Pickled apples: the benefits and harms of a Russian delicacy

Composition and caloric content

Pickled apples are a popular recipe that involves soaking the fruit in must and allowing it to ferment. The nutritional value of pickled apples depends on their variety.

Most often, Antonovka is used for this purpose, so nutritional value is usually calculated based on it.

What are the benefits of soaked apples?

Due to their unique composition, enriched with vitamins, minerals and fiber, pickled apples have many beneficial properties.

General benefit

Regular consumption of this product has a beneficial effect on all key vital systems of the body. Specifically:

1. Circulatory – cleansing and strengthening blood vessels, regulating blood clotting.
2. Digestive – normalization of intestinal peristalsis, prevention of the occurrence of pathogenic microflora in the gastrointestinal tract and stimulation of the development of healthy microflora.
3. Immune – provides an immune-boosting effect. Pickled apples contain much more vitamin C than fresh fruit, ensuring the body fully absorbs ascorbic acid.
4. CardiovascularThe flavonoids present in the composition have antioxidant and tonic effects. For example, quercetin reduces histamine synthesis, which improves the absorption of beneficial elements and delays the onset of age-related changes in the body.
5. Nervous – B vitamins reduce stress levels, normalize the nervous system, and stimulate brain function.
6. Musculoskeletal – the calcium contained in the product prevents the development of osteoporosis and blocks age-related changes in the musculoskeletal organs.
7. Visual – provision of visual functions is achieved through a complex impact on the human body.

For women

Pickled apples are extremely beneficial for women. They contain special ingredients that help eliminate various skin imperfections, smooth wrinkles, and prolong the youthful appearance of the skin. Regular consumption of pickled apples helps restore the skin's natural tone, reduce inflammation, and improve its overall condition. The presence of folic acid has a beneficial effect on the reproductive organs, significantly increasing the chances of having a healthy baby.

For men

According to experts, regularly consuming soaked apples improves potency and normalizes reproductive function. Furthermore, the ingredients in this product replenish energy lost during the day.

Important! The beneficial components contained in soaked apples strengthen blood vessels and the heart muscle, significantly reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

During pregnancy

Eating soaked apples during pregnancy prevents anemia, which is especially dangerous for the fetus. The beneficial substances in the product help remove excess fluid from the body and reduce the severity of morning sickness. Folic acid ensures the healthy development of the baby.

When breastfeeding

Eating soaked apples during lactation promotes normal gastrointestinal function and helps prevent dysbiosis. Despite the product's benefits, it should not be introduced into the diet until three months after birth. The first serving should be very small to allow for testing of the baby's response.

When losing weight

The low calorie content of soaked apples makes them suitable for dieting or maintaining weight. Furthermore, thanks to their dietary fiber, they stimulate digestion and metabolism and cleanse the intestines.

For diabetes mellitus

According to experts, pickled apples help replenish vitamins and minerals in the body during the development of type II diabetes. However, before introducing this product into your diet, consult a doctor.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the significant benefits of soaked apples, their improper consumption can cause serious problems, such as exacerbation of certain illnesses, diarrhea, severe swelling, and so on.

Contraindications for the product include:

• individual intolerance is the cause of allergies and Quincke's edema;
• increased stomach acidity;
• stomach ulcer;
• urolithiasis;
• colitis;
• the presence of chronic pathologies prone to exacerbation.

How to properly store soaked apples

Proper storage of pickled fruits requires following several recommendations:

• use only pre-sterilized glass, enamel or wooden containers (storage in iron or plastic containers is not allowed);
• storing the product in a cool place (at a temperature of + 4 to + 6 °C);
• periodic removal of foam formed on the surface of the brine;
• weekly disinfection of the oppression (in a water bath or by treating with boiling water).

Which apple varieties should you choose for pickling?

The following varieties are considered optimal for soaking:

How to Make Pickled Apples: Step-by-Step Instructions

There are many recipes for pickled apples: with mustard, with honey, with cabbage, with rye flour, with rowan berries, etc. The most popular option is using a wooden barrel.

The recipe includes the following components:

• apples – 5 kg;
• honey – 130 g;
• water – 4.5 l;
• salt – 60 g;
• cinnamon, cloves, cherry leaves (to taste).

Sequence of actions:

1. Place a layer of cherry leaves (pre-washed) on the bottom of the barrel.
2. Place apples on top.
3. To prepare the marinade, dissolve honey and salt in boiling water.
4. Add spices.
5. Pour the cooled marinade into the barrel with apples.
6. Apply pressure and place the workpiece in a cool place.

Fruits prepared according to this recipe will have a unique taste and aroma.

Pickled apples are a wonderful dessert, loved by both adults and children. When consumed correctly, this product provides tremendous health benefits.