of white ginseng and 10 pieces of Magnolia Fruit in water, then steam with 30 grams of rock sugar for one hour before consumption. The ginseng can be left for the next day and steamed with Lotus Fruit using the same method, and this process can be repeated three times. This soup has the effects of replenishing Qi, strengthening the spleen, and is suitable for post-illness weakness, spleen deficiency with thinness, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and diarrhea.
2. Stewed Pork Stomach with Lotus Fruit
Wash a pork stomach and stuff it with 40 pitted Lotus Fruits. Sew it with a thread and stew it until cooked. Slice the pork stomach and place it on a plate with the Lotus Fruit. Add an appropriate amount of sesame oil, salt, green onion, ginger, and garlic for seasoning. This dish has the effects of invigorating the spleen, nourishing the stomach, replenishing deficiency, and invigorating Qi. It is suitable for reduced appetite, weight loss with diarrhea, and edema.
