In summer, it is common to see many light yellow peach gums on peach trees. Do peach gums need to be processed after being picked from the tree? How should peach gums be handled after being picked?
Do peach gums need to be processed after being picked from the tree?
It depends on personal preference.
After picking peach gums from the tree, they can be eaten after being washed with clean water. If they are dried peach gums, they can be soaked in clean water for a period of time to remove impurities. If there is a large quantity of peach gums, they can be processed to extend their shelf life.
How should peach gums be handled after being picked?
For home processing:
1. After picking peach gums, wash them with clean water and then soak them in a solution of mulberry ash (mulberry ash is a mixture of ash from mulberry branches and water).
2. Stir and remove impurities, then soak in clean water to wash away impurities.
3. Remove excess water and let them air dry. Dried peach gums will crystallize and turn amber in color. Store them in a cool and dry place.
For industrial processing:
1. Soak the harvested dried peach gums in water (solid-liquid ratio of 1:2), tear them into small pieces after soaking, and remove tree bark, wood chips, and sand impurities. Then drain the water.
2. Put the peach gums and water into a jacketed reaction vessel, stir, and heat with steam or oil bath. Control the temperature at around 120°C, sieve the mixture, and then transfer it to a large container.
3. Stir vigorously and gradually add 10% sodium hypochlorite bleach solution, as well as 0.1%-0.2% formaldehyde or 0.005% carbendazim preservative.
4. Put the mixture in a stainless steel tray, blow with steam or heat directly in a pot, and keep turning during the heating process. After drying, a paste product with 50% water content can be obtained. Sun-dry or oven-dry it to obtain pure solid peach gums.
Can raw peach gums be consumed directly?
It is not recommended to consume them directly.
Peach gums contain various components such as protein, carbohydrates, and trace elements. They are natural nourishing ingredients. Peach gums have the functions of promoting blood circulation, relieving thirst, and stopping diarrhea. When consumed together with lung nourishing and fluid generating medicinal materials such as Tremella and lotus seeds, their health benefits are enhanced. Eating raw peach gums is not conducive to digestion and their nutritional value is not as high as when used in soup.
How many peach gums should be consumed at once?
5-8 pieces.
Peach gums are resin secreted by peach tree bark. Dried peach gums are crystalline solids with similar composition to Arabic gum. Traditional Chinese medicine books record that peach gums have a neutral nature and a sweet and bitter taste, and are used to treat urinary stones, dysentery, chyluria, etc. It is recommended to consume 2-6 pieces of peach gums at a time. Although peach gums nourish the body, excessive consumption may be harmful.
Can people who are trying to lose weight consume peach gums?
Yes, they can.
Peach gums are low-calorie foods that contain amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients. They can provide necessary nutrition while losing weight. Moreover, peach gums contain a considerable amount of dietary fiber. Soaked peach gums are very slippery and help promote gastrointestinal motility, thus having a laxative effect. As a gelatinous food, peach gums can enhance the feeling of fullness after consumption and reduce the intake of other foods. In conclusion, it is possible to consume peach gums for weight loss, and they are beneficial for weight loss.
