When do bayberry trees generally ripen? An introduction to their ripening time
The bayberry, also known as sheng sheng mei, bai di mei, shu mei, etc., is a small tree or shrub plant of the genus Myrica in the family Myricaceae. It is distributed in East China as well as Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou and other places in China. Its fruit has a moderate sweet-and-sour taste and can be eaten directly, processed into dried bayberry, jam, candied fruit, etc., and can also be used for brewing wine. Let us take a look below at which month bayberries ripen!
In which month do bayberries ripen?
Bayberries generally ripen inMay. Bayberries are mainly distributed south of the Yangtze River basin and north of Hainan Island, with a distribution similar to that of citrus, loquat, tea plants and moso bamboo, but their cold resistance is stronger than that of citrus and loquat. The time for picking bayberries is mostly around the Dragon Boat Festival. In areas with lower altitude and higher temperatures, bayberries ripen earlier, and vice versa later. However, in high mountain areas at an altitude of more than one thousand meters, they ripen relatively later, some not until the end of the fifth lunar month, and a few are delayed until the sixth lunar month.
Why do bayberries have worms?
The small worms in bayberries are mainly the larvae of fruit flies. Fruit flies come to lay eggs after the bayberries ripen and soften. It is worth noting that the larvae of fruit flies are not particularly toxic, and even if swallowed by accident they will not cause much harm. Bayberries are prone to worms because of the characteristics of their fruit. In fact, the part eaten is a derivative on the exocarp——a soft, juicy tissue formed by the columnar protrusions of the outer layer cells of the exocarp. In other words, the edible part of the bayberry is already the outermost layer of the fruit, with no peel outside to protect it, so insects can easily invade the fruit to lay eggs.
What benefits do bayberries have?
1. Detoxifying and beautifying: The cellulose in bayberry flesh can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, which is beneficial for the excretion of harmful substances in the body. The fruit acids it contains can prevent the conversion of sugar into fat in the body, helping with detoxification, beauty and weight loss.
2. Cancer prevention and anti-cancer: Bayberries contain vitamin B and vitamin C, which have a positive effect on cancer prevention and anti-cancer. The cyanamide compounds and fatty oils contained in the kernels also have an inhibitory effect on cancer cells.
3. Enhancing appetite: Bayberries contain a variety of organic acids and are also very rich in vitamin C. The fresh fruit tastes sour, and eating it can increase the acidity in the stomach, aid digestion and promote appetite.
4. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Bayberries have astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. They have an inhibitory effect on bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae, can relieve abdominal pain from dysentery, and are effective for those with persistent diarrhea.
5. Relieving summer heat and promoting fluid production: Bayberries are an excellent fruit for relieving summer heat. The fruit acids they contain can both stimulate appetite and promote fluid production, aid digestion and relieve summer heat, and can prevent heatstroke, remove sha, and relieve excessive thirst.
6. Enhancing immunity: The anthocyanins and vitamin C contained in bayberries have good antioxidant functions, and have the effects of improving immunity, resisting free radicals, preventing aging and inhibiting cancer.
7. Preventing stroke: Bayberries can directly participate in the metabolism of potassium in the body and the redox process, enhance the permeability of capillaries, and have effects such as regulating qi and activating blood, regulating blood lipids, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and preventing stroke.
8. Benefiting the kidneys and promoting urination: Bayberry fruit has a very high potassium content and contains trace amounts of myricetin. Myricetin acts directly on the kidneys, can excite the heart, and indirectly exerts a strong diuretic effect.